mountain retreat
as yesterday was a wash (what with the drama over the banking and getting ripped off) today was the first real day we were able to explore the temples of wutai shan. which, after all, is the only reason to come to this otherwise grim and industrial little town.
as one of the holiest of buddhist sites in china, wutai shan has temples in abundance. multitudinous temples. and as you escape the tack tourist strip, and step into the ancient enclaves, that’s where you begin to feel it. incense thick as clouds. hundreds of monks meandering about in robes of saffron and crimson. the ringing of thousands of bells with each mountain breeze as the devout pilgrims bow, pray, chant and make their offerings. solemnity and peace infuse the high clear air. this is the spiritual connection you were seeking. this is the calm and serenity you so desperately crave, so far removed from the chaos that is chinese daily life. the fluttering flags, the soft gongs, the meditation – they’re all about as far as you can get from the hectic everyday. it’s an oasis. a brief respite. a reminder of purpose, the eternal and the creative force amongst the mudane and wearying details.
it is said that pilgrims used to take up to 2 years to visit all the temples of wutai shan. we had only two days. but it is enough to know that this mountain retreat exists, as yet unspoilt. for now.
