Back Monte de pagodes del monesteriu de Shaolin AST Bosc de pagodes del monestir Shaolin Catalan Bosque de pagodas del monasterio de Shaolin Spanish Forêt de Pagodes du Temple Shaolin French Šuma pagoda u šaolinskom hramu Croatian Hutan pagoda di Kuil Shaolin ID Pagodaskogen vid Shaolin Swedish 少林寺塔林 Chinese
塔林, Ta Lin | |
 Pagoda Forest. | |
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  Cemetery Location of site in China. | |
| Alternative name | Tower Forest |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 34°30′19″N 112°56′19″E / 34.50538690631235°N 112.9385338036657°E |
| Area | 14,000 m2 (3.5 acres) |
| History | |
| Abandoned | Never abandoned. |
| Site notes | |
| Condition | Well preserved, some pagodas partially restored. |
| Ownership | People's Republic of China |
| Public access | Yes with admission ticket barring special circumstances |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural styles | Various |
| Note: the specifications in this box are or are based on the definition of the site given in the official sign displayed above. Some specifications by other authors may be stated in the text or the notes. | |
Pagoda Forest at Shaolin Temple refers to the main cemetery for Buddhist monks at the Shaolin Temple under Mount Song. Consisting of about 250 memorial pagodas beneath or in which the ashes of the deceased were placed, the cemetery covers about 21,000 m2 (5.2 acres). The cemetery is forested. Its name, "tower forest" (Chinese 塔林, Ta Lin)[i] reflects that fact, whether because the pagodas are like a forest,[1] or are in a forest.[ii] The usual English translation is "Pagoda Forest." Its center is about 250 m (270 yd) from monastery grounds.[2]
These memorial "pagodas" are not real ones, which are inhabitable buildings of one or more stories with roofs bearing upturned eaves. Symbolically the memorial imitations are habitations of the dead, representing real towers. In English the upturned roofs are often termed "tiers." The number of tiers in the memorial tower are compatible with the former status of the deceased.
The continuity covers more than 1,200 years, but usage continues at a slow rate. Not every monk can be interred there; for the most part they are illustrious in some way.[3] Apart from two pagodas representing groups of monks, the ordinary monks not in leadership positions were interred outside the Pagoda Forest in the graves of ordinary men.
During their 1,200 years, the monastic facilities have undergone many changes, ending up as the complex martial arts and geotourism centers they are now. The original monastery was founded as the first chan center specializing in Kung Foo and related martial arts. The monks always maintained an affectionate respect for the masters, who are still known by name. The tombs are generally well kept and are in a protected location.
Although the cemetery is the largest, not all the commemorative pagodas are located there. Other monasteries in the vicinity have pagodas as well. Pagodas also are not the only form of commemorative architecture. Steles may be found at various locations. The more famous historical figures warrant statuary or wall painting.
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- ^ This point of view is expressed by ICOMOS (2008). Historic Monuments of Denfeng (China) (Report) (No 1305rev ed.). UNESCO World Heritage Centre. p. 17.
- ^ China Internet Information Center. "Pagoda Forest at Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng of Henan Province". China Through a Lens. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
- ^ Ren & He 2021, p. 159