Free Life Pond | |||||||
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Chinese | 放生 池 | ||||||
Literal meaning | Free Life Pond | ||||||
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A Free Life Pond is a type of pond at Han Chinese Buddhist temples. [1] It is usually located in front of the Shanmen or the Hall of Four Heavenly Kings. [1] The Free Life Pond embodies Buddhist thoughts of compassion and understanding of all living beings. [1]
The Free Life Pond was firstly mentioned in the Great Treatise on the Perfection of Wisdom (大智度論), which read: "建德六年,齐地佛门遭劫。闻率僧众四十余循海路奔建康。辄遇大风波,楫折船沉。忽现巨龟,负众僧出水,须臾抵健康。闻口称南无阿弥陀佛。龟对曰:师父曾记否,吾乃海曲放生池之老龟也。闻恍然大悟。奏闻宣帝,帝大悦,敕建报恩寺,香火祀之。". [1]
The Free Life Pond was originate erected by Zhiyi, founder of Tiantai school, in the Sui dynasty (589–618). [1] In 759, Emperor Suzong of the Tang dynasty (618–907) ordered all Buddhist temples to set up Free Life Pond. [1] According to Duo Po Ming Jing (多宝名经; 多寶名經), at that time, 81 Buddhist temples set up free life ponds under the emperor's command. [1]
The Free Life Pond can regulate the air, inhibit dust, but also has the role of fire prevention. [1] If the Buddhist temple is on fire, the water in the pond can be used to fight the fire. [1]