Temple Time

Buddha watches over everything.

As incredible as it was to see the scenic areas around JC, we also saw many fabulous cultural sites.  Many of the sites our guides showed us were Buddhist temples.  Buddhism first appeared in China during the second century AD.  Buddhism is prevalent (with about 68 million Chinese considering themselves Buddhist), but many Chinese are not particularly religious, instead working out personal matters on their own. 

People leave Buddha offerings of thanks and for wishes of things like luck and health.  If you look closely, someone left Golden Monkey Milk Candy!

Shaolin Temple, the birthplace 
of kung fu.

As if they temple grounds weren't already
pretty, there were roses everywhere!

We all enjoyed the colors and sounds (and people-watching!) of the temples even though none of us know much about the religion.  We probably did not learn as much as we should have, nor wanted to, but temple-hopping was an enlightening experience.  And not only did we see some of the largest and oldest temples in China, we also saw some tai chi (appropriately called 'tai ji') and kung fu performances.  Where we saw tai ji was not just a temple, it was the birthplace of tai ji.  There, we each had a 'master' teach us a few moves.  Between ages 7 and 12, our masters- without even a glimmer of self-consciousness- meticulously and patiently corrected our form.  Shaolin Temple, where we saw some breathtaking martial artists, is the birthplace of kung fu.  With unreal acrobatics, flexibility, and moves faster than the eye can see, we were impressed beyond words.  Then one of the performers shattered two metal rods over his head like they were Cheetos!  

Our masters were so patient with our obvious ineptitude!

Can any of you do that?

Tai ji is remarkably calming to watch.

Who do you think will win this match?

At the birthplace of tai ji, Emily plays Chinese freeze tag.  Will she always win or always lose?

Emily and Megan and a lucky horse.

Golden Week has been just that!  How fortunate are we to have come to this country at the time of a major holiday!  We are learning (slo-o-o-w-ly) the language, but our true immersion has been the cultural experiences and sight-seeing.  Just to understand simple things, like how the Chinese dress or drive, play and pray, has been incredibly enriching.  The knowledge we have gained about Chinese culture has been extraordinary and will certainly help us once we are back at Grand Canyon.