| It has been almost 2000 years since Buddhism was introduced into China. Through ups and downs, destructions and reconstructions, great temples have stood the test of time.Bailin Temple, located in Zhao County, Hebei Province, was built in Han Dynasty. Despite its wide-spread reputation established by the Zen Buddhist master, Chao-chou Ts’ ung-shen, the monastery has suffered numerous vicissitudes since modern times. Before the most recent reconstruction,there was only one stupa left with 20 cypress planted in Tang Dynasty. However, 20 years’ later, palace halls have been rebuilt, ceremonies and activities revived. The amazing rejuvenation of this precious relic is also witnessed by countless pilgrims and Buddhist believers!The study will focus on three aspects: the reconstruction process,richness of the contemporary ritual soundscapes, and occurrence and development of ritual soundscapes along with the reconstruction process, in order to throw light on the following points:1. Inherence, diversity, and unity of the ritual soundscapes brought forth and developed by the reconstruction process of the temple.2. Dominant role of faith and subordinate role of soundscapes in the restructuring of Bailin Temple, as well as the generality of Bailin Temple’s ritual soundscapes due to the lack of a historical sequence.3.Meaning of such restructuring, which resides in inheritances and innovations; as well as spiritual continuity via births and deaths of matters.So does the Chinese traditional music. |
