the Largest Existing Royal Monastery Complex
in China
the Outlying Temples
In the early years of Qing Dynasty, Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia,
Tibet was powerful and people there were very religious, so
Buddhist sutra teachings is the spiritual pillar of Mongolians
and Tibetans. Lamaism elites were in the effective control
of the local political regime, together with a large number
of economic wealth and all the temples. In order to strengthen
its control of the northern land and consolidate national
unity, Qing Dynasty carried out Huai Rou Policy to the minority
of our country--- to respect their beliefs and customs while
ruling them.
Since the Mountain Resort was completed in 1708, the emperors
would come and stay here long to escape the summer heat and
handle government affairs. Therefore a great number of Minority
chiefs of Mongolian and Tibetan as well as foreign embassies
came to Chengde annually to have an audience with the emperor
and attend the celebrations. Temples were built where the
political and religious figures could pay homage to Buddha.
From 1711 to 1828, Qing government built 43 temples in the
center of today¨s Chengde city and around Luanhe Town, among
which, 36 temples were directly managed by royal government.
Inside the Mountain Resort were 16 temples, such as Zhuyuan
Temple and Yongyou Temple. To the north of it were 2 temples
( now in Luanhe Town), and to the north-east of it were 12
temples such as Puning Temple and Pule Temple. There had never
been Lama appointed by the royal government in the 3 temples
of Luohan Tang, Guangan Temple and Pule Temple, which were
managed by internal affairs government office. While another
9 temples of Puren, Pushan, Anyuan, Guangyuan, Puyou, Puning,
Xumifushou, Putuozongcheng and Shuxiang were managed by 8
administrative organs directed by Lifan Yuan. Lamas were posted
here and were issued salary every month. The 9 temples were
called ^the Outlying Temples ̄ by the official history record
of Qing Dynasty, and later commonly known as ^the Outlying
8 Temples or Rehe Lama Temples ̄.
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