The Bailin Monastery (Cypress Trees monastery,[1]) surrounding the pagoda, was built in the second century CE, and calledGuan Yin Monastery.[2] Its most prominent abbot was the famousChan masterZhaozhou (Joshu),[1] who is well known for theMu-koan.[1]
The temple was in ruin long before 1949.[3] In 1988, Jing Hui was persuaded to take over the Hebei Buddhist Association, and start rebuilding Bailin Monastery.[3] Jing Hui is a student[3] and dharma successor[4] ofHsu Yun, but has also adopted theHumanistic Buddhism ofTaixu.[3][note 1][note 2]
The seven-story pagoda stands at a height of about 40 m (131 ft), built on a stone foundation. The lower section of the pagoda is a bricksumeru pedestal, which features two rows of intricate carvings that include artwork of musicians, celestial guardians, animals, and peonies. The first story of this solid brick pagoda features a facade of doors and windows, as well as columns, rafters, andbrackets. Above this are seven tiers of eaves.
