Emperor Kangxi Emperor Kangxi
Emperor Kangxi is one of China's most benevolent rulers who is loved by the people until today. Unlike other emperors who are usually painted... Emperor Kangxi

I have always held a deep appreciation for Chinese culture. I find it fascinating that one nation can have such a large influence in the world and that until today, it has given rise to so many powerful leaders and thinkers. If you look at its neighbouring countries like Korea, Japan and Vietnam, you will see there is a strong Chinese influence in their food, architecture, clothing and even their language. When Chinese migrate all over the world, they carry their beautiful Chinese culture with them and they keep the traditions alive no matter where they are. To me this is an indication of a strong group of people who are very proud of their history and traditions.

Chinese history itself is very vast, complex and interesting. To study it can take a whole lifetime because it spans thousands of years. As a result, many dynasties and different types of emperors have emerged over the years to rule this vast empire. Some have faded into obscurity, some were tyrants, some had reigns which were rocked by scandal or other less-than-positive reasons. But one of the most famous emperors in Chinese history is Emperor Kangxi whose reign was characterised by stability, progress and development.

Kangxi was known to be a benevolent emperor who ruled fairly and with compassion. During his reign, which was marked by peace and prosperity, the fields of literature, arts, dance, culture and religion would flourish throughout the empire. (click to enlarge)

Kangxi was known to be a benevolent emperor who ruled fairly and with compassion. During his reign, which was marked by peace and prosperity, the fields of literature, arts, dance, culture and religion would flourish throughout the empire. (click to enlarge)

Emperor Kangxi (or K’ang-hsi) is known as one of China’s most benevolent rulers who is known and loved by the Chinese people until today. Unlike other emperors who are usually painted in military uniform, Kangxi is usually depicted as a scholar with a gentle expression and surrounded by books, or at a desk or holding a pen. Kangxi sponsored many literary works, monasteries, monks and teachers all over China, Tibet and Mongolia and he was considered extremely modern for his day because he also gave religious freedom to all religions. Kangxi is known to have given permission for Christian missionaries to carry out their activities in China. Given the scope of his works, I dare say he can be considered a kind of Dharma king.

I had my students do some research into Emperor Kangxi’s life which I wish to share with all of you here. As you can see, many of the monasteries that Kangxi built continue to exist today. Have you visited these places? Do you wish to go in the future? What do you think about Kangxi’s life? Please do let me know in the comments below.

Tsem Rinpoche

 

BACKGROUND

Born to Emperor Shunzhi, Emperor Kangxi was the second and longest reigning emperor of China’s Qing Dynasty. He was instrumental in developing China after the war against the Ming Dynasty, and was very well known by all his subjects to be a humble and hardworking emperor. It was recorded that Emperor Kangxi would spend many hours during the day dispatching orders to his subjects to further improve the country and would work into the late hours of the night to make sure that the documents which needed his approval could be dispatched the next morning. As Emperor Kangxi spent less time on himself, he had fewer concubines compared with the other Qing Emperors.

Emperor Shunzhi, who was Kangxi's father

Emperor Shunzhi, who was Kangxi’s father (click to enlarge)

Although not recorded in history, Emperor Kangxi’s father, Emperor Shunzhi had deep inclinations for the Dharma and planned to leave his throne shortly after Emperor Kangxi’s birth. He wanted to become a monk in Wutaishan to make up for the wrong deeds he did in the past. Fearing disgrace would befall the young Qing Dynasty, the Empress announced the sudden and unfortunate death of her husband. Thereafter it was announced that Emperor Kangxi was to take over Emperor Shunzhi’s throne at the tender age of six. As the second Qing monarch was still young, a regent helped rule the country until the young emperor came of age.

After years of war and chaos, Kangxi’s reign brought long-term stability and wealth throughout China. Masterful in uniting the Court to minimize plotting and unrest, Emperor Kangxi encouraged the Mandarins to focus on literary works, for example compiling information into vast encyclopedias and into the Kangxi Chinese dictionary. When dealing with his army, Emperor Kangxi was said to have shown care to his rank soldiers and yet exhibited masterful command of his generals in his self-reflection during his military campaigns.

Not only was he an astute politician and accomplished scholar, but Kangxi was also known to be a good military leader.

Not only was he an astute politician and accomplished scholar, but Kangxi was also known to be a good military leader. (click to enlarge)

Emperor Kangxi was known to be a great patron of the Buddhadharma and was not only a sponsor of the teachings, but had a personal interest in them too. Due to his early exposure to Buddhism from his elders, Emperor Kangxi was fascinated with the Buddha’s teachings especially that of the Tibetan Buddhist faith. He exhibited an instinctual compassion for all living beings he encountered and when interacting with his subjects, never carried himself with the arrogance of an emperor. As a result, he became the emperor of all of China both in position and in spirit.

It is said that Kangxi visited Wu Tai Shan and its Gelug temples for a record six times. He sponsored the writing of the Dragon Sutra using gold ink, which documented the concise Prajnaparamita teachings and which is still preserved today. Emperor Kangxi was also a sponsor of H.H. the 7th Dalai Lama Kelzang Gyatso’s entrance into Kumbum Monastery and bestowed the golden seal of authority upon him.

Kangxi travelled throughout his kingdom, and often went on pilgrimages to Buddhist holy sites.

Kangxi travelled throughout his kingdom, and often went on pilgrimages to Buddhist holy sites. (click to enlarge)

Given his benevolent nature, generous sponsorship, unceasing patronage and personal interest in Buddhism, it is no surprise that many luminaries and Buddhist masters recognised Kangxi to be more than just a secular Emperor. It was Lobsang Tamdin who first determined Kangxi’s connection with Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and Manjushri when he wrote in his bebum (collected works on a subject) about a vision he had of Jamgon Sakya Pandita, Lama Tsongkhapa and Panchen Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen.

In the vision, Panchen Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen made a prophecy which Lobsang Tamdin took to mean that as soon as Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen passed away, the Emperor of China would be born. This was later confirmed by an entry in Sumpa Khenpo’s Chronology of Tibet for the Wood Sheep year (1655-1656). The entry, which is preceded by a symbol denoting an entry for a person’s birth, states that “The Kangxi Emperor [is born and] becomes famous as the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen.

Lobsang Tamdin believed Kangxi to be the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and an emanation of Manjushri, something which has been confirmed by many other masters. In the preface of one of the largest projects sponsored by Kangxi, the Mongolian Red Kangyur (1718-1720), it is stated: “The Bodhisattva of Wisdom, Manjushri, transformed himself into the occupant of the “Fearless Lion Throne of Gold” to appear as none other than the sublime ‘Kangxi-Manjushri.’

The Kangxi Chinese dictionary which consists of six volumes.

The Kangxi Chinese dictionary which consists of six volumes. (click to enlarge)

The Chinese dictionary created by Kangxi

The Chinese dictionary created by Kangxi

 

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CONTRIBUTION TO BUDDHISM

Known to be an accomplished scholar himself, Emperor Kangxi’s reign saw the promotion of the Buddha’s teachings throughout China. During his reign, the Tibetan scriptural canon, the Kangyur, was published from woodblocks, first in Tibetan and then in Mongolian (1718-1720).

The Dragon Sutra sponsored by Kangxi

The Dragon Sutra sponsored by Kangxi (click to enlarge)

In 1669, Kangxi sponsored the Tibetan Dragon Sutra, and commissioned for this text to be hand-written in gold ink. The Dragon Sutra is a Tibetan translation of all “teachings” and “laws” by Shakyamuni himself, and known as the Bkav vgyur (Translation of the world) portion of the Tibetan Tripitaka. It consists of six divisions, namely Rgyud (esoteric teachings), Sher phyin (perfection of wisdom), Dkon brtsegs (collected Mahāyāna sutras), Phal chen (flower-garland), Mdo sna tshogs (collected sutras), and Vdul ba (monastic discipline).

With more than 50,000 leaves in 108 cases, this voluminous collection of manuscripts was written in standard Tibetan script with saturated gold pigment on made-to-order cobalt-blue stationery. The front and back boards were decorated with 756 Buddhas, gorgeously and solemnly painted in colors. The front and back sutra boards are decorated with 756 color-painted Buddhas and inlaid with jewelry, covered by sutra screens embroidered in five colors – red, blue, green, white, and yellow – for protection.

In 1683 itself, Kangxi went on two pilgrimages to Wutaishan. In the spring, he sponsored the first of many ceremonies dedicated to the longevity of the Imperial Family. Upon his return in the fall, he again made offerings for prayers dedicated to the Grand Empress Dowager’s longevity. The latter ceremony was the most commonly listed ritual sponsored by the Imperial Family during the Kangxi reign. It is Emperor Kangxi who started the tradition for Tibetan Lamas to engage in pujas in order to lengthen the lives of our loved ones, and also for the flourishing of his kingdom.

 

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MONASTERIES BUILT BY KANGXI

As one of Dharma’s great patrons in China, Kangxi was also responsible for the establishment, preservation and restoration of many important Buddhist temples and sites of pilgrimage in China, Tibet and Mongolia, many of which exist until today.

 

Guangren Lamasery

Location: Wutaishan, Xi’an, China

Click to enlarge

Guangren Lama Temple, located in the north-west City Wall of Xian, is the only Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Shaanxi Province. Built in 1705 when the Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) patrolled to Shaanxi, this temple was a Xanadu for the Grand Lama of the Northwest and Tibet when he passed through Shaanxi along the road to Beijing to meet with the Emperor. It is a witness to Tibetan and Han nationality’s cultural communication and national solidification.

Guangren Lama Temple was first rebuilt in 1952. After that, its main architecture, including the Mahavira Hall, the Sutras Keeping Hall and the Bodhisattva Hall among others, were brand new. In 1983, it was cited as a National Key Buddhist Monastery in the Han nationality region by the State Council. In 2006, Guangren Lama Temple once again underwent extensive repairs and during this time, it expanded to the large scale that it is at present.

The whole temple covers an area of 2.6 acres. Upon entering the temple, the main architectural features fall into place from south to north as follows: the Mountain Gate, the Devaraja Hall, the Mahavira Hall, the One Thousand Buddha Halls and the Sutra Keeping Hall, while on both sides there are flanking halls, wing-rooms and cross-yards.

Inside the Guangren Lamasery built by Kangxi. Notice that Lama Tsongkhapa and his sons form the central image on the altar.

Inside the Guangren Lamasery built by Kangxi. Notice that Lama Tsongkhapa and his sons form the central image on the altar. (click to enlarge)

The original Mountain Gate had already been destroyed before the restoration. Carved with beams and beautiful paintings, the new gate looks magnificent. As the main entrance door is closed, visitors should enter the temple from the small eastern wicket. Inside the Mountain Gate, there is a Zhao Bi (a stone wall) engraved with the embossments of Buddha and the eighteen arhats. It is a grand brick-carved piece of architecture. Across the Zhao Bi, you will see a tall hexagonal pavilion with an imperial stele of ‘The Guangren Lama Temple Stele Erected under the Imperial Order’ written by Emperor Kangxi who erected it. There are wells with stone rails on both sides of the stele.

Eight Treasures in the Temple

  • The Guangren Lama Temple Stele Erected under the Imperial Order’ written by Emperor Kangxi
  • The original stone sculpture of ‘The Guangren Lama Temple Stele Erected under the Imperial Order’
  • The Ming versions of ‘The Heart of Prajna Paraminta Sutra’ in 6,600 volumes
  • The marble lotus vat bestowed by Emperor Qianlong
  • The lotus throne of the Tang Dynasty for the statue of 12-year-old Buddha Sakyamuni
  • A pair of nanmu dragon lanterns awarded by the Empress Dowager Cixi
  • A sandalwood throne of the Qing Dynasty in the Grand Hall
  • A hand-engraved gold Manda from Nepal

 

Ganden Sumtseling

Location: Zhongdian, Yunnan, China

Ganden Sumtseling is an active and functioning monastery up until today

Ganden Sumtseling is an active and functioning monastery up until today (click to enlarge)

Ganden Sumtseling Monastery was built by the Great 5th Dalai Lama in the year 1679, during the reign of the famous Qing Dynasty Emperor Kangxi, who would frequently visit to oversee the construction of the monastery. It is said that the Great 5th Dalai Lama decided upon the location of the monastery through divination and gave it the name Ganden Sumtseling. “Ganden” indicated that this monastery would inherit the same pure doctrine of Ganden Monastery which was founded by Lama Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), the founder of the Gelug tradition.

The monastery quickly became one of the most important Gelugpa monasteries and as such, it was also a monastery that practices Dorje Shugden, which all Gelugpas acknowledged as the supreme protector of the Yellow Hat teachings.

Ganden Sumtseling bears a striking resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The main prayer hall of Ganden Sumtseling can accommodate more than 1,500 monks.

Ganden Sumtseling bears a striking resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The main prayer hall of Ganden Sumtseling can accommodate more than 1,500 monks. (click to enlarge)

Although designed to look similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, due to the absence of certain parts of the Potala Palace’s blueprints, Sumtseling does not exactly resemble the actual Potala Palace, as it should. There are six main structures, which include eight monastic colleges. The main gompa (prayer hall) is a five-storey Tibetan-style building with the capacity to house more than 1500 monks. It is accessed through a 146-step staircase that connects to the entrance gate.

Within the gompa stands a golden eight-meter tall Shakyamuni Buddha statue. On the main altar, butterlamp offerings are lit all year round. Sumtseling Monastery has two main lamaseries, Jikang and Zhacang, both of which appear as Tibetan-style watch towers and are surrounded by eight sub-lamaseries and dormitories for resident lamas and monks.

Lama Tsongkhapa in Gaden Sumtseling. Although Kangxi was equal in his treatment of all religions and allowed them to be practised freely in China, his personal practice and faith lay in Tibetan Buddhism.

Lama Tsongkhapa in Gaden Sumtseling. Although Kangxi was equal in his treatment of all religions and allowed them to be practised freely in China, his personal practice and faith lay in Tibetan Buddhism. (click to enlarge)

The rich history of Sumtseling Monastery is depicted in the many Buddhist treasures that are stored in this monastery. Many rare Buddhist scriptures written on palm leaves and also scriptures that were used by the great Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas of the past are still preserved in Sumtseling. It seems only fitting that Emperor Kangxi, who was known to be a scholar, would play such a significant role in the physical preservation of significant and precious Buddhist texts.

Click to enlarge

One of the most famous Buddhist treasures at Sumtseling is the eight gold-covered sculptures of Shakyamuni, which were made during the time of the 5th and 7th Dalai Lamas.

Up until today, Kangxi’s sponsorship of Sumtseling continues to have an effect on the preservation of the Dharma. Instead of being another tourist destination, Ganden Sumtseling continues to be an active Buddhist monastery and the study and practice of Dharma remains strong there to this day. Pilgrims will see many study rooms which are designed for young monks from the age of five years old, studying the Buddhist canons and philosophies.

Click to enlarge

The main entrance of Ganden Sumtseling Monastery

The main entrance of Ganden Sumtseling Monastery (click to enlarge)

Ganden Sumtseling has, in recent times, seen a resurgence in support and sponsorship which has allowed them to restore and maintain their many prayer halls.

Ganden Sumtseling has, in recent times, seen a resurgence in support and sponsorship which has allowed them to restore and maintain their many prayer halls. (click to enlarge)

 

Amarbayasgalant Monastery

Location: Mount Büren-Khaan, Selenge Province, Northern Mongolia

Amarbayasgalant Monastery, sponsored by Kangxi as the final resting place for one of his teachers, the Jetsundamba Khutuktu.

Amarbayasgalant Monastery, sponsored by Kangxi as the final resting place for one of his teachers, the Jetsundamba Khutuktu. (click to enlarge)

In his will, Kangxi bequeathed 3,860 kilograms of silver with instructions to his successor that it be used to construct a monastery as a final resting place for Zanabazar (1635-1723). Zanabazar was a spiritual mentor to Kangxi and also the first Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, or spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism for the Khalkha in Outer Mongolia. Thus, with this silver, Amarbayasgalant was established and sponsored by Kangxi’s successor, the Manchu Emperor Yongzheng and later completed under his successor the Qianlong Emperor.

Tradition holds that while searching for an appropriate site to build the monastery, the exploratory group came across two young boys, Amur and Bayasqulangtu, playing on the steppe. They were inspired to build the monastery on that very spot and to name it after the two children, Amur-Bayasqulangtu. More likely, the location was chosen because it stood at the place where the lama’s traveling Da Khuree (his mobile monastery and prime residence) was encamped at the moment of his death. Construction took place between 1727 and 1736 and Zanabazar’s remains were transferred there in 1779.

Amarbayasgalant as it stands today, seen from a distance.

Amarbayasgalant as it stands today, seen from a distance (click to enlarge)

Amarbayasgalant Monastery is dedicated to Zanabazar’s main tutelary deity, Maitreya. Unlike Erdene Zuu Monastery, which is an ensemble of temple halls of different styles, Amarbayasgalant shows great stylistic unity. The overriding style is Chinese, with some Mongol and Tibetan influence. The monastery resembles Yongzheng’s own palace Yonghegong in Beijing, later converted by his son the Qianlong Emperor into a Buddhist monastery. Originally consisting of over 40 temples, Amarbayasgalant was laid out in a symmetrical pattern, with the main buildings succeeding one another along a North-South axis, while the secondary buildings are laid out on parallel sides.

Amarbayasgalant was one of the very few monasteries to have partly escaped destruction during the Stalinist purges of 1937, after which only the buildings of the central section remained. Many of the monks were executed by the country’s Communist regime and the monastery’s artefacts, including thangkas, statues, and manuscripts were looted, although some were hidden until more fortunate times.

Today, only 28 temples remain. Restoration work began in 1988 with funds provided by UNESCO and private sources and some of the new statuary was commissioned in New Delhi, India.

Inside the main prayer hall of Amarbayasgalant

Inside the main prayer hall of Amarbayasgalant (click to enlarge)

Butterlamp offerings to Lama Tsongkhapa inside the main temple

Butterlamp offerings to Lama Tsongkhapa inside the main temple (click to enlarge)

Inscription over the main prayer hall of Amarbayasgalant in Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese, reflecting the monastery's historical ties.

Inscription over the main prayer hall of Amarbayasgalant in Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese, reflecting the monastery’s historical ties (click to enlarge)

A large statue of Lama Tsongkhapa towers over the monastery and surrounding environment

A large statue of Lama Tsongkhapa towers over the monastery and surrounding environment

Lama Tsongkhapa blesses the environment around the monastery

Lama Tsongkhapa blesses the environment around the monastery (click to enlarge)

 

Pule Temple (Temple of Universal Joy)

Location: Chengde, Hebei, China

Pule Temple, founded by Emperor Kangxi in 1766

Pule Temple, founded by Emperor Kangxi in 1766 (click to enlarge)

When the Kangxi Emperor discovered the site that would become Chengde in the early 18th century, the most notable natural feature was an odd phallus-shaped rock that came to be known as Qingchui Peak. Visible for many miles around, the peak invited easy comparison with Mount Sumeru of Buddhist cosmology, which is considered to be the axis mundi of the Buddhist world. The presence of a nearby substitute for Mount Sumeru may have played a critical role in Kangxi’s decision to set up a hill station in what would become Chengde. However, the most suitable region for an encampment in the area lay in a wide valley several kilometres to the southwest of Qingchui Peak. This did not deter Kangxi, who established a symbolic connection to Qingchui by creating the artificial Jinshan hill at the centre of his encampment. The temple on Jinshan peak, filling in as an artificial Mount Sumeru / Qingchui peak, formed an adequate substitute around which a summer palace and several prominent temples were constructed by the time of Kangxi’s death.

3D Mandala in Pule Temple

3D Mandala in Pule Temple (click to enlarge)

As Philippe Foret points out in his book “Mapping Chengde”, the orientation of the Kangxi-era temples was cosmologically defective in that they were not arranged around the Jinshan axis. Perhaps to compensate for this, Emperor Qianlong decided to construct a new temple exactly along the axis linking Jinshan and Qingchui Peak. A suitable site that fit the criteria lay midway between Puren Temple (built by Kangxi) and An Yuan Temple, built in 1764 by Qianlong. Work on Pule Temple began in 1766 at Qianlong’s request.

The temple is constructed in the form of a Tibetan mandala built upon three square platforms. The mandala design was likely chosen for several reasons. First, it was a symbol familiar both architecturally and spiritually to the Mongol tribes whose visit to Chengde the temple was intended to commemorate. Secondly, it was a sensible design for marking a point along the axis defined by Jinshan Temple and Qingchui Peak, since the entire world was often depicted as a mandala form with its central axis around Mount Sumeru. In this case, Pule Temple created a third and central axis mundi at Chengde and reoriented the entire landscape around it. Qingchui Peak, Jinshan Temple, and the other outer temples became satellites in Pule Temple’s orbit.

A statue of Heruka in union with his consort Vajrayogini inside Pule Temple.

A statue of Heruka in union with his consort Vajrayogini inside Pule Temple. (click to enlarge)

The mandala symbolism extends to the superstructure of the temple. The three square bases are surmounted by a double-tiered conical roof that mimics the form of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Within the circular structure is a wooden mandala shrine, within which the god Samvara stands in sexual union with Vajravarahi, symbolizing the intimate connection between wisdom and compassion. The ceiling of the structure above the mandala is decorated with a dragon figure representative of the Emperor, signifying Qianlong’s ambition to establish himself as the centre of the Buddhist world. Qianlong’s Manchu ancestors had long aspired to a prominent position in the Buddhist pantheon, with the first leader of the Manchus, Nurhachi, declaring himself to be an incarnation of the Bodhisattva Manjushri (from which the word Manchu may have been derived). Qianlong continued this tradition by publically declaring himself to be a reincarnation of Manjushri. This enabled him to exert the spiritual authority necessary to depict himself as a dragon overarching the Buddhist world, while allowing him the temporal authority to claim suzerainty over the Tibetan Buddhists tribes at the western limits of his empire – the very subjects Pule Temple was intended to placate.

 

Fayu Temple

Location: Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China

Fayu Temple which was restored by the Emperor Kangxi

Fayu Temple which was restored by the Emperor Kangxi (click to enlarge)

Fayu Temple, also called Stone Temple, is one of three major temples in Mount Putuo. Mount Putuo is an island southeast of Shanghai, in Zhoushan prefecture of Zhejiang province, China. It is a renowned site in Chinese Buddhism, and is considered the bodhimanda of Avalokitesvara (Guanyin), a revered Bodhisattva in many parts of East Asia.

Fayu is the second largest temple on the island, with Puji Temple being the largest. This temple is famous for its ancient architecture, delicate wood carvings and inscribed calligraphy by ancient emperors. It is located on the left top of the Baihua Hill, close to 1000-Pace Beach. You can go there with the cableway or walk up the hill.

Its history reportedly goes back to 1580, during the Ming Dynasty. As a monk, Da Chi prayed to Guanyin at the Cave of Tidal Sound, and envisioned that a large bamboo had washed ashore on the 1000-Pace Beach. Soon afterward, he built a hut on the beach and named it the ‘Sea Tide Nunnery’ (Haichao Nunnery). Many faithful adherents contributed to expanding the modest temple through the years.

In 1699, Emperor Kangxi decreed that the deserted Imperial Palace in what is now Nanjing should be moved to Putuoshan to enshrine Guanyin. The palace building which was moved is known as Yuantong Hall today. The main hall was added and Emperor Kangxi bestowed a horizontal tablet inscribed with four characters of “Tian Hua Fa Yu”, which has been interpreted to mean that the Buddhist doctrines are like rain and flowers from heaven. Thence, the Fayu Temple got its name.

Thanks to Kangxi's patronage and restoration works, statues like this Guanyin were preserved to bless visitors for hundreds of years to come.

Thanks to Kangxi’s patronage and restoration works, statues like this Guanyin were preserved to bless visitors for hundreds of years to come. (click to enlarge)

There are now 294 halls and rooms, occupying a floor space of 8800 square meters. The whole temple is arranged on a six-layer mound which starts ascending from the temple gate. A miniature golden pagoda stands between the Nine-dragon wall and the first of the temple’s several halls, where visitors can toss coins through five tiers of windows for good luck. The main hall is called Jiulongdian and was built during the Qing dynasty. The ceiling is concave and in the middle of it are nine dragons hanging, playing with a pearl of gold. There is also a statue of Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Guanyin and in the back of the hall there is a great piece of art called Haidao Guanyin. It is a painted sculpture of Guanyin surrounded by 53 important Buddhist figures.

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CONCLUSION

Kangxi's tomb which continues to be a pilgrimage site for many Buddhist faithful who respect the benevolent Emperor's great patronage of the Dharma.

Kangxi’s tomb which continues to be a pilgrimage site for many Buddhist faithful who respect the benevolent Emperor’s great patronage of the Dharma. (click to enlarge)

Having ruled the Land of the Dragon for 61 years, Emperor Kangxi was laid to rest in the Eastern Qing tombs located 127km northwest from China’s capital, Beijing. In keeping with the manner in which he lived his life, he decreed that his tomb should be similarly humble and simple. Within the walls of the tomb were carved images of the 35 Confession Buddhas and other Buddhist deities, a testament of the Emperor’s enduring faith and love for the Buddhist religion.

The inscription on Kangxi's tomb

The inscription on Kangxi’s tomb (click to enlarge)

Emperor Kangxi lived a life focusing on the welfare of his country, and ensured that his subjects were treated well and with dignity and great care. The peace, harmony and prosperity during his reign, the likes of which have rarely been seen in the world since, can be accredited to his wise ruling and hard work. Forward-thinking and exposed, Kangxi gave every ethnic group their freedom to practise their own faith freely without infringing on others, and even gave Christian missionaries permission to build churches and propagate their religion. Everyone who lived during the time of Emperor Kangxi would credit their ruler in their writings, poetry, stories and innumerable folk lore which was passed down through the generations.

Kangxi's tomb. Note the khata offerings draped on top of the tomb, in front of his portrait.

Kangxi’s tomb. Note the khata offerings draped on top of the tomb, in front of his portrait.

Emperor Kangxi was a ruler who lived and ruled by the Buddhist teachings of kindness and discipline without the mention of the word Buddhism. His reign saw the flourishing of literature, art, science, culture and religion throughout China. It is a testament to his scholarship, political astuteness and selfless behaviour that hundreds of years later, the Chinese people continue to know him as one of the greatest emperors to ever rule.

Faithful until the end, the 35 Confessional Buddhas are just some of the Buddhist images and deities carved into the walls of Kangxi's tomb.

Faithful until the end, the 35 Confessional Buddhas are just some of the Buddhist images and deities carved into the walls of Kangxi’s tomb.

Another image of Kangxi's tomb. To this day, Kangxi is so revered for his patronage of the Dharma that visitors continue to offer khatas in front of his portrait.

Another image of Kangxi’s tomb. To this day, Kangxi is so revered for his patronage of the Dharma that visitors continue to offer khatas in front of his portrait.

 

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  • tong sun sun

    Posted on June 2, 2016 #1 Author

    清圣祖仁皇帝爱新觉罗•玄烨,即康熙帝,清朝第四位皇帝译)。他6岁登基,14岁亲政。在位61年,是中国历史上在位时间最长的皇帝。他是中国统一的多民族国家的捍卫者,奠定了清朝兴盛的根基,开创出康乾盛世的大局面.
    以上的介绍都是我们普遍对康熙帝的了解,殊不知他热爱文学研究还出版康熙字典
    他还是位热爱佛法对佛法甚有研究。在他在位时期曾多次及数百次巡查京畿和蒙古并且在这些地方建设多座寺院,极力支持藏传佛法而且在位期间也让子民自由选择宗教信仰。
    康熙皇帝的父亲顺治皇帝曾在19世纪承认多杰雄登护法为格鲁的护法并有赞文记载
    这包括当时的达赖喇嘛和所有的官员都见证了这殊圣。所以今天尊者的禁令是从何而来?

    Reply

    • Yen Pin

      Posted on June 5, 2016 #2 Author

      我对中国历史不了解?看来这篇文章,也找康熙皇帝一些有关于康熙皇帝的故事,康熙皇是一位最仁慈的统治者。
      开始对熙皇有点认识
      他8岁登基,14岁亲政。在位61年,是中国历史上在位时间最长的皇帝。他是中国统一的多民族国家的捍卫者,奠定了清朝兴盛的根基,开创出康乾盛世的大局面。谥号合天弘运文武睿哲恭俭宽裕孝敬诚信功德大成仁皇帝。
      他不仅是一个精明的政治家和成就的学者,而且康熙也被称为是一个很好的军事领导人) 文武双全,很喜欢帮助佛寺重修,对佛法也非常有兴趣。
      康熙皇帝是伟大的佛法的护法,不仅是赞助弘法的功德主,但在他个人对佛法也相当感兴趣。由于他早年接触佛教,皇帝对佛陀的教导,特别是藏传佛教的信 仰非常感兴趣。
      这位康熙皇帝果然与众不同。

      Reply

  • Pee Bee Chong

    Posted on June 2, 2016 #3 Author

    Thank you very much for the sharing

    Born to Emperor Shunzhi, Emperor Kangxi was the second and longest reigning emperor of China’s Qing Dynasty. He was instrumental in developing China after the war against the Ming Dynasty, and was very well known by all his subjects to be a humble and hardworking emperor.

    Emperor Kangxi’s reign also promote of the Buddha’s teachings throughout China. Kangxi published the Kangyur, the Tibetan scriptural canon from woodblock, in Tibetan and in Mongolian, and also sponsored Tibetan Dragon Sutra, and commissioned for this text to be hand-written in gold ink.

    Kangxi was also responsible for the establishment, preservation and restoration of many important Buddhist temples and sites of pilgrimage in China, Tibet and Mongolia, many of which exist until today. For example, Guangren Lamasery at Wutaishan, Xi’an, China, Amarbayasgalant Monastery, Mount Büren-Khaan, Selenge Province, Northern Mongolia, Pule Temple in Chengde, Hebei, China and etc.

    Lobsang Tamdin believed Kangxi to be the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and an emanation of Manjushri, something which has been confirmed by many other masters.

    Reply

  • Lucy Yap

    Posted on June 3, 2016 #4 Author

    Emperor Kangxi was one of a few great Chinese emperors in History who ruled the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty for 61 years, which makes him the longest -reigning rulers in the world. Succeeded the Imperial Throne at the age of six, he brought stability and wealth after years of war and chaos.
    Well known to be a humble and hardworking emperor to his subjects.He was also known to be a great patron of the Buddhadharma and was fascinated with Buddha’s teachings and Tibetan Buddhism.
    Lobsang Tamdim determined Emperor Kangxi to be one of the incarnation of Dorje Shugden ( Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen ) He brought Buddhism into China and gave religious freedom to all and was responsible for the establishment presentation and restoration of many Buddhist temples and pilgrimage sites in China, Tibet and Mongolia. He was respected by many Buddhist as a great patronage of the Dharma.He lived a humble and simple life.
    i haven’t had the good fortune to visit these absolutely beautiful and amazing places.The monasteries are simply mesmerizing and magical. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this beautiful article.

    Reply

  • pat ng

    Posted on June 3, 2016 #5 Author

    1.Emperor Kangxi came to power when his father died .At that time he was only 6 years old that’s why he was helped by his ministers .He later reign for 61 years ..so he is one of the greatest emperor at that time.
    2. Emperor Kangxi was well known for being hardworking. He worked long hours to read messages and reports and make sure all instructions were despatched early in the morning. He is also well known for being highly educated, literate and like to learn
    3. The country was in chaos and war against the Ming Dynasty during Emperor Shunxi reign , but Emperor kangxi managed to develop China after taking over . He developed the country and made it prosper and stable .He exhibited an instinctual compassion for all living beings he encountered.
    4. Emperor Kangxi was a patron of Buddhadharma. He encouraged teaching & he himself also learn the dharma especially that of the Tibetan Buddhist faith .He sponsored the writing of the Dragon Sutra (concise Prajnaparamita teachings)using gold ink, sponsored many literary works, monasteries, monks and teachers all over China ,Tibet and Mongolia. He respected other religions by giving freedom to practice. He built many monasteries which still exist today.
    5. In conclusion, from all the points stated ..Everything that Emperor Kangxi does reflect a buddha nature in him . He use Wisdom and Compassion to rule the country and to benefit many people. Lobsang Tamdin is correct in saying that Emperor Kangxi is the incarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen ( Dorje Shugden.) .Would love to visit this beautiful place in the future._/\_

    Reply

  • Yoke Chim Yap

    Posted on June 4, 2016 #6 Author

    中国歷代皇帝以来,清朝康熙皇帝確是一个明君,長寿,也在位最久.真的有做到以民为本,为天下蒼生谋福利.不但如此,対於藏傳佛教的發揚,他也累积了很大的功德,可以说是关係密切,源渊流長.根据西藏㻺史記载,他也是一位大成就者的轉世,即是杜固扎巴堅赞,也是文殊菩萨的化身。接下来,他的子孫,道光皇帝封赐#多杰雄登为官方护法,在藏傳歷史中佔了很重要的位置,也是格鲁派無上的光榮,有关於国家重大事情,都会借神諭之身请护法给于指示.可見神谕及护法在当时皇室中是多么的重要。廷續至如今,雖然朝代已更换,但不变的是#多杰雄登护法,却一直守护佛法,修行人直到永远。也等待着禁令的解放,以便利益更多众生。

    Reply

  • Pastor Yek Yee(月谊讲法师)

    Posted on June 5, 2016 #7 Author

    “迎请高僧,重振佛教:康熙皇帝在位六十年,将隐于山林的高僧一一延请至京师,使明末以来衰微的佛教,重现生机。他振兴佛教,出版藏经(于康熙五年,即西元1666年,开版《续藏》二三七部、《又续藏》一八九部,至康熙十五年,全藏始完成),并拨款重修普陀山普济寺、金山寺、天竺碑文等。他曾说:“能仁之量,等于好生;佛道之成,关乎民隐。将使般若之门,随方而启;仁寿之域,举世咸登。”自谦弱冠之时,研诵经史,未暇读览金经贝叶,尊崇佛教之风,油然可见。 ” (清朝佛教的黄金时期!四皇帝推崇佛法 (图) http://b5.secretchina.com/news/16/05/31/609121.html)

    清朝的康熙皇帝,是我熟悉得可以念出名字来的其中一位中国皇帝。在位六十几年,向以爱民倾佛为着名,康熙皇帝也是历任皇帝中最为广结善缘。海外华侨如我对康熙皇帝的了解多出自于电戏剧、电影或史书上,今天看了此文才警觉原来康熙在佛教史上的发展做出了如此大的贡献。除了在佛教界,康熙皇帝对文学的贡献也良多。正如以上的短文,已经说明了他对民众的文化教育上所付出的努力是不可抺灭。

    因为史物的各式记载明显地放大了多杰雄登护法在几百年前的中国历史上所佔据的地位。无论是庙宇抑或大小寺院都可以看到多杰雄登护法的种种踪影。例如西安广仁寺、松赞林寺、庆宁寺和普乐寺,我们都可以看到雄登护法的影子,说明雄登在古中国人眼中,祂是数一数二的大护法。

    这些史証也间接告诉世人,雄登护法本来就是一位尽责且极受敬重的佛法守护神,事实胜于雄辩;也难怪如今雄登护法的寺院在中国各省地,仍然蓬勃发展,不受舆论影响。

    empoeres

    Reply

  • Cynthia Ng

    Posted on June 5, 2016 #8 Author

    康熙皇帝玄烨是18世纪前后中国出现的一位伟大的封建君主。他治理了61年的中国是个多民族国家一样,他本人就是满蒙汉三个民族的血缘与文化的杰作。在所有的文化活动中,最有特色的是他本人对西方科技的学习,他是中国古代唯一懂得天文、数学、地理等自然科学的皇帝。

    虽然没有历史记载,康熙皇帝的父亲顺治皇帝对佛法有着很深的爱好,为了佛法顺治皇帝计划康熙出生后不久离开了他的王位。他想到五台山去出家弥补他过去的错误行为。由于害怕耻辱就会降临到清代,年轻的皇后宣布丈夫突然不幸的死亡。此后宣布六岁的康熙接管了顺治皇帝的宝座。因为康熙还年轻,摄政王帮助年轻的皇帝统治这个国家直到成年。

    经过多年的战争和混乱,在康熙的统治下带来了中国长期的稳定和财富在。广为人知的是康熙皇帝鼓励官员关注文学作品,例如编译百科全书和康熙的汉语词典。

    由于他乐善好施的本性,慷慨赞助,许多佛教大师承认康熙不仅仅是个世俗的皇帝。那也是Lobsang Tamdin首先确定康熙与杜固扎巴坚赞、文殊菩萨连有密切的关系,Lobsang Tamdin 在他的bebum里有写道。

    Panchen Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen 预言了Lobsang Tamdin的确定,意味着一旦杜固扎巴坚赞去世,中国皇帝将出生。康熙皇帝的出生成为闻名于杜固扎巴坚赞的转世。

    根据蒙古学者Losang Tamdin康熙皇帝是多杰雄登护法的转世。康熙皇帝提倡和平,和谐,康熙皇帝做出了巨大贡献,对恢复和平与和谐,并支持在中国的佛法教诲与其他成就。中国是伟大的佛教圣地之一,康熙还负责建立、保存和恢复在中国、西藏和蒙古的许多重要佛教寺庙和圣地,其中许多都存在到今天为止。

    Reply

  • Wan Wai Meng

    Posted on July 10, 2016 #9 Author

    Feel very inspired by the story of Kangxi, how he used his life to the benefit of the Chinese people and nation. Kangxi had quite a challenging route to this throne, yet at a very young age he was able to outmaneuver people who tried to manipulate him and control him. Only an incarnation of Manjushri would have such a wisdom and insight to be able to rise above many challenges at such a young age. Like Tulku Dragpa Gyeltsen’s many predecessors, most were scholars, translators, writers and etc….. much like how Kangxi was.

    Reply

  • Fong

    Posted on September 20, 2016 #10 Author

    It’s easy to see why the people loved the Kangxi Emperor. From what we can see from this research article, he has done a lot for the spiritual welfare of his subjects.

    The various monasteries established or sponsored by the Kangxi Emperor are really beautiful and moving. From the pictures,one can see that they are really huge and awe-inspiring. To do justice to monasteries, I think one would have to spend days merely strolling and taking in the various holy statues and architecture. It would definitely be a wonderful place to make a pilgrimage to though daunting in the sheer amount of sights, meaning and overall history to them all.

    Thank you for this wonderful article on the Kangxi Emperor who brought the Dharma to the people of China.

    Reply