Greek Shaolin Cultural Organization
少林希腊文化組织

The Longmen grottoes and niches «Dragon Gate Caves» [Chin.: lóngmén shíkū 龙门石窟] , are of outstanding universal value and was a must see destination in this cultural travelogue in China. The EPOS team lead by the director of Athens Shaolin Cultural Center Master Yan Kong [Chin.: shì yán kōng 释延空], has set off very early in the morning for an exquisite visit.

The world-famous Longmen Grottoes, are located 12km south of Luoyang. Here two mountains, namely, Fragrant Hill [Chin.: xiāngshān 香山] and Dragon Hill [Chin.: lóngmén shān 龙门山] , confront each other with the river Yi [Chin.: Yīhé 伊河] traversing northward between them, just like a pair of Chinese gate towers. So during the Zhou [Chin.: Zhōu Cháo 周朝 | 1046 – 256 ] and Qin [Chin.: Qín Cháo 秦朝 | 221 – 206] dynasties, it was called «Gate of Yi River» [Chin.: Yīquè 伊阙]. Later, when the Sui [Chin.: Suí cháo 隋朝 | 589–618] established its capital city in Luoyang, the palace gate was just facing Yi Que, hence the name «Longmen» which means «Dragon Gate». In 2000, Longmen Grottoes was listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

The Longmen grottoes and and niches contain the largest and most impressive collection of Chinese art of the late Northern Wei [Chin.: Běi Wèi 北魏 | 386 – 535] and Tang [Chin.: Táng Cháo 唐朝 | 618 – 907] Dynasties. These works, are entirely devoted to the Buddhist religion, represent the high point of Chinese stone carving. It comprises of more than 2,300 caves and niches carved into the steep limestone cliffs over a 1km long stretch. These contain almost 110,000 Buddhist stone statues, more than 60 stupas and 2,800 inscriptions carved on steles. Luoyang was the capital during the late Northern Wei Dynasty and early Tang Dynasty, and the most intensive period of carving dates from the end of the 5th century to the mid-8th century

The entire mission looked so much forward to visit the Fengxian Temple - Ancestor Worshipping Temple [Chin.: Fèngxiānsì 奉先寺] which stretches on the precipitous cliff of the southern side of West Hill. Fengxian Temple, also named Grand Vairocana Buddha Niche [Chin.: Pílúzhēnà Fó 毘盧遮那佛], is the largest cave in Longmen. With 35 meters in width and 39 meters in length, this cave was carved over 1300 years ago (from 672 to 675 AD) during the Tang Dynasty. When it was first constructed, the entire grotto was covered with a roof, enclosed from the natural elements. Today the roof is missing and the sculptures stand out in the open air. It is this Big Vairocana Buddha that stands out with its breathtaking size and detail and highly calm expression.

Having enjoyed a majestic scenery the members also passed by the famous Luoyang peony stone, also known as peony jade. The dark green stone is embedded with naturally formed peony patterns, mainly of white and cyan, hence the name. The lifelike flower shapes and various flower poses in natural layout and clear patterns, with its simplicity and elegance, make it of high ornamental value.

Walking across the bridge the mission headed towards the majestic Xiangshan Temple which is named after the spices "Xiangge" [Chin.: Xiānggé 香格] found extensively on these hill slopes.

The excitement has reached its climax when the team headed towards the Bai Garden [Chin.: Báiyuán 白园] which in fact refers to the mausoleum of Bai Juyi [Chin.: Bai Juyi 白居易 | 772 – 846] , an outstanding poet of the Tang Dynasty who lived between 772 and 846. Bai Juyi led a miserable life in his early days, became an official later, but was dismissed from his post and displaced, spending the last 18 years of his life in Luoyang. Bai Juyi wrote more poems than any other Tang poet-nearly 3,000. Many of them deal with important social and political problems. He also wrote many lyrics expressing his personal feelings. His two long narrative poems-"The Everlasting Sorrow” and “The Song of a Pipa Player"-are among the best known. Many of his poems have deep meaning, and they are written in simple and plain language, which ordinary readers can understand.

All members have experienced the serenity of the garden accompanied by the peacefull lyrics of Bai Ju Yi. It was a tremendous experience that is definitely worth repeating. The Greek Shaolin Cultural Organization has once again provided a first class and deeply profound experience for its members.