Small seclusion is found in the wild, great seclusion in the city. Passing through the bustling streets of Wuhan and turning into a realm of ancient tranquility, stepping into the mystical gates of Changchun Temple is like entering an entirely serene world. It naturally soothes the mind and spirit, and I seem even luckier. My first encounter with Changchun Temple was when it seemed to merge with the sky, akin to a spectacle of love's energy being emitted.
Built along the slopes of Shuangfeng Mountain, Changchun Temple follows the natural terrain, its layout staggered yet harmonious; its eaves and brackets exquisitely elegant. Rich in history, it embodies the culture of a Taoist temple, deserving of its reputation as a thousand-year-old wonderland in southern Jiangnan.
It has endured the ravages of war, only to rise again, standing tall. Calm and self-assured, it carries on the noble virtues of its ancestors and seeks the sincere understanding of the true path. Through the centuries, it remains a place of vibrant worship, witnessing the changes and prosperity of all of Wuhan.
A famous district by the river and lake, a gathering place for Taoists, and a refuge for those who have embraced the yellow robe.
It is said that here, wishes are granted if one is sincere.
The most profound understanding comes from today's clouds, as if the sky, wielding the divine brush, casually paints a stroke, connecting the mysterious energies of Changchun Temple.
If love's energy is the only force in the universe that does not conserve, then the spectacle before us is a manifestation of Daoism's harmony with nature, as it should be.
The source of this living water of love's energy must be the first female abbot in Chinese Taoist history, Wu Chengzhen, who practiced both body and spirit cultivation, promoting the Dao and benefiting society.
And I seem to have a special connection with her, from my accidental discovery of the Wu ancestral hall to my initial acquaintance at Xianling Temple. The president of the Wu Association gifted me a calendar featuring Wu Chengzhen of Changchun Temple, leading me to read about her signs in “The Collection of Wuxia Women.”
The Wu Association gave me the abbot's book “Elucidation of the Dao De Jing,” as well as a wealth charm from Changchun Temple blessed by the abbot. Although I've never met Abbess Wu Chengzhen in person, the kindness and inclusiveness of her benevolent eyes, and her peaceful radiance, have been deeply planted in my heart.
Deep family roots & generations of vegetarian meals
Resistance to marriage as a young woman & dedication to the Daoist path
Enduring hardship & training in the true scriptures
Recognizing talent and using people well & promoting Taoism
Constantly harboring a loving heart & shining light into reality
Keen insight & constant self-motivation
I cannot imagine the challenges and thorns of the secular world faced on such a path of cultivation, but fortunately, a woman of genius held firm to her original aspirations and the moral tenets of her faith. The power of her exemplary behavior is boundless, not seeking personal success but striving to benefit others. Inaction is action, and great love is without love.
If you are fortunate enough, like me, to seek the Dao at Changchun Temple, try taking a deep breath and embracing yourself. Let go of attachments and feel the power of the present. Try experiencing the wonders that are inherently within you. When our self-awareness can embrace all things in the world, we find within ourselves a tranquility that dances with the world.
You will see incense dancing like calligraphy by Wang Xizhi; you will see free cats enjoying the affection of visitors; you will see flowers blooming, attracting butterflies freely.
Sink into the heart of sandalwood, tea for the world; the virtue of Taibo, enduring and far-reaching.
The selfless dedication of two generations of patriarchs, diligently cultivating for nearly a decade to this day, has brought about such positive energy and good fortune for the Wu family in Hubei. The gathering of love's energy has built this pavilion, the Wu Family Cultural Exchange Station. Exchanging thoughts with these awakened individuals, even at first meeting, feels intimate. Moved by the richness of the spiritual world of the Wu patriarchs, allowing me to absorb a full feast of spiritual nourishment. It is fortunate to join the Wu Association and contribute a small measure of strength.
Experience love, create love, and then pass it on. A faint light attracts faint lights, faint lights illuminate faint lights, and together we shine.
In the Dao, how we act should come from the heart. Respect the Dao and prioritize virtue, always sticking to the facts. Do not rejoice over gains nor grieve over losses. Born without possession, acting without arrogance. Accomplishing without dwelling. Cultivate the body and mind, pay respects to the gods and seek truth. There is no charity, no gratitude. Different paths lead to the same destination, everything is mutually complete.
The love that heaven and earth bestow upon all things is a universal love viewed as a whole.
Our love towards our fellow beings is also a great love viewed as a whole. (Text and images by Wu Wenlei, Wuhan Changchun Temple)