Da Xing Shan Temple, one of Xi’an’s oldest and most serene Buddhist temples, is a peaceful retreat for both spiritual seekers and those wanting to experience the beauty of traditional Chinese Buddhist practices. Whether you’re visiting to pray, meditate, or simply immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere, it’s important to follow the temple’s customs and rituals to ensure a respectful and meaningful visit. This guide covers the key aspects of praying at Da Xing Shan Temple, including timings, etiquette, offerings, and the various spiritual practices available to visitors.
Visiting Hours & Accessibility
- Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reservation: No reservation required
- Admission: Free
- Transport: Take Metro Line 2 to Xiaozhai Station. The temple is a short walk from the station, about a few hundred meters away. Public transportation is recommended as parking nearby can be difficult.
Important Etiquette and Guidelines
Dress Appropriately: When visiting the temple, ensure that your clothing is respectful and modest. It’s important to maintain decorum, especially within sacred spaces.
Entering the Temple: The main gate of the temple is called the “Empty Gate” (空门). Monks enter and exit through this gate, while visitors should use the side gates. Women should step in with their right foot. Men should step in with their left foot. Avoid stepping on the doorframe as it is considered disrespectful.
Offering Incense
- Offering incense should be referred to as “please incense” (请香), not “buy incense” (买香).
- Before lighting incense, you should wash your hands for purification.
- Incense is available for purchase in small pavilions or at the entrance (three or five sticks is common). You can also get three sticks for free at the left side of the temple entrance.
- Hold the incense with your left hand, light it at the lamp offering station, and do not blow it out.
- When placing incense in the incense burner, hold it with both hands in front of your forehead, with the thumbs pressed to the back end.
- As you place the incense, you should bow three times facing each of the four cardinal directions (East, South, West, North).
Praying at the Hall: Upon entering the main hall, kneel and join your hands in prayer. Quietly chant your name, address, and any wishes or prayers you seek. Do not directly look at the Buddha statues as it’s considered disrespectful.
Special Rituals and Practices
Guanyin Hall (观音殿)
- Seeking Peace & Love: For those seeking safety, peace, or help with relationships, Guanyin is the deity to pray to.
- Fortune Slips: You can purchase a fortune slip for 10 CNY. Place your palms together, silently wish for your request, and draw a fortune slip. The temple will provide a written explanation of your fortune.
Manjushri Hall (文殊菩萨)
- Seeking Knowledge: Manjushri is the Bodhisattva of wisdom. You can pray here for success in studies.
- Prayer Wheels: Nearby, there are prayer wheels. Turn the wheel clockwise 3, 6, or 9 times while making a prayer or wish. Be careful not to touch the wheels directly, as it can cause damage. Praying with the wheel is said to be equivalent to reciting the sutra.
Wishing Plaques & Wishes
- Wishing Wall: In front of the Vajra Hall (金刚殿), you can fill out a wishing plaque for free and hang it on the temple’s wishing wall.
- Prayer Sets: Near the Vajra Hall, you can purchase prayer sets (including a prayer string and a small blessing tag) for 75 CNY. These items are hung in the temple to bless your wishes.
Sutra Copying for Blessings
- Sutra Copying (抄经祈福) is available at the left side of the entrance for 20 CNY. Here, you can write out Buddhist scriptures, which you can either take with you or leave at the temple for communal worship. This practice is typically available during the 1st and 15th of each month or weekends. Be prepared to spend at least an hour for this immersive spiritual experience.
Feeding the Doves
- You can buy dove feed for 10 CNY near the Vajra Hall. Feeding the doves is a peaceful activity that enhances your spiritual visit to the temple.
Handmade Buddhist Beads & Souvenirs
- At a small pavilion in the temple, you can also purchase handmade prayer beads or other Buddhist-related souvenirs. These are available for purchase through a simple bank transfer.