[bivouacrecording] Zhen Ru Si

[Sounds of Shanghai] Recorded June 1, 2009. The Zhenru Temple is situated in Zhenru Town at the northwestern edge of Shanghai city, near Tongchuan Lu. The temple was built in in 1320 AD, during Yuan Dynasty. The Grand Hall in the temple complex is the oldest wood frame building preserved in Shanghai today. The rest of the peaceful grounds are noticeably new in construction but perhaps no less beautiful than the original. The new constructions are quite ornate and are closely integrated into the existing design.

This recording is taken outside of a door left ajar during afternoon prayers (see picture). This prayer is a little less formal than the one taken at the Longhua Temple as several monks seem to sing their own prayers- the fast rhythm of the wooden block being the only element tying them together.