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Luohan Temple is a smallish temple located in an alley in the prime downtown area of Chongqing. It is currently undergoing renovation so scaffolding covered most parts of the temple. This picture was actually taken from a pamphlet about the temple. This temple's claim to fame is its hall of 500 luohan (Chinese for the sanskrit term arhant). Luohan are those people that have reached enlightenment, but unlike a Buddha or boddhisatva who returns to help ease others suffering, they prefer to stay in nirvana. I have visited four temples that have 500 luohan halls, each of which is different in style. Each of the 500 statues has a different face - some are very amusing. Unfortunately photography is forbidden and I couldn't find any pictures. |
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