Monks build 'Zen Manor' in Guizhou

Zen Manor is located in the Wudang district’s Xiaoyan village in Guiyang, Guizhou province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Surrounded by rolling green mountains, a group of abandoned cabins in Xiaoyan village of Guiyang, capital of Guizhou province, inspired three monks to transform them into a “Zen Manor” in 2011.

Master Dedeng, together with his two apprentices Master Anshun and Master Dele, came to Xiaoyan village seven years ago, considering it a suitable place for meditation among the green mountains and the clear waters.

“Xiaoyan village caught our eyes at once. We settled here one year after our arrival because it’s Master Dedeng’s native land and it gave him a feeling of returning to his roots”, said Master Dele.

Subsidized by Master Dedeng’s brothers and suffering various hardships, the three monks built a peaceful and beautiful manor with parlors, libraries and drawing rooms. Free-standing vases, signposts, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and stone roads can now be found at the Zen Manor.

Zen Manor is currently open to the public and has attracted many citizens to pay a visit. “We intend to make a common home for all instead of a profitable project,” said Master Anshun.

One of Zen Manor’s peaceful courtyards. [Photo/Xinhua]