A Study Of Lingtu Temple In Dunhuang During The Tang Dynasty And The Five Dynasties

Lingtu Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Dunhuang area in period of Five Dynasties and the initial stage of Song Dynasty. Lingtu Temple is recorded as “(shazhou)Lingtu Temple”in Dunhuang Literature, also referred to as “Tu” for short; Due to the discovery of Rui Shi is near Li Xianwang temple in the west of Sha Zhou, thus the temple is designated Lingtu in consideration of augury. Lingtu Temple was built in the First Year of Tang Dynasty(666), and the construction had finished in the Third Year of the Northern Song Dynasty(1019). According to the records of Dunhuang Literature, the Lingtu temple comprised Terakado, Basilica, Warehouse, Zhentang, Chanku etc, which providing a guarantee for holding activities.Monks in Lingtu Temple is very active, they are widely participating in various affairs of the society in Dunhuang. Wuzhen monk is an outstanding representative of monks in Lingtu temple, especially his extraordinary talent in religion and politics, has won respect of both the monks and common men. The monks play an active part in the Turing Scripture, Religious rites, Buddhist activities and a series of religious activities, they have made contribution to Buddism.Lingtu Temple strengthens the contact and communication with the aristocratic on education; the Temple also pay attention to the accumulation of social wealth, it received a generous returns in lending and religious income; the Temple also enhance the interaction between Sheyi activity and Guiyi Jun regime. The thesis analyzes the promotion process of Wuzhen, to emphasize his prominent role in governing Guiyi Jun regime and exerting leading effect on the development of Buddhism in Dunhuang area. All above mentioned events have laid good basis for the further development of Lingtu Temple.