Ancient towers of Xi'an, Tu-Shun Stupa and Ch'eng-kuan Stupa, are in jeopardy. We are urging everyone who cherishes the human cultural heritage, every Buddhist and warm-hearted people to stand up and help.
Huayan Temple in Xi'an of central China's Shaanxi Province is the origin of the Huayan School in Mahayana Buddhist philosophy. Inside there are the two ancient Stupas of the patriarchs of Huayan School. One is the Sheli Tower of Ven. Master Tu-Shun, the first patriarch of Huayan School. It was built in Tang dynasty about 1,400 years ago. The other is the Stupa of the fourth patriarch, Ven. Master Ch'eng-kuan and built about 800 years ago. At present, the ancient Towers in the temple are facing the danger of collapse.
Fourteen-hundred years ago, the temple was once the world center of Buddhism, attracting pilgrims from around the world. Courtyards and towers were constructed in large scale in the Huayan temple, producing a magnificent architecture style. But the main buildings don't exist any more, and there are only two brick towers left. Due to bad weather last year, these ancient towers are also in great danger. The soil erosion also posed a threat to the Sheli Tower of Master Dushun. Numerous cracks have formed in the land just one meter away from the tower.
Kuanchang, abbot of Huayan temple, said, "The mountainside was not reinforced. Thus landslides can take place any time it rains. This is the most serious problem."
They maybe cave in within a few months if nothing is done to save it. The rainy season is coming! But up till now no effective under-going protection for the ancient towers is known. The local government of Xi'an is responsible. We are urging everyone to sign and share with their friends, asking the City of Xi'an to take action immediately to save the ancient towers.
Please click the tab on the right and sign today, and share with other who care! Thank you!
For more information, see the breaking news from China.org and CNTV:
http://www.china.org.cn/video/2011-11/22/content_23977496.htm
http://english.cntv.cn/program/cultureexpress/20111122/104362.shtml
For more information in Chinese, and the appeals of many many people from various places, see
更多的信息和多方的呼吁请见：
http://travel.hsw.cn/system/2011/11/23/051165256.shtml
http://www.tianya.cn/publicforum/content/free/1/2341231.shtml
http://www.douban.com/group/topic/23844097/
http://www.tianya.cn/publicforum/content/free/1/2336147.shtml
11月28日，CCTV央视报导：《雨水侵蚀 华严寺两塔岌岌可危》
To: Mayor Jun Dong of Xi'an City and Rong Zhao the head of Shaanxi Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage
We, the undersigned, the citizens of Xi'an City, friends and visitors of Xi'an City, Buddhists from various countries, and warm-hearted people from around the world who cherish the ancient cultural heritage,
NOW look to your bold leadership to
TAKE ACTION immediately to save the ancient towers in Huayan Temple.
As one of the common wealth of mankind, there is no need to discuss how important of the Tu-Shun Tower and Ch'eng-kuan Tower are. They have been standing for thousand years! They do not only belong to Xi'an in Shaanxi, but should belong to the world; they do not only belong to this era, but also belong to the future children and grandchildren... The cultural heritage behind would never be reborn once they collapse. If the bad thing happens, we will prosecute the responsible ones for malfeasance. Let us do the right thing, and not suffer shame and embarrassment in the eyes of the world.
We look to your wise and forward-thinking leadership at this time
TO START THE CARE OF ANCIENT TOWERS IN HUAYAN TEMPLE IMMEDIATELY, and thank you in advance for your decision to take action.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
Please click the tab on the right and sign today, and share with other who care! Thank you!
