Maitreya-Buddhism Birthplace?
The Tushita Celestial Scenic Area is located in the Kuaiji Mountain Range of Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province.
The Longhua Temple was founded during the S-Song dynasty (354). The scenic area consists of the Maitreya Hermitage created by the Eastern Jin Dynasty's eminent monk Zhi Dun. The complex was reconstructed and enlarged in 2014.
Its architectural design is based on classics such as the 'Sutra of Ascension' and the 'Sutra of Descension', adhering to the design concept of Mr. Nan Huaijin: 'Intensive use of resources, natural Daoist laws'.
Trāyastriṃśa Heaven Palace,
a circle-dome on 7 dbl-square size floors
The very large scenic area is divided into 3 parts:
- the Great Fragrant Forest, a large expanse of a 1000-year-old osmanthus forest, spanning several miles, known as 'China's largest ancient osmanthus group'.
- Longhua ("dragon flower") Temple, currently the largest majestic Buddhist temple in China, built against the mountain, with carved beams and painted rafters.
- Trāyastriṃśa Heaven Palace: In Buddhist cosmology, the Trāyastriṃśa Sky Palace is the 4th heaven of the Desire Realm. Centered in the inner court, is the world's largest indoor 33-meter Maitreya Buddha speaking Dharma. This Tushita Palace promotes the beliefs of the Maitreya Buddha and humanistic Buddhism:
The diameter of the golden 3x16-lotus flowers atop the palace is 56.7 meters, and has 2 large feet printed on its dome:
The world's largest?
