On the vast plateau of southwest China, there is a mysterious place known as the "Water Buddha Country" - Yaqing Temple.
It is not only the center of the transmission of the Nyingmapa Dzogchen method of Tibetan Buddhism, but also the unique "daughter country" of China. In this sacred land, there are about 20,000 female practitioners who are far away from the world and focused on practicing the Dharma and gaining inner peace and resilience.
Yaqing Temple is located in the remote mountainous area of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, a plateau area about 4,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains.
The temple itself is built on a hillside surrounded by open grasslands and forests. The terrain is complex and varied, with peaks, valleys, grasslands, etc., adding a touch of secluded and sacred atmosphere to the temple.
The natural environment here is magnificent, with undulating mountains and meandering rivers, and it is a pure land that is not disturbed by modern civilization.
The temple is built because of its topography, and everything here looks so solemn. Whenever the first rays of sunlight shine in the morning, the whole temple seems to be bathed in golden Buddha light, revealing an indescribable solemnity and tranquility.
The local climate fluctuates greatly throughout the year. Winters are long and cold, while summers are short and cool. Precipitation is mainly concentrated in the summer, and the rest of the season is relatively dry.
The extreme climate and high altitude conditions make the living environment extremely difficult, but at the same time, it also provides an environment for cultivators to get away from the hustle and bustle and focus on their inner cultivation.
Yachen Monastery was founded in the early 80s by Lama Acho Rinpoche. The original intention was to provide a sacred place for women to practice Buddhism with peace of mind and achieve positive results. The temple is bounded by the Qushui River and is divided into two areas: Zhaba and Juemu.
Kyaw Mu refers to a woman who has become a monk. Here, adult males are not allowed to enter Kyaw Mu Island, and underage males are only allowed to enter if they are accompanied by female relatives. This special arrangement makes Yaqing Temple a veritable "daughter country".
The most unique feature of Yaqing Monastery is its difficult practice conditions. Here, there is no internet, no television, and even in recent years there is no electricity coverage.
Kyaw Mu's life was extremely simple, they had to chop wood, carry water, light a fire, cook and do all the work by themselves.
The bitter cold of winter makes it difficult for them to withstand the cold in their humble house, and they can only use curtains to shield them from the wind and snow. However, it is precisely these extreme living circumstances that temper the will and faith of every practitioner.
In Yaqing Temple, Juemu's daily life is not only labor but cultivation. There are festivals and retreats that take place day and night.
From listening to the Dharma to meditating, every activity is an exercise for one's own spirit. In the Tripitaka Hall, the sound of chanting is endless, and the explanations of the teachers spread to every corner.
In the silence of the mountains and forests, the closed lattice houses are pregnant with their profound Buddhism and adherence to their faith. Every November, when the public classes outside the temple end, a 108-day closed practice begins.
This is the most severe practical test for the Kyaw Mu, and only through these tests can they participate in this long spiritual journey.
At Yaqing Monastery, the lives of the Kyaw Mus are strictly managed. They can obtain the necessities of life through labor or pilgrim offerings, but they must complete all activities, including eating, by 7 p.m. each evening.
If you need to go out, you must also get approval from your superiors. Kyaw Mu, who left the temple without permission, could not return to this spiritual home.
Although these regulations may seem extremely strict to outsiders, for them, they represent their respect for Buddhism and the protection of the spiritual Pure Land.
It's just that not everyone can adapt to the practice of Yaqing Temple. Every year, many people come here to practice, but very few can persevere, and even fewer can obtain master certification.
There are no convenient living conditions here, there is no modern form of entertainment, and every Juemu who persists relies on firm beliefs and inner firmness.
Yaqing Temple, the "daughter country" hidden in the mountains, has finally unveiled its mystery to the outside world after several years of closure.
It is a truly pure place for those who wish to experience Buddhist baptism and spiritual purification first-hand.
If you yearn for such a place, then don't hesitate to come to Yaqing Temple and witness the power of faith.