Temple of Recumbent Buddha China Beijing

Temple of Recumbent Buddha Located 20 kilometres from Beijing near the Temple of Azure Clouds is the Temple of Recumbent Buddha, a Buddhist Temple built during the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 AD). The main buildings are the Four Heavenly King’s Hall, Three Buddhas’ Hall and the Recumbent Buddha’s Hall with a bronze Buddha made in 1321 and weighing about 54 tons, 5.3 metres long and surrounded by twelve other Buddhas.

Temple of Recumbent Buddha

The recumbent Buddha inside the Hall is the statue of Sakyamuni, which is five meters long and weighs 54 tons, was built in 1321A.D. during the Yuan Dynasty. His left hand touches his leg and his right hand supports his head. It was said that this pose is that of Sakyamuni when he got nirvana ('nirvana' means the ineffable ultimate in which one has attained disinterested wisdom and compassion in Buddhism.).

Temple of Recumbent Buddha

This bronze recumbent Buddha is the biggest bronze recumbent Buddha in present day China. Around this Buddha are twelve other figures of Buddhas. This group of statues of Buddhas reflects the scene that Sakyamuni tells his disciples what to do after his nirvana. All twelve Buddhas appear to be grieving. The recumbent Buddha is perfectly kept and reflects the high iron-melting techniques in the Yuan Dynasty.