China Pilgrimage ???????? Oct 2024 – Stop 8: The White Horse Temple (白马寺)
Last year after visiting the Shaolin Temple, we also made a visit to the White Horse Temple, the very first Buddhist temple in China, built by Emperor Mingdi (刘庄 / 汉明帝, r. 58–75 CE) during the Eastern Han dynasty.
The Origin of White Horse Temple
In 67 CE, Emperor Mingdi experienced a vivid and mysterious dream of a radiant golden being flying through his palace, surrounded by brilliant light.
Puzzled, he sought an interpretation from his ministers. Fu Yi (傅毅) explained that the golden figure signified a holy sage from Tianzhu (ancient India)—the Buddha—whose teachings were destined to arrive in China.
Inspired, the emperor dispatched an expedition westward to seek the Dharma. After a long journey through Central Asia, the envoys encountered two Indian monks, Kasyapa Matanga (摄摩腾 Shèmóténg) and Dharmaratna (竺法兰 Zhú Fǎlán), who themselves were traveling east with the wish to share the Buddhadharma.
The monks brought back Buddhist sutras, sacred statues, and relics, all carried on white horses. To honor these faithful animals and the profound transmission they bore, the emperor ordered the construction of a monastery in Luoyang—the then imperial capital—naming it White Horse Temple (白马寺).
The Cradle of Chinese Buddhism
From its founding, White Horse Temple became one of China’s earliest and most important translation centers for Buddhist scriptures, and has long been celebrated as the “cradle of Chinese Buddhism” (释源).
A World Buddhist Showcase Today
In modern times the temple grounds have expanded into a living symbol of Buddhism’s global heritage.
New international-style halls have been built in authentic architectural styles—including Indian, Thai, and Burmese—creating a serene “world Buddhist garden” within the ancient complex.
Visiting White Horse Temple was deeply inspiring. To stand where the Dharma first entered China, and to reflect on the great masters who once practiced and translated scriptures here, is to feel the timeless bridge between cultures and the universal light of the Buddha’s teaching.
Upcoming Pilgrimage in Dec 25 - Jan 26
https://haihuishan.au/pilgrimage
(Registration deadline 30th Oct)
Namo Fundamental Teacher Shakyamuni Buddha ????????????
Namo Amituofo ????????????
The Origin of White Horse Temple
In 67 CE, Emperor Mingdi experienced a vivid and mysterious dream of a radiant golden being flying through his palace, surrounded by brilliant light.
Puzzled, he sought an interpretation from his ministers. Fu Yi (傅毅) explained that the golden figure signified a holy sage from Tianzhu (ancient India)—the Buddha—whose teachings were destined to arrive in China.
Inspired, the emperor dispatched an expedition westward to seek the Dharma. After a long journey through Central Asia, the envoys encountered two Indian monks, Kasyapa Matanga (摄摩腾 Shèmóténg) and Dharmaratna (竺法兰 Zhú Fǎlán), who themselves were traveling east with the wish to share the Buddhadharma.
The monks brought back Buddhist sutras, sacred statues, and relics, all carried on white horses. To honor these faithful animals and the profound transmission they bore, the emperor ordered the construction of a monastery in Luoyang—the then imperial capital—naming it White Horse Temple (白马寺).
The Cradle of Chinese Buddhism
From its founding, White Horse Temple became one of China’s earliest and most important translation centers for Buddhist scriptures, and has long been celebrated as the “cradle of Chinese Buddhism” (释源).
A World Buddhist Showcase Today
In modern times the temple grounds have expanded into a living symbol of Buddhism’s global heritage.
New international-style halls have been built in authentic architectural styles—including Indian, Thai, and Burmese—creating a serene “world Buddhist garden” within the ancient complex.
Visiting White Horse Temple was deeply inspiring. To stand where the Dharma first entered China, and to reflect on the great masters who once practiced and translated scriptures here, is to feel the timeless bridge between cultures and the universal light of the Buddha’s teaching.
Upcoming Pilgrimage in Dec 25 - Jan 26
https://haihuishan.au/pilgrimage
(Registration deadline 30th Oct)
Namo Fundamental Teacher Shakyamuni Buddha ????????????
Namo Amituofo ????????????
- Category
- Dharma





