Hindus believe that the linden tree embodies various virtues and has the power to grant wishes and liberate oneself from sin. Many Hindu women believe that praying regularly to the linden tree, watering it regularly, and walking around it can be blessed with good children, especially sons. This is because doing so will make the deities who dwell in the trees happy and will give these wishes fruits. In order to fulfill the wish, it is also customary to wrap a rope around the trunk of the tree, and when you see a circle of rope wrapped around the trunk of the Bodhi tree, you know that it is the result of the prayers of the devotees. It is said that pouring a little oil on the roots of the tree on a Saturday and then lighting an oil lamp next to it is good for getting out of all kinds of troubles. Wrap the cord around the rope to pray.

Practitioners should ensure that there is at least one Bodhi tree within the temple grounds. They believe that before sunrise, the shadow of poverty hangs over the linden, but after sunrise, it is taken over by Goddess Lakshmi. Therefore, it is forbidden to pray to the linden tree before sunrise. In their eyes, cutting down or destroying the Bodhi tree is tantamount to murdering a brahmin. ”

"Although the Indians regard the Bodhi tree as the national tree, in my heart, India has long been not a country of Buddhism, Buddhism originated in India and carried forward in China, and now China is the first country of Buddhism!"

The tour guide said with some excitement.

"The two of them were born in the Heavenly Empire, what a great opportunity!"

The corners of Wang Zhong's mouth couldn't help but put on a wry smile, the Heavenly Empire!

This word is rarely heard now, and even if it is heard, it is mostly self-deprecating! The war of modern times has awakened the Chinese from the dream of the heavenly kingdom!

However, compared with the economically backward Thailand, modern China is indeed a heavenly kingdom!

"Isn't there a linden tree in China?"

Mary asked with some curiosity after watching carefully.

"This!"

When the tour guide heard Mary's question, he was stunned, and after thinking for a while, he didn't have any clue, and finally he had no way to communicate with the yellow-clothed master in Thai.

Although Wang Zhong and the others didn't understand Thai, they could obviously feel that the mage was also stunned, and after thinking for a long time. He said something in Thai to the tour guide.

The guide's eyes are getting brighter and brighter, and obviously, he has already got the answers he needs!

"According to research and investigation, there was no Bodhi tree in China, and it was originally introduced with the introduction of Buddhism. According to historical records, in the first year of Emperor Wu of Liang (502 AD), the monk Sanzang Master brought back the Bodhi tree from Tianzhu (India) and planted it in Yangcheng Wangyuan Temple (later the temple was renamed Guangxiao Temple). Since then, the Bodhi tree has only begun to exist in China, and it has been widely spread among temples in the southern provinces and regions. There are also 3 ancient Bodhi trees that are more than 300 years old.

The master said just now. There is also a Bodhi tree in China that is cultivated from the branches of the enlightened Bodhi tree, and he once had the honor to worship it when Sino-Thai Buddhism was exchanged!"

The tour guide said excitedly.

"Branches of the Bodhi Tree of Enlightenment!"

Wang Zhong and Mary looked at the tour guide with some shock. The enlightened Bodhi tree refers to the Bodhi tree that shelters the Buddha Shakyamuni from the wind and rain, which has a special status in the Buddha world, and now a large number of monks go to India every year to worship!

"How can China have a branch of the Bodhi tree of enlightenment!"

Wang Zhong said with some surprise, although Wang Zhong is not a Buddhist, and he does not have much faith in the Bodhi tree, but the enlightenment of the Bodhi tree has a special origin. It is a very precious refining material, if you use the Bodhi branch of enlightenment as the material, combined with the Taoist refining method, it is not difficult to exercise the magic weapon. Dao device!

There are a few leaves of the Bodhi tree of enlightenment in Putuo Mountain to be worshiped all year round, those leaves are the Zhenshan Buddha treasure of Putuo Mountain, and believers are not allowed to worship on non-heavy festivals, and its precious Cheng dù can be seen!

The branches of the Bodhi tree of enlightenment are more precious than the leaves of the Bodhi tree. Wang Zhong couldn't help but feel surprised.

"Yes! China did not have an enlightened Bodhi tree!"

The tour guide affirmed.

But the master said that in 1954, former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru came to China to visit Wèn and brought with him a small sapling from a branch taken from the tree. To show the friendship between the Chinese and Indian peoples. The leaders and staff of the botanical garden attach great importance to it and carefully maintain it, so that it grows vigorously and has lush branches and leaves. Whenever high monks from home and abroad come, this Bodhi tree in the botanical garden will be invited out to receive the worship of the monks. "Text. During the "Revolution" turmoil, the Botanical Garden was accused of "sealing funds for repair" and "flowers and plants", the establishment was revoked, the people were dispersed, and the Bodhi tree was forced to leave the Botanical Garden and be displaced. Thankfully, someone with a heart quietly hid it and managed it with care to keep it from dying. Ten years of Hao. After the robbery, the leaders and staff of the botanical garden searched for the Bodhi tree everywhere, visited dozens of garden units, and finally found it after several setbacks. After careful maintenance by the staff of the Botanical Garden, this linden tree is growing well, flourishing and thriving. ”

"I see!"

Wang Zhong nodded knowingly.

The Dai people believe in Theravada Buddhism, respect and devout the Bodhi tree very much, and many Bodhi trees are planted near almost every village and temple. If the population is restless, the swine fever chickens die, and the grain harvest fails, they should also plant some Bodhi trees near the villages and temples and beg the Buddha for their blessings. Every Buddha Festival, good men and women tie threads on the trunk of the big Bodhi tree, offer tribute, and bow and worship. The Dai family can cut down any tree, but the Bodhi tree must not be cut down, even the dead branches and leaves of the Bodhi tree can not be used as firewood, cutting down the Bodhi tree is disrespectful to the Buddha, it is a sin. Before liberation, there was such a law formulated by the feudal lords of the Dai nationality: "Cut down the Bodhi tree, and the children will be punished as temple slaves." In the literature and art of the Dai family, the Bodhi tree is a symbol of sacredness, auspiciousness and nobility. At the wedding, the singer always sings, "Today is the day of the Bod's ascension." In love songs, girls sing to their beloved boyfriends, "You are a tall Bodhi tree" or "You are like a leafy Bodhi tree". In addition, in the proverbs of the Dai family, there are such words as "don't abandon your parents, don't cut down the Bodhi tree". ”

"If I have the chance, I will take a look around the Xishuang area!"

Wang Zhong nodded and said with a smile when he heard this.

Behind the linden trees are some spired stupas, and the fish-scale glass tiles shine indescribably in the sun!

According to Buddhist documents, the relics of Buddha Shakyamuni after Nirvana were divided into 84,000 parts, and pagodas were built around the world to be worshipped. Tens of thousands of stupas in our country. Its materials are excellent, the structure is ingenious, the skills are superb, and the types are rich. There are many differences between Thai stupas and Chinese stupas, and their shape is Vajra Throne Pagoda!"

The monk who has not spoken has Thai for Wang Zhong to introduce the pagoda in Thailand, but fortunately, the tour guide translated!

"The Vajra Throne Tower, whose shape is modeled after the Indian Bodhgaya, is built. The lower part of the tower is a huge square platform, on which are built five square eaves small pagodas (representing the five sides and five Buddhas of Tantra), which are very rare in Chinese mainland, and have only been built since the Ming and Qing dynasties!"

Wang Zhong nodded in recognition of the Master's words, the shape of the pagoda in the mainland is very different from the pagoda in Thailand, Chinese Buddhism absorbs the Buddhist art of ancient India and Nepal, and integrates the essence of traditional Chinese architecture to create a unique Chinese-style "pagoda".

The reason why the Thai tower has been able to maintain its original appearance. It has a lot to do with the history of Buddhism in Thailand!

You must know that after the destruction of Buddhism in India, the elder group fled to Thailand and other Southeast Asian regions, and passed on the Indian culture here, forming a unique Theravada Buddhist culture!

The architecture here has a strong Indian ancient Buddhist style, which is very different from China, after Buddhism was introduced to China, and the Taoism and Confucianism of China have exchanges, and finally formed China's unique Mahayana Buddhist culture!

It is for this reason that it is also possible. Many monks in Southeast Asia do not recognize Chinese Mahayana culture, they believe that Chinese Buddhism is no longer pure Buddhism!

It's a mixture of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism!

Opposite. Their Tibetan tantra is very recognized, because tantra has a lot of shadows of ancient Buddhism, and of course tantra cannot be said to be pure ancient Buddhism, because in the development of tantra. He also absorbed the local Bon essence!

"Are there relics and Buddha treasures in these stupas?"

Wang Zhong asked with some curiosity.

"Yes!"

Without any hesitation, the tour guide affirmed that Thailand is a Buddhist country and most people believe in Buddhism. Therefore, Thailand has always produced many high monks, and there are also a lot of relics and Buddha treasures, in order to show respect, these Buddha treasures will be enshrined in the pagoda!

After passing through another gate, everyone came to the interior of the Grand Palace, if the courtyard outside is a religious temple, then after this gate is the world of royal power!

A magnificent three-story hall was the first to appear in front of everyone's eyes, this hall was once the place where the King of Thailand handled government affairs, and it is also a symbol of Thai royal power!

Jieji Palace!

Jieji is a Thai language, containing the meaning of "god plate" and "emperor".

It is also the proper name of the Rama dynasty.

The characteristic of the palace is that its basic structure belongs to the Victorian architectural art of England, and the top of the hall with three square spires is a Thai-style roof. To the west of the palace is the Ritsushi Palace. This is the first royal palace to be built in the Grand Palace, and it is a traditional Thai building. The palace houses thrones and beds made during the reign of King Rama I, and is listed as the first-class art of the Rama dynasty. The palace is mainly used as a place for the funeral of royal figures such as kings, queens, and queen mothers.

To the east of the palace is the Amarin Palace, which consists of three main buildings, namely: the Amaringda Hearing Hall, where the court ceremonies usually take place, the Pasha Hall, where the coronation of kings takes place, with the coronation chairs, and the Kalama Dipiman Hall, which was once the residence of King Rama I, II and III and later became the official residence of the monarchs after their coronation. ”

The tour guide proudly introduced to Mary Wang Zhong that the Grand Palace of Thailand is one of the three treasures of Thailand, and it has a high reputation in both political and civil circles!

The Thai people's feelings for the Jieji Palace are no less than the Chinese's feelings for the Forbidden City!

Wang Zhong smiled and nodded, after looking at it for a while, there was a feeling of tastelessness, not that the Grand Palace of Thailand was not exquisite enough, but after seeing the grandeur of the Forbidden City, after mastering the workmanship, the Grand Palace of Thailand seemed a little childish in Wang Zhong's opinion.

In Wang Zhong's opinion, according to the specifications, Jieji Palace can be regarded as a royal palace at most, not a palace!

And the essence of the Grand Palace is not in the Jieji Palace, but in the Jade Buddha Temple behind him!

As if feeling the disdain in Wang Zhong's heart, the tour guide's face was a little ashamed, but he didn't show Xiàn, but took Wang Zhong and Mary under the guidance of the monks, and slowly entered the backyard of the Grand Palace, which is the location of the Jade Buddha Temple!

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located in the northeast corner of the Grand Palace, covering about a quarter of the entire palace area!

Wang Zhong and the others were the first to be brought into the Jade Buddha Hall!

The Jade Buddha Hall is also known as the Daxiong Treasure Hall, which is famous all over the world because of the Jade Buddha enshrined here!

"The shrine in the middle of the main hall enshrines a jade Buddha statue, which is considered a national treasure in Thailand. The Emerald Buddha is 66 centimeters high and 48 centimeters wide and is carved from a single piece of jasper. Whenever the seasons change, the king of Thailand personally changes the clothes of the Emerald Buddha to protect the peace of the country and the people. Whenever there is a change of cabinet in Thailand, all members of the new government are sworn in to the king at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Every year during the Farming Festival in May, the king also holds a religious ceremony here to pray for a good harvest. ”

The two statues in front of the Buddha represent the First and Second Emperors, each weighing 38 kilograms of gold. The four sides of the hall are painted with frescoes, the front and back are painted by Rama I, and the left and right sides are the works of the third and fourth dynasties, the doors and windows are square spires, the frames are covered with gold leaf and stained glass, and the door and window panels are inlaid with seashells. ”

The monks of the Jade Buddha Temple introduced Wang Zhong.

Generous, definitely generous, Jade Buddha Golden Buddha, this kind of treasure is very rare even in China!

Not to mention their religious-historical value, they themselves are priceless treasures!

Wang Zhong watched quietly, this place seems ordinary, but the security measures must be surprisingly strict, otherwise the underground world can be crazy with the three Buddhas!

The monk didn't know what Wang Zhong was thinking, he thought that Wang Zhong was shocked by the dignity of the Jade Buddha!

I couldn't help but show a happy look on my face!

He stepped forward with a smile, and asked Wang Zhong and Mary to incense the Jade Buddha, you know, although the Jade Buddha Hall is open to the public, but there are very few people who are allowed to incense!

In the eyes of the tour guide, this is a great honor!

Without Long Po Kun's instructions, Wang Zhong and Mary, two exotic tourists, would not have been able to offer incense to the Jade Buddha at all!

Wang Zhong didn't have any sense of honor, in his opinion, although the jade Buddha and the golden Buddha in front of him were precious, they were just a bunch of dead things, no different from clay wood carvings. (To be continued......)