XiZu Temple's Introduction
Xizu Temple is situated on Leshan Mountain in Andranovelona, approximately 50 kilometers west of Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. As the only Buddhist temple in the region, it was founded in 2021 by Venerable Chan Master Shi Wule, an eminent inheritor of the Linji School. The Master established this sacred place to create an oasis for spiritual cultivation and peaceful cultural exchange, serving both local communities and international visitors.
Origins and the Threefold Zen Culture
After successfully restoring and revitalizing a 1,400-year-old temple in China while developing the "Threefold Zen Culture" (Zen Music, Zen Tea, and Zen Forest), Venerable Wule resolved to bring these modern Chan practices to the global stage:
Zen Music: An innovative contemporary expression of ancient Chan wisdom. Through disciplined practice, monastic musicians embody truth, goodness, and beauty, achieving spiritual liberation that translates into profoundly moving performances. This art form awakens tenderness, joy, and peace in audiences while promoting global harmony through purified minds.
Zen Tea: More than a beverage, it represents mindful presence—where drinkers transcend logic and fame to savor culture, ease, and elegance without discrimination. The premium organic tea from Hong'an Tiantai Temple, brewed with Xizu's pristine mountain water, provides the perfect medium for this practice.
Zen Forest: Embodies the harmony between humanity and nature through ecological stewardship. The temple's classically inspired architecture coexists with extensive reforestation, creating a beautiful environment that welcomes visitors to relax body and mind.
In 2019, despite health challenges and at over seventy years of age, Venerable Wule courageously established Xizu Temple in Madagascar. He selected this promising land as a base for spreading Chinese Chan Buddhism's message of peace and compassion—not only continuing tradition but fostering global understanding. Driven by profound responsibility, he embarked on this demanding mission, joined voluntarily by 150 disciples from China.
While Africa differs significantly from China economically and culturally, Venerable Wule found its spiritual environment uniquely compelling. He recognized that precisely because Buddhism lacks deep roots here, Chan could demonstrate its transformative value, offering spiritual nourishment to local communities. The Master envisions Xizu Temple as a world-class meditation center where musical practice and compassionate service form the core disciplines. By blending tradition with modernity, he aims to make the temple a hub for global peace and cross-cultural friendship.
Current Facilities and Functions
Xizu Temple has constructed multiple facilities to provide serene spaces for practice:
Mahavira Hall: Main hall for daily ceremonies and rituals
Heavenly Kings Hall: Houses Maitreya Buddha and guardian deities
Saints Hall: Dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, Ksitigarbha, and Bodhidharma
Dawn Theater: Venue for musical Dharma assemblies
Monks' and Nuns' Quarters: Residential areas
Vegetarian Dining Hall: Serves mindful cuisine reflecting temple culture
Guest Meditation Quarters: Accommodations for practitioners and visitors
Future Vision and Sustainable Development
Plans include establishing a Music College to train Zen Music practitioners, preserving Buddhist architectural wonders through a "World Buddhist Landmarks" complex (replicating sites like Maya Devi Temple and the White Horse Temple), and solidifying Xizu's status as a premier global meditation destination. We warmly invite friends worldwide to experience profound Chan culture here—enriching lives while contributing to planetary harmony.
Conclusion
Xizu Temple strives to showcase Chan's beauty, inclusivity, and peace-building power. Through ecological care, moral upliftment, and cultural exchange, we offer hope for a kinder world while making Buddhism's unique contribution to global harmony. We welcome all like-minded partners to join this noble cause.