According to historical records, there are five major Buddhist sites worldwide, each representing a different direction. The Vajra Seat in India is known as the Bodhi Mandala; Mount Wutai is the Mandala of Manjushri Bodhisattva; Mount Putuo is the Mandala of Avalokiteshvara; Orgyen is the Mandala of the Dakini; and Shambhala is the Mandala of Kalachakra. Mount Wutai remains the most accurately identified and accessible Buddhist holy site among them.
Because of this, Mount Wutai holds a prestigious status both domestically and internationally, contributing significantly to the development and influence of Buddhism worldwide. Additionally, Mount Wutai is known for its numerous legends and mystical phenomena, among which the legend of Wuye is particularly well-known. Anyone who visits Mount Wutai typically pays their respects at Wuye Temple, as it is widely believed that Wuye is extraordinarily responsive to prayers. But who exactly is Wuye? And what is the story behind his legend?
Who is Wuye?
Understanding the Wealth God and Protector of Mount Wutai
According to legend, Mount Wutai was originally called Wufeng Mountain(Five Peaks Mountain), a place with extremely harsh climate conditions where winters were freezing, and summers were unbearably hot, making it difficult for farmers to cultivate the land. Manjushri Bodhisattva, upon witnessing the suffering of the people, went to the Dragon Palace in the East Sea and borrowed a cooling gem called the “Resting Dragon Stone,” which was originally used by the Dragon King’s fifth son to cool off and practice his skills. Upon discovering this, the fifth son of the Dragon King followed Manjushri to Mount Wutai to reclaim the “Resting Dragon Stone.” However, upon arriving at Mount Wutai, he found the mountain so vast that he became enraged. In his fury, he swept the five peaks flat with his dragon tail, which is why the five main peaks of Mount Wutai are now flat and covered in rubble.
In the end, Manjushri Bodhisattva subdued the fifth son of the Dragon King, who then took refuge in Manjushri and became the protector deity of Mount Wutai. Over time, people began to refer to him as "Wuye(the Fifth Lord)," and his temple continues to receive numerous devotees, with incense offerings thriving to this day. Wuye is responsible for overseeing rainfall and wealth in the Mount Wutai region, and his reputation for answering prayers and fulfilling requests has earned him widespread devotion. People often refer to him as "Dragon Lord Wuye, the Wealth God." Statues of Wuye are prominently featured in various temples, especially in the Dragon King Hall within Wanfoge at Mount Wutai. His influence is so strong that Wanfoge is commonly known as "Wuye Temple," a name more familiar to many visitors than its official designation.
Wuye’s sacred statue has now been standardized as that of being dressed in a python robe, adorned with a dragon cloak, wearing a helmet, holding a tablet, and seated on a dragon chair. His expression is solemn, with wide-open eyes and a long, majestic beard, and his face is depicted in gold or black. Among the many sacred statues, the highest-ranked is found in the Dragon King Hall of Wanfoge. Here, two statues of Wuye are enshrined—one in the entrance hall and the other in the main hall. Both are made of bronze and have golden faces. The statue in the entrance hall is 1.5 meters tall and is flanked by a semi-royal carriage and 15 weapons and ritual objects. The main hall's statue is more prominent, and on each side, three attendant statues are placed, representing the White-Faced Dragon King, the Red-Faced Second Dragon King, the Dragon Mother, the Rain Master, the Yellow-Faced Third Dragon King, and the Blue-Faced Fourth Dragon King.
The image of Wuye is distinct from typical Buddhist icons such as Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats. Instead, it resembles the image of Kṣitigarbha or local Buddhist protector gods and even bears similarities to Taoist immortals. This unique blend of characteristics makes Wuye a deity that embodies Buddhism, Taoism, and indigenous Chinese folk beliefs, serving as a fascinating manifestation of Buddhism’s localization in China.
The Ritual of Offering Incense at Wuye Temple: A Step-by-Step Guide
When it comes to offering incense at Wuye Temple, many people might have a general idea, but there are specific steps that should be followed to ensure the ritual is performed correctly and respectfully.
1.Preparing and Lighting the Incense
Upon opening the incense packet, carefully remove the central bundle of incense sticks. Hold the incense with both hands and proceed to the incense burner to light them. Once lit, raise the incense above your head, symbolizing respect. The first bow should be directed towards Wuye himself, followed by bows to the four directions—east, south, west, and north. This act symbolizes reverence to the surrounding sacred mountains of Taihuai Town within Mount Wutai, where various Buddhist deities are believed to reside.
2.Proper Posture and Mindfulness During Worship
Before beginning the worship, it is essential to offer incense before bowing to the Buddha. While it is not necessary to stand directly in front of the statue, what matters most is the sincerity of the heart. The Buddha possesses all-seeing, all-knowing qualities, so as long as one’s mind is sincere, the Buddha will perceive the offering from any position. When holding the incense, use the index and middle fingers of both hands to clasp the incense stick, with the other three fingers closed together. Support the incense with your thumbs, raising it to the level of your eyebrows. As you do this, visualize the Buddha or Bodhisattva before you, accepting your offering.
3.The Ritual of Bowing and Offering Incense
If there are many people around, hold the incense vertically to avoid burning others. Close your eyes, make a wish, and then raise the incense above your head, bowing three times. During the bowing, your hands should never be lower than your torso. After bowing, turn to the right to face east (as temple doors generally face south), and then bow again towards the south, north, and west, in sequence.
4.Placing the Incense in the Burner
After completing the three bows, gently insert the incense into the burner using your left hand, as in Buddhism, the right hand is considered impure due to its association with activities like killing. This practice signifies the purity and reverence required during the offering.
5.Making a Wish and Completing the Ritual
Finally, proceed to the main hall of Wuye Temple to kneel, make a wish, and report your name, address, and specific wish. It is also customary to state when you plan to return to fulfill your vow if the wish is granted. This completes the worship ritual at Wuye Temple.
In addition to incense, worshippers can also offer lamps, flowers, water, and fruits. Each of these offerings holds symbolic meanings: lamps represent light and wisdom; flowers symbolize beauty and virtue; water signifies purity and clarity, reflecting the belief that a pure mind leads to the manifestation of the Buddha; and fruits represent the fruition of one’s efforts, with the present offering symbolizing the planting of seeds that will bear spiritual fruit in the future.
The Unique Cultural Significance of Wuye Temple’s Ancient Theater Stage
One of the most distinctive features of Wuye Temple is its ancient theater stage, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. While many temples in Shanxi Province have their own stages, Wuye Temple is the only one among over 100 temples on Mount Wutai with such a structure. This highlights the temple’s unique and elevated status within the region.
The theater stage holds a special cultural significance because it is believed that the Dragon King, Wuye, has a particular fondness for theatrical performances. Every year during the grand festival in June, the temple’s doors are thrown open, and performances are held on the stage for Wuye to watch from above. These performances are meant to delight and appease Wuye, encouraging him to bestow timely rains and ensure a bountiful harvest for the people.
Wuye Temple possesses a formidable spiritual presence and is renowned for the efficacy of its blessings. On the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, the temple is teeming with worshippers, all fervently seeking Wuye’s favor. This has given rise to various cultural activities, including rain prayers, theatrical performances, and vibrant markets. The temple's reputation for fulfilling wishes has solidified its status as one of the most popular and revered sites on Mount Wutai, with a constant influx of devotees ensuring its incense offerings remain potent.
As you journey through the sacred halls of Wuye Temple and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Mount Wutai, it becomes clear why Dragon Lord Wuye holds such a revered place in the hearts of countless devotees. His story, deeply intertwined with both Buddhist teachings and local folklore, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring connection between the spiritual and the material. Whether you seek protection, prosperity, or spiritual guidance, the presence of Wuye offers a unique blend of ancient wisdom and divine grace. By understanding the rituals and symbolism associated with Wuye, you not only honor his legacy but also deepen your own spiritual journey. May your visit to Wuye Temple be filled with blessings and insight, leaving you with a profound sense of peace and connection to this timeless guardian of Mount Wutai.
FAQ
Who is Dragon Lord Wuye in Buddhist tradition?
Dragon Lord Wuye, also known as "Guangji Dragon King Bodhisattva," is a revered deity in Chinese Buddhism, particularly associated with Mount Wutai. He is the fifth son of the Dragon King and serves as a protector of Mount Wutai, overseeing rainfall and wealth in the region. Wuye is widely venerated for his responsiveness to prayers and his role as a guardian deity.
Why is Dragon Lord Wuye often depicted with a golden face in Buddhist art?
The golden face of Dragon Lord Wuye in Buddhist art symbolizes his divine nature and his role as a wealth god. Gold represents purity, enlightenment, and spiritual wealth, which aligns with Wuye’s duties as a guardian and a provider of prosperity.
What is the significance of Dragon Lord Wuye’s attire in his statues and Thangka paintings?
Dragon Lord Wuye is typically depicted wearing a python robe and a dragon cloak, symbolizing his power and authority. His attire, including the ceremonial tablet and helmet, signifies his role as a protector and a powerful figure in the spiritual hierarchy.
How does Wuye’s image differ from other Buddhist deities?
Wuye’s image is distinct from other Buddhist deities in that he is often depicted with a more militaristic and stern appearance, reflecting his protective role. Unlike the serene and compassionate images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, Wuye’s expression is fierce, embodying his duty to defend the Dharma and the people.
What role do Thangka pendants featuring Dragon Lord Wuye play in Buddhist practice?
Thangka pendants featuring Dragon Lord Wuye are not just ornamental; they are considered powerful talismans that offer protection and bring prosperity to those who wear them. These pendants serve as portable representations of Wuye’s divine presence, allowing devotees to carry his blessings with them.
Why is Wuye particularly venerated at Mount Wutai?
Wuye is especially venerated at Mount Wutai because he is regarded as the guardian of the mountain and its surrounding region. His presence is deeply embedded in the local culture and religious practices, and he is believed to protect the area from natural disasters while ensuring the well-being of its inhabitants.
What legends are associated with the creation of Wuye’s sacred image?
One popular legend associated with Wuye’s image involves him following Manjushri Bodhisattva to Mount Wutai to reclaim the “Resting Dragon Stone,” leading to his transformation into a protector deity. This story is reflected in the artistic depictions of Wuye, which emphasize his strength and protective qualities.
How has Wuye’s image evolved over time in Buddhist art?
Wuye’s image has evolved from a local guardian deity to a figure of national significance in Chinese Buddhism. Over time, his depictions in art have become more standardized, with specific symbols and attire consistently representing his power and authority.
What is the cultural significance of the Dragon King Hall in Wanfoge?
The Dragon King Hall in Wanfoge, also known as Wuye Temple, is culturally significant as it is the central place of worship for Dragon Lord Wuye. The hall houses the most revered statues of Wuye, where devotees from all over come to pay their respects and seek his blessings, making it a vital part of Mount Wutai’s religious heritage.
How do the colors used in Wuye’s depictions reflect his attributes?
The colors in Wuye’s depictions, particularly the use of gold and black, reflect his attributes of wealth, protection, and power. Gold represents his divine status and association with prosperity, while black often symbolizes his role as a fierce protector who wards off evil.
