View source for Tsing Shan Monastery

{{Short description|Monastery in Hong Kong}}
{{Use Hong Kong English|date=October 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}

{{Infobox monastery
| name           = Tsing Shan Monastery
| native_name    = 青山禪院
| native_name_lang = zh-hant
| image          = HK TsingShanMonastry FrontGate.JPG
| alt            = 
| caption        = Tsing Shan Monastery Front Gate
| full           = 
| other_names    = 
| order          = [[Buddhist]]
| established    = 
| dedication     = 
| founder        = 
| abbot          = 
| people         = 
| status         = 
| functional_status = 
| heritage_designation = [[Declared monuments of Hong Kong|Grade I historic building]]
| designated_date = 
| architect      = 
| style          = 
| groundbreaking = 
| completed_date = 
| construction_cost = 
| location       = [[Castle Peak, Hong Kong|Castle Peak]], [[Hong Kong]]
| map_type       = 
| coordinates    = 
| oscoor         = 
| remains        = 
| public_access  = 
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| other_info     = 
}}
{{Chinese
|t=青山禪院
|y=Chīng sāan sìhm yuhn
|p=Qīngshān Chán Yuàn
|ci={{IPA|yue|tɕʰɪ́ŋsáːn ɕȉːm jy̌ːn|}}
|j=Cing1 saan1 sim4 jyun2
|footnote={{designation list|embed=yes|designation1=HK Grade I}}
}}

[[File:Tsing Shan Monastery.jpg|thumb|Tsing Shan Monastery]]

The '''Tsing Shan Monastery''', also known as '''Castle Peak Monastery''', is situated at the foot of [[Castle Peak, Hong Kong|Castle Peak]], near [[Tuen Mun]], [[Hong Kong]]. Parts of the monastery are listed as [[Heritage conservation in Hong Kong|Grade I historic buildings]], others are listed as Grade II historic buildings.<ref>[[Antiquities Advisory Board]]: [https://www.aab.gov.hk/form/AAB-SM-chi.pdf List of the 1,444 Historic Buildings with Assessment Results] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126151137/https://www.aab.gov.hk/form/AAB-SM-chi.pdf |date=26 January 2020 }}</ref>

==Overview==
Inside there are the Pui To Pagoda, Tsing Wan Koon ({{zh|t=青雲觀|labels=no}}) and the Tsing Shan Temple. These historical monuments have stood through the ages in the tranquil wooded area. The striking and picturesque surroundings create an enjoyable view as well as a solemn ambiance. Upon entering the monastery, the words "{{zh|t=香海名山|labels=no}}" (Fragrant Sea and Prestigious Mountain) will be perceived engraved on the portico. It is a caption by the former [[Governor of Hong Kong|governor]] [[Cecil Clementi|Sir Cecil Clementi]]. On the reverse side are the words "{{zh|t=回頭是岸|labels=no}}" (Repentance is Salvation), an inscription by Reverend [[Tit Xim]]. Originating from [[Shiwan ware|Shiwan]], the crest tile of the archway is a delicate art treasure.

==Origin==
According to legend, an Indian monk who liked travelling in a wooden cup was believed to have lodged where the monastery now stands. Attracted by the natural wonders and the serene milieu, he built a chalet there for practicing [[meditation]]. Since then, the name of Reverend [[Pui To]] ({{zh|t=杯渡禪師|l=travelling in a cup|labels=no}}) has become widespread. In memory of him, his followers built a [[pagoda]] at the place where he formerly resided. At the back of the pagoda was a statue of Reverend Pui To. The time of construction, however, cannot be ascertained. Some say the Pui To Pagoda was built in the [[Jin dynasty (265-420)|Jin dynasty]] and redeveloped in the [[Song dynasty]]. Regular maintenance works has kept the historical relic's original appearance intact.

Adjoining to the Main Worship Hall is Ching Wan Koon, which is dedicated to [[Dou Lao]], a goddess who is believed to be able to relieve people from their worries.

The Tsing Shan Temple is the eldest amongst the temples in Hong Kong. There is a main worship hall inside the temple and the writing "{{zh|t=一切有情、同登覺地|labels=no}}" (Everything on Earth Has Ties and Reaches Nirvana Together) could be seen in front of the stairs leading to the hall. The peaceful environment of this [[Buddhist]] Temple offers an abiding sense of harmony.

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
{{Commons category|Tsing Shan Monastery}}
* [[Antiquities Advisory Board]]. Historic Building Appraisal. [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/en/10_Appraisal_En.pdf Tsing Shan Monastery, "Heung Hoi Ming Shan" Pai-lau] [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/photo/10_Photo.pdf Pictures]
* [[Antiquities Advisory Board]]. Historic Building Appraisal. [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/en/88_Appraisal_En.pdf Tsing Shan Monastery, Main Hall] [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/photo/88_Photo.pdf Pictures]
* [[Antiquities Advisory Board]]. Historic Building Appraisal. [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/en/160_Appraisal_En.pdf Tsing Shan Monastery, Bodhisattva and Ksitigarbha Hall] [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/photo/160_Photo.pdf Pictures]
* [[Antiquities Advisory Board]]. Historic Building Appraisal. [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/en/164_Appraisal_En.pdf Tsing Shan Monastery, Mountain Gatehouse] [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/photo/164_Photo.pdf Pictures]
* [[Antiquities Advisory Board]]. Historic Building Appraisal. [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/en/200_Appraisal_En.pdf Tsing Shan Monastery, Hall for the Protection of the Law] [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/photo/200_Photo.pdf Pictures]
* [[Antiquities Advisory Board]]. Historic Building Appraisal. [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/en/379_Appraisal_En.pdf Tsing Shan Monastery, Absolute Gate of the Law] [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/photo/379_Photo.pdf Pictures]
* [[Antiquities Advisory Board]]. Historic Building Appraisal. [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/en/441_Appraisal_En.pdf Tsing Shan Monastery, Dormitory] [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/photo/441_Photo.pdf Pictures]
* [[Antiquities Advisory Board]]. Historic Building Appraisal. [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/en/529_Appraisal_En.pdf Tsing Shan Monastery, Guest Hall] [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/photo/529_Photo.pdf Pictures]
* [[Antiquities Advisory Board]]. Historic Building Appraisal. [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/en/533_Appraisal_En.pdf Tsing Shan Monastery, Devotee's Forest (alias Nunnery)] [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/photo/533_Photo.pdf Pictures]
* [[Antiquities Advisory Board]]. Historic Building Appraisal. [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/en/538_Appraisal_En.pdf Tsing Shan Monastery, Kwun Yam (Goddess of Mercy) Pavilion] [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/photo/538_Photo.pdf Pictures]
* [[Antiquities Advisory Board]]. Historic Building Appraisal. [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/en/903_Appraisal_En.pdf Tsing Shan Monastery, Hall of Merit (alias Ancestral Hall)] [https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/photo/903_Photo.pdf Pictures]

{{Heritage conservation in Hong Kong}}

{{coord|22|23|31|N|113|57|33|E|region:HK_type:landmark_source:kolossus-zhwiki|display=title}}

[[Category:Buddhist monasteries in Hong Kong]]
[[Category:Buddhist temples in Hong Kong]]
[[Category:Grade I historic buildings in Hong Kong]]
[[Category:Grade II historic buildings in Hong Kong]]
[[Category:Tuen Mun District]]