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Letting the birds, fish and turtles free
By Xu Wenwen |
January 30, 2012, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
TODAY is the eighth day of the first month in the Chinese lunar calendar and also the prescribed day for the Buddhist ritual of fangsheng, charitable freeing of animals such as birds and fish.
Today many Buddhist temples around China will release fish into fangsheng ponds - a spectacular sight. Birds are also released at temples and in forests. Several temples around Hangzhou have these ponds and monks will chant as fish are released.
Releasing animals is one of the traditions during the Spring Festival, just like visiting relatives and burning incense to Buddha.
It is said the custom of fangsheng developed during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), and the date was chosen because people believed it was the "birthday" of grain. Hence, on this day, people release birds to "bribe" the birds which eat precious grain, so they won't eat too much grain during the year.
It is also a day when people express their reverence to nature and hopes that all creatures will thrive in harmony during the year.
Birds and fish are the traditional animals released; later turtles and snakes were added to the list and the customs became increasingly religious.
In Taoism, xingxiu (star gods) wander on the Earth on the eighth day of the first lunar month, thus, people should prove their benevolence and practice charity.
Releasing captive animals is a typical act of charity.
Fangsheng is also performed on Vesak Day, a holiday observed traditionally as the birthday and enlightenment of Buddha, on 15th of the fourth month of the Chinese lunar calendar.
Hangzhou, sometimes called "China's Southeast Buddhist State," is home to many Buddhist temples where fangsheng is performed. Though it is not very popular among young people, many Buddhists, especially older people, observe the practice.
They usually buy animals captured by hunters and fishermen and free them in woods, rivers, lakes and fangsheng ponds in Buddhism temples and Taoist abbeys.
Monks and Taoist priests raise fish in the ponds and free them into rivers from time to time.
However, many environmentalists question the practice, saying animals on sale are mostly bred artificially and many are not native to the local environment.
Hence, they may die quickly; or if a strong new species is introduced, it can upset the ecological balance.
The tradition of releasing animals only gives incentive to hunters and fishermen, they say. Environmentalists and Buddhists are urging people to only set free local, ordinary birds, fish and turtles and avoid commercial breeders.
Still, it's inspiring to see thousands of birds released into the sky and thousands of fish and turtles released into ponds, while Buddhist monks chant scripture.
Hangzhou has several distinctive temples in forested mountain settings where fish and turtles are released into fangsheng ponds.
Lingyin Temple
One of China's largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples, Lingyin Temple contains numerous pagodas, grottoes and rock inscriptions. Its monastery is the largest among several temples in Wulin Mountain. It is famous for Feilai Peak (literally the peak that flies hither).
Address: No. 1 Fayun Lane
Tel: (0571) 8796-8665
Admission: 80 yuan
Jingci Temple
Originally built in AD 954, Jingci Temple is famous for the Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping Hill, one of the top 10 scenic sites of West Lake. The two-story bell tower houses a 2-ton bell with a deep, resonant voice.
Another attraction is a well containing a large floating piece of wood, said to have be left by Ji Gong, a master who used superhuman powers to transport wood to build the temple.
Address: 56 Nanshan Rd
Tel: (0571) 8797-5135
Admission: 10 yuan
Yongfu Temple
Near Lingyin Temple, Yongfu Temple is situated in Fayun Ancient Village where monks and farmers lead a tranquil life in a scenic setting. Ancient buildings are well preserved, the air is pure and the vegetation is lush. A luxury hotel was built in the area in 2009, which has attracted more visitors to the area. Still, compared with other temples, it has far fewer tourists. The mountain area is ideal for hiking.
Address: No. 16 Fayun Lane
Tel: (0571) 8796-5671
Admission: Free
Xiangji Temple
In ancient times, Xiangji Temple on the Grand Canal was a large and bustling venue but it fell into disrepair. In 2010, the municipal government built a spectacular new, replicated temple, which has become a major tourist attraction. Nearby are two food streets, Dadou Road and Shenglihe Food Street.
Address: No. 1 Xiangjisi Lane
Tel: (0571) 8831-6633
Admission: 20 yuan
Today many Buddhist temples around China will release fish into fangsheng ponds - a spectacular sight. Birds are also released at temples and in forests. Several temples around Hangzhou have these ponds and monks will chant as fish are released.
Releasing animals is one of the traditions during the Spring Festival, just like visiting relatives and burning incense to Buddha.
It is said the custom of fangsheng developed during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), and the date was chosen because people believed it was the "birthday" of grain. Hence, on this day, people release birds to "bribe" the birds which eat precious grain, so they won't eat too much grain during the year.
It is also a day when people express their reverence to nature and hopes that all creatures will thrive in harmony during the year.
Birds and fish are the traditional animals released; later turtles and snakes were added to the list and the customs became increasingly religious.
In Taoism, xingxiu (star gods) wander on the Earth on the eighth day of the first lunar month, thus, people should prove their benevolence and practice charity.
Releasing captive animals is a typical act of charity.
Fangsheng is also performed on Vesak Day, a holiday observed traditionally as the birthday and enlightenment of Buddha, on 15th of the fourth month of the Chinese lunar calendar.
Hangzhou, sometimes called "China's Southeast Buddhist State," is home to many Buddhist temples where fangsheng is performed. Though it is not very popular among young people, many Buddhists, especially older people, observe the practice.
They usually buy animals captured by hunters and fishermen and free them in woods, rivers, lakes and fangsheng ponds in Buddhism temples and Taoist abbeys.
Monks and Taoist priests raise fish in the ponds and free them into rivers from time to time.
However, many environmentalists question the practice, saying animals on sale are mostly bred artificially and many are not native to the local environment.
Hence, they may die quickly; or if a strong new species is introduced, it can upset the ecological balance.
The tradition of releasing animals only gives incentive to hunters and fishermen, they say. Environmentalists and Buddhists are urging people to only set free local, ordinary birds, fish and turtles and avoid commercial breeders.
Still, it's inspiring to see thousands of birds released into the sky and thousands of fish and turtles released into ponds, while Buddhist monks chant scripture.
Hangzhou has several distinctive temples in forested mountain settings where fish and turtles are released into fangsheng ponds.
Lingyin Temple
One of China's largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples, Lingyin Temple contains numerous pagodas, grottoes and rock inscriptions. Its monastery is the largest among several temples in Wulin Mountain. It is famous for Feilai Peak (literally the peak that flies hither).
Address: No. 1 Fayun Lane
Tel: (0571) 8796-8665
Admission: 80 yuan
Jingci Temple
Originally built in AD 954, Jingci Temple is famous for the Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping Hill, one of the top 10 scenic sites of West Lake. The two-story bell tower houses a 2-ton bell with a deep, resonant voice.
Another attraction is a well containing a large floating piece of wood, said to have be left by Ji Gong, a master who used superhuman powers to transport wood to build the temple.
Address: 56 Nanshan Rd
Tel: (0571) 8797-5135
Admission: 10 yuan
Yongfu Temple
Near Lingyin Temple, Yongfu Temple is situated in Fayun Ancient Village where monks and farmers lead a tranquil life in a scenic setting. Ancient buildings are well preserved, the air is pure and the vegetation is lush. A luxury hotel was built in the area in 2009, which has attracted more visitors to the area. Still, compared with other temples, it has far fewer tourists. The mountain area is ideal for hiking.
Address: No. 16 Fayun Lane
Tel: (0571) 8796-5671
Admission: Free
Xiangji Temple
In ancient times, Xiangji Temple on the Grand Canal was a large and bustling venue but it fell into disrepair. In 2010, the municipal government built a spectacular new, replicated temple, which has become a major tourist attraction. Nearby are two food streets, Dadou Road and Shenglihe Food Street.
Address: No. 1 Xiangjisi Lane
Tel: (0571) 8831-6633
Admission: 20 yuan
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