White Horse Temple
白马寺
White Horse Temple, located in Luoyang, China, is often regarded as the first Buddhist temple in the country. Established in 68 AD during the Eastern Han Dynasty, it marks the introduction of Buddhism into China. According to legend, Emperor Ming of Han dreamt of a golden deity, which his advisors identified as the Buddha. He then sent emissaries to India to learn more about Buddhism. The emissaries returned with two Indian monks, She Moteng and Zhu Falan, along with sacred Buddhist texts and statues on the back of a white horse, hence the temple's name. The temple complex includes various halls, pagodas, and courtyards, each reflecting traditional Chinese architectural styles blended with Buddhist elements. Significant structures include the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, the Hall of the Great Buddha, and the Hall of Mahavira. Additionally, the temple has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, with the most recent efforts aiming to preserve its historical and cultural heritage.
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