White Cloud Temple

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White Cloud Temple (Bai Yun Guan).

The White Cloud Temple (simplified Chinese: 白云观; traditional Chinese: 白雲觀; pinyin: báiyún guān) of Beijing, China is located outside Xibianmen in Beijing. It is one of "The Three Great Ancestral Courts" of the Complete Perfection Sect of Taoism, and is titled "The First Temple under Heaven".

Traditional Daoist instrumental music and chants are performed at the temple.[1]

The temple was first constrcted in 8th century and was called the Tian Chang Temple. It housed a statue of Lao Zi. In 1202 the main halls burned down but the statue was saved. In 1224, Genghis Khan ordered the reconstruction of the temple. It now came to be known as the White Cloud Temple, a name that has endured. Today it is one of China's oldest and largest Taoist temples, housing the office of Taoist Association of China.

Taoist temples are not usually called temples in Chinese, but Guan. Guan is difficult to translate but means something like to look at or observe. This is a reflection of the Taoist belief that understanding the Tao comes from a direct observation of nature, rather than scholastic theological studies.

The arches at the front have detailed traditional decoration, but also include two tiny monkeys. Visitors believe it brings good luck if you can find and touch them.

Just inside the entrance is a bridge crossing over nothing in particular, and why this bridge spans an empty space is a mystery. However, the temple takes the opportunity to make some pin money. Under the bridge are oversized Chinese coins with a bell in the middle. For a small fee you can buy a bunch of fake coins to throw at the bell. It is said to bring you good luck if you can hit the bell with a coin thrown from both sides.

Inside the Temple for the Immortal Master Qiu (Qiu Chuji) is a detailed model of scenes from the life of this impressive Taoist Ancient. Born to a good family in Shandong in 1148, from an early age Qiu Chang Chun had an excellent memory and quick wit. He studied Taoism for many years and took up residence in a cave in Shan Xi. He was nicknamed, Sir Palm-bark Raincoat, because of his habit of wearing a simple raincoat made of palm-bark wherever he went. His wisdom attracted the attention of several emperors. He turned down all invitations to an audience except the most inconvenient of all: an audience with Genghis Khan. After a journey lasting for two years, accompamied by 18 disciples, he met with the Khan. The two got on very well. After a while Genghis Khan asked Qiu's advice on ruling well. Qiu counselled him to show restraint in killing. On the issue of longevity, he recommended easing the mind and avoiding excessive desires. It is said this meeting encouraged Khan to soften his brutal ways to the benefit of his subjects, though there is not much evidence to support this. Taoists, however, believe that Qiu's journey had been worthwhile.

In a quiet courtyard in the north of the temple stands a full-scale statue of a donkey. There is no explanation for this exhibit, though it has a stern sign on it saying "No Riding." The donkey probably has connections with the Taoist God of Literature, Wen-chang, who is sometimes depicted riding a donkey, or sometimes a mule, or even a horse.