Isabel Li

“In the northeast, where Mount Qingliang situates, enlightened Bodhisattvas dwelled within since ancient time. The existing Bodhisattva, whose name is Manjisri, accompanied by thousands of followers, expounds Buddhist sutras oftentimes.”

Recorded by Avatamsaka Sutra, one of the most influential Mahayahna sutras, Mount Wutai is believed to be the modern incarnation of Mount Qingliang ever since 68BC. Down the ages, in honour of Manjusri, countless temples have been faithfully built in the mountain valley embraced by five peaks of Mount Wutai. In its heyday in Tang dynasty, Wutai area had more than 10,000 monks strived for enlightenment in over 300 temples within its landscape. Mount Wutai is a spiritual monastery, a site for global pilgrimage and most importantly, an architectural fantasia.