Heaven on Earth in Shenzhen: Hongfa Temple by Fairy Lake

Hongfa Temple by Fairy Lake Every year, I visit Fairy Lake Botanical Garden in Shenzhen to pray and give thanks, and to experience the natural fragrance of incense. In the vibrant and bustling modern city of Shenzhen, there is a place where the soul can find peace and solace: Hongfa Temple in Fairy Lake Botanical Garden. Stepping into this sacred place is like entering a world of cultivation beyond the mundane, where every inch of air is filled with peace and tranquility. Hongfa Temple is located in Fairy Lake Botanical Garden on Wutong Mountain, backed by lush green mountains and facing the clear Fairy Lake. As you walk along the winding mountain road, the sight of the vermilion mountain gate fills your heart with a sense of solemnity and awe. The three golden characters "Hongfa Temple" on the mountain gate shine brightly in the sunlight, as if telling every visitor about the extraordinary nature of this place. Passing through the mountain gate, the first thing you see is the Hall of Heavenly Kings. In the center of the hall is a statue of the smiling Maitreya Buddha, with his chest and belly exposed, and his open smile seems to embrace all the troubles of the world. On both sides are the Four Heavenly Kings, majestic and imposing, each with a different posture, holding their dharma instruments, guarding this pure land of Buddhism. As you step into the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the scent of sandalwood lingers, instantly calming your heart and making you forget all the troubles of the world. Continuing on, you will find the Mahavira Hall. The Mahavira Hall is the core building of Hongfa Temple, grand and magnificent, with carved beams and painted rafters. Inside the hall are statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Medicine Buddha, and Amitabha Buddha, with their golden bodies solemn and dignified, and their compassionate eyes gazing down on all beings. When the melodious sound of the bell rings, deep and resonant, it seems to penetrate time and space, striking deep into the soul, making you feel a sense of awe. On Buddhist holidays, the Mahavira Hall is filled with incense smoke, and devotees kneel on the prayer mats, hands clasped, eyes closed, praying and chanting, their focused expressions conveying the power of faith. In addition to the Mahavira Hall, Hongfa Temple also has the Guanyin Hall and the Sutra Library. In the Guanyin Hall, the statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva is compassionate and peaceful, holding a pure bottle, sprinkling sweet dew, and blessing all beings. The Sutra Library houses many Buddhist classics, ancient scriptures that carry the wisdom of thousands of years, waiting for those with a predestined affinity to comprehend them. At Hongfa Temple, you can not only experience the rich Buddhist atmosphere, but also enjoy the beautiful scenery.