The Pure Land Monastery and the Donglin Grand Buddha are located on a hill in the southwest of the Global Geopark of Mt. Lushan, near the Poyang Lake. It is the branch monastery of the Donglin Temple (the East Grove Temple) of Mt. Lushan, which is the birthplace of Pure Land Buddhism. Leaning against Mt. Lushan and surrounded by lakes, the topography of the Pure Land Monastery is well spaced, casting radiance and beauty to this area. The east and west sides are stratum fault zones leading directly to the depths of the crust. Due to the pressure of confined water, the beneficial elements from the depths of the crust are continuously exported to the surface and nourish everything on earth. Therefore, abundant water vapors all year round, which shapes a dense vegetation and humid climate.
Entering the main front gate, the terrain gradually rises up to the hilltop where the world's largest standing statue of Amitabha Buddha locates. It has a holly canopy of 81 meters high. The Buddha statue is casted from 298 tons of red copper mixing with 48 kg of melted gold. The outer surface adopts the traditional Chinese natural lacquer and gilding technique, making it shinning and bright. This statue of Amitabha Buddha is the highest and largest statue with a holly canopy in the contemporary era.
The Donglin Pure Land Monastery covers about 2.6 million square meters. Started in 2008, the casting of Buddha statues and the construction of temples were all funded by donations from Buddhists from China and overseas. The overall layout of the temple was built in accordance with the style of the most glorious period of temple architecture in the Tang and Song Dynasties. Social welfare facilities such as old people’s home and a hospice care hall are also built inside the monastery. The halls and pavilions are connected by long corridors, making it convenient to visit in sunshine or in rain. As the most prestigious practice site of Pure Land Buddhism, the temple and the Buddha statue are open to the public for free all year round, meanwhile incense candles and vegetarian meal are also free of charge. It is the most prominent temple practicing Pure Land Buddhism in the world.
