It is a temple and is also a Buddhist divinity school. We had to contain our enthusiasm and speak softly while visiting. GaoMingSi, 高旻寺, has been around since Sui Dynasty around 1400 years ago. It is of Linji Zen lineage, one of four major Zen/Chan schools. Thich Nhat Nanh, Master ShingYun of FoGuanShan, and Late Master ShenYen of Dharma Drum Mountain are all part of the Linji Zen lineage.
We partook in their afternoon meditation and tea practicre. Let’s just say there was a monk with a long stick and everyone was very orderly. I only dozed when he was at the far side of the meditation hall.
The pictures above were taken with a fish-eye lens so they're a little curved.
Another special significance for us pilgrims is that over a dozen monastics from Dharma Drum Mountain partook in a full ordination ceremony at this temple, which this temple had only given this once in a hundred years. That’s a long time..
No.5 Yangzijiangnan Rd, Guazhou,Hanjiang, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China