DingShanSi was originally built around the time of Bodhidharma (28th patriarch of Buddhism and 1st patriarch of Chan/Zen starting in China). Only remnants of the temple were rediscovered recently. They believe that DingShanSi was where Bodhidharma had settled for a couple of years prior to going to Shaolin Temple.
They have completed the main hall based on traditional Tang Dynasty architecture and aesthetics. They are in process to build out the remaining temple complex, also in Tang style.
I have always been curious about the people dedicating their lives to serve the community. While speaking with a young monastic at the temple, I learned that he was a professor of mechanical engineering for two years and had spent many years studying in Tennessee. Monastic lifestyle, especially here is a long way to what we’re accustomed to in US.
