The Connotations of the Sukhavati (Pure Land) Culture Contained in the Architecture of Xiaoxitian (Thousand Buddhas Monastery) at Xixian County

Dongdong Yang; Wenqing Wu; Ce Gao

doi:10.18282/ice.v5i1.429

Dongdong Yang The Institute for The History of Science and Technology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
Wenqing Wu The Institute for The History of Science and Technology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
Ce Gao The Institute for The History of Science and Technology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China

Article ID: 429

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.18282/ice.v5i1.429

Keywords: Xiaoxitian, Site selection, architectural layout, the Great Buddha Hall

Abstract

This article analyzes and interprets the Sukhavati Culture contained in the site selection as well as the architectural and spatial layout of Xiaoxitian (or the Thousand Buddhas Monastery, a Buddhist complex at Xixian County), and the Great Buddhas Hall inside it by means of field inspection to the buildings at Xiaoxitian, and by combining with relevant literature and records so as to assist people to have a better understanding of the Sukhavati Culture and highlight the architectural concepts of applying the Sukhavati belief into the practical life of ancient Chinese people.

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