We live in a society ruled by law now, yet there are still many things like folk remedies, rumors, and Qi Men Dun Jia, which are considered superstitious. Recently, people often asked me, “Do you know why you can’t go to Mount Wutai three times?” As a good, patriotic young person, of course I said I didn’t know. But, people are naturally curious, so today I’m going to answer that question for you.
I. What is Mount Wutai?
Mount Wutai, actually, is a collective name for five peaks located in Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province. It is one of the “Four Great Buddhist Mountains” in China.
Mount Wutai is also called “Qingliang Mountain,” which comes from its climate conditions.
Because Mount Wutai is mainly composed of ancient crystalline rocks, and its elevation spans a large range, the lowest point is only 624 meters above sea level, while the highest point, the North Peak, is 3061.1 meters above sea level. So, it’s rather cold in the mountains.
II. The uniqueness of Mount Wutai
1. Flat peaks
Speaking of the uniqueness of Mount Wutai, one thing we can’t miss is that the five peaks of Mount Wutai are the East Peak, the Wanhai Peak; the West Peak, the Hanging Moon Peak; the South Peak, the Brocade Peak; the North Peak, the Ye Dou Peak; and the Central Peak, the Cuiyan Peak. But the tops of these five mountains are all flat, like a high platform, hence the name “Mount Wutai.”
2. Large elevation span
The lowest point of Mount Wutai is only 624 meters above sea level, while the highest point, the North Peak, is as high as 3061.1 meters above sea level.
3. Unique climate
Mount Wutai is located between 38°55’—39°66′ N, 113°29’—113°39′ E, but its year-round climate characteristics are similar to the Greater Khingan Range.
The Greater Khingan Range is at 43.42N—52.57N, 118.05E—123.15E.
III. Why is it said that you can’t go to Mount Wutai three times?
This saying is actually a fabrication, and there is no concrete evidence to support it.
However, because Chinese people subconsciously believe that Buddhist places are sacred and holy, they think it’s not good to go there too many times.
IV. Taboos for making wishes at the Wutai Five Emperors Temple
1. You must burn incense when making a wish
Because this is a Buddhist holy place, you must be sincere. You must also burn incense before making a wish. The incense is like a channel connecting the human world and the divine realm.
Before burning incense, you must bow three times in the four directions of southeast, northwest, and then you can start praying.
2. You must fulfill your vows when making a wish
At the Five Emperors Temple, a person can make a maximum of three wishes, and once they are fulfilled, you must come back to fulfill your vows within one year.
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