Dalun Temple of Tubo (simplified: 大轮寺, traditional: 大輪寺, pinyin: Dàlún Sì) was a Buddhist temple located in the Great Snow Mountain1 of Tubo2. The temple was the training ground and residence of the Wisdom King Jiumozhi, who served as the State Preceptor of Tubo.
History
Foundation
The Dalun Temple of Tubo was established in the Great Snow Mountain region of Tubo as a center for Buddhist practice and martial arts training. The temple served as a spiritual and martial arts institution, combining religious practice with martial arts cultivation.
Jiumozhi’s training
Jiumozhi trained at the Dalun Temple, where he learned the temple’s signature technique, the Flaming Sabre. During his time at the temple, he developed his martial arts foundation and spiritual practice.
Jiumozhi’s return
After experiencing a qi deviation from practicing multiple martial arts techniques, Jiumozhi lost his martial arts abilities and returned to the Dalun Temple. There, he devoted himself to studying Buddhist scriptures and eventually achieved enlightenment, becoming a renowned Buddhist master.
Organisation
Leadership structure
The temple was led by Buddhist masters who combined spiritual practice with martial arts training. The temple maintained a hierarchical structure typical of Buddhist institutions, with senior monks overseeing the training and spiritual development of disciples.
Notable members
Leadership:
- Jiumozhi (鸠摩智 – Jiūmózhì) - Wisdom King (大轮明王 – Dàlún Míngwáng), State Preceptor of Tubo, former disciple who returned after losing his martial arts abilities
Martial arts
Flaming Sabre
Flaming Sabre (火焰刀 – Huǒyàn Dāo) was the temple’s signature technique, learned by Jiumozhi during his training at the temple. This technique was a powerful martial art that combined internal energy with external techniques.
Minor Formless Skill
Minor Formless Skill (小无相功 – Xiǎo Wúxiàng Gōng) was another technique practiced by Jiumozhi, which he used to imitate the martial arts of other schools, including the techniques of the Shaolin Order.
Relationships
Connection to Shaolin Order
Jiumozhi used his Minor Formless Skill to imitate the martial arts of the Shaolin Order, demonstrating the temple’s ability to study and adapt techniques from other martial arts schools. This connection showed how Buddhist institutions could engage with the broader martial arts community.
Challenge to Tianlong Temple
Jiumozhi left the Dalun Temple to challenge the Tianlong Temple in an attempt to obtain the Six Meridian Divine Sword Scripture. This demonstrated the temple’s involvement in martial arts competitions and their pursuit of advanced techniques.
Locations
Great Snow Mountain
Great Snow Mountain (大雪山 – Dàxuěshān) was the temple’s location in the Tubo region. The mountain’s harsh climate and spiritual significance provided an appropriate setting for the temple’s combination of Buddhist practice and martial arts training.
Tubo region
The temple operated within the Tubo region, maintaining connections to the broader Buddhist community and martial arts world. Their location in this culturally significant region connected them to both spiritual and martial traditions.
See also
- Jin Yong factions
- Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils factions
- Jiumozhi – Wisdom King, State Preceptor of Tubo
- Minor Formless Skill – Another technique practiced at the temple
- Tianlong Temple – The temple Jiumozhi challenged