“南樵百花，增城圣地”，新建的百花古寺位于广东省广州市增城区南香山南麓，南香山古称南樵，海拔434米，与西樵（南海大科山）、东樵（罗浮山）鼎足而峙，相互守望，最为粤中名胜。南香山有着独特的地理位置、丰富的自然资源和深厚的文化底蕴，使其成为岭南地区儒、释、道“三教合一”的福地。
白花古寺，前身为白花书院，始建于汉明帝刘庄永平十一年（公元68年），增城建制是汉献帝刘协建安六年（公元201年），民谚有云“未有增城、先有白花”之说。随着佛教发展的跌宕起伏，白花古寺自然遭遇“屡建屡毁，屡圮屡葺”的命运。1920年前后，咏禅法师担任百花古寺住持，前往增城，募捐筹款，移址于南香山双鱼岭，重建百花古寺。1937年，抗日战争全面爆发，兵燹之下，百花古寺逃脱不了被毁的命运。历史上白花寺虽不断被毁又反复重建，但一直是南香山最为重要的文化景观。
鉴于百花古寺有着悠久的历史传承及深厚的文化底蕴，故社会有识之士纷纷要求重建。在各级领导及广大信众的支持下，百花古寺于2013年被正式批准重建，并礼请广州市佛教协会会长耀智法师承担起中兴古刹之重任。在各级部门的大力支持下，耀智法师带领四众弟子及十方善信，胼手砥足，亲力亲为，经过十年努力和耕耘，领导关心、政府支持、众生发愿，和衷共济、众志成城，百花古寺正以崭新的面貌和姿态耸立在南香山下，展现在世人面前。寺区林荫蔽日，寺前流水潺潺，景色绝佳，环境优美。
全寺以广州古刹大佛寺“大佛”之形为规划布局，整个建筑梯级布局，以南北为中轴线，依山就势，自南往北，由低渐高，错落有致。主体建筑依次的顺序是，第一进：牌坊楼、园林景观；第二进：山门殿（木结构）、慈云堂、茗心斋、五方护法殿；第三进：天王殿（木结构）、地藏殿、普贤殿、伽蓝殿、文殊殿；第四进：大雄宝殿（木结构）、钟鼓楼（木结构）、弥陀殿、药师殿，下座百花讲堂、祖师殿、客堂，东西侧有斋堂、寮舍；第五进：金光明殿、藏经阁、大圆通殿；两侧分东西南北方院落，东北院落设禅堂、戒学堂、法宝堂、寮房；西北院落设念佛堂、法堂、方丈院、云水堂；东南方院落设百花精舍；西南方院落设莲花书院。北方院落拟建戒堂及寮房，东北方原矿坑拟建百花宝塔，西边拟建康养疗院，东边及其深入地段拟建教育学院、老人院及康复医院。一期已建殿、堂、寮、舍完成建筑面积五万多平方米，湖溪园林完成建筑面积两万多平方米。
百花古寺建筑群中，以“五位一体”为建设任务：一是旅游朝拜区，以前殿、中殿、后殿及两侧配殿等传统寺院布局，作为对外参观与朝拜的场所；二是艺术中心，利用采石废弃矿坑建设景观宝塔与周围开采弃石雕刻成摩崖石窟，建艺术博物馆及各种传统文化创意中心，作为对外艺术展示；三是文化教育中心，创办律学院（佛教戒律讲堂）、禅学院（佛教正念禅修）、净土学院（佛教念佛法门）及莲花书院（传统国学讲堂）为四大板块为框架的综合性传统文化教育学院；四是康养中心，成立中医与营养研究院，创办老人院及康复医院，为社会提供公益慈善的养生服务；五是建设生态绿美寺院，以特色造境、遵生营境、画意营境及正念入境等园林康养，建设成为绿美生态示范基地，每年举办园林康养与正念冥想的研讨会与对话交流活动。
百花古寺“五位一体”的建设，是一所完整的核心文化景区和传统文化教育中心，可以起到吸引民众、聚拢人气，营造精神家园、增强社区凝聚力的重要作用。可以为社会大众提供文化体验活动，深入地了解传统文化和地方历史；可以为佛教信众提供多元化学修体验，深入地提升修行道业和宗教素养；可以为社区长者提供安宁疗护、临终关怀，社会服务的重要平台；可以供爱心人士开展、组织各种公益慈善活动以帮助社会弱势群体，起到化解矛盾、安定人心的重要作用；可以为好学之士提供推广、传播、弘扬、研习中华优秀传统文化的教学和交流中心，传承中华民族智慧，讲好中国故事、岭南故事和南香山人文历史故事。
百花古寺园林建设遵循人与自然相互依存、共生共荣理念，将中国传统养生智慧与园林相结合，落实正念园林、养生环境的整体规划，积极践行绿美寺院的建设工作。
百花古寺致力于深入研究佛教宇宙观与中国传统养生智慧的结合。通过中心庭院的景观设计，仿造佛教中的须弥世界，中轴庭园的序列空间象征着须弥山，引领人们仿佛置身于须弥之中，感受天地之广阔。寺院外围的景观设计以二十四节气为主题，遵循自然界的季节更迭规律，探索天地人三者的和谐统一，引导信众在园林中顺应四季变化进行养生修行，从而达到去除杂念、领悟禅理的境界。这一做法不仅让信众在日常生活中体验自然之美，更在修行过程中领悟到人与自然和谐共存的深意。
在弘扬佛法、服务信众、推动文化交流等方面，百花古寺将继续以“爱国爱教 、弘法利生”为宗旨 ，积极推动优秀传统文化的发展及佛教慈善公益事业的发展。在学修方面，耀智大和尚提出深入践行以如来禅、祖师禅与念佛为基本遵循的“三大行门”，利用修行场地优势，将深化构建以“禅宗、净土宗、律宗、书院”四大板块为框架的完整修行体系。
重建后的百花古寺之所以称名“百花”，既体现耀智大和尚对毛泽东“双百”方针意义的尊重，又继承并超越古人，“莲花”独放，固然美不胜收，“万紫千红、春色满园”更符合现代人的审美情趣和追求，且寓“花开见佛”之禅意。
探赜索隐，钩深致远，是对她经历的千年沧桑历史的纪念，从今以后，相信重建的百花古寺作为精神的寄托、文化的瑰宝、凝聚的力量、求真至善臻美仰圣的信靠，福运绵延，仙寿恒昌。
南香山中，百花古寺，宁西之地，增城之光。
山川秀美，蔚然成风，碧水环绕，层峦叠嶂；
千年文脉，熠熠生辉，文化底蕴，源远流长；
经济发达，百业兴旺，商贾云集，市井荣昌；
古寺重光，再现辉煌，见证历史，承载信仰；
History of Baihua Ancient Monastery
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the magnificent Baihua Ancient Monastery, nestled at the southern foot of Nanxiang Mountain in Zengcheng District, Guangzhou City. This sacred site, being rich in historical heritage and cultural significance, has recently been revitalized to reclaim its former glory.
As we explore the profound history of Baihua Ancient Monastery, let us journey back in time to the year 68 AD in Later Han Dynasty . This was when the Lotus Academy, the predecessor of Baihua Ancient Monastery, was first established. Remarkably, this date predates the official founding of Zengcheng county by 133 years, which occurred in 201 AD.
This historical fact has given rise to a local saying like: “Before there was Zengcheng borough,
there was Baihua Monastery
(“未有增城，先有百花”).”
Such words reflect the monastery’s ancient origins and its significant role in the region’s history.
The former name "Baihua," was referring to white flower. Then it was renamed another ”Baihua”, which can be translated to " hundreds of flowers." The new name carries more profound meaning. As explained by Abbot Yaozhi, it reflects reverence for Chairman Mao Zedong's "Double Hundred" policy while embodying the monastery's aim to honor and transcend the wisdom of the ancients. Moreover, the name captures the Chan philosophy of enlightenment, symbolized by the phrase, “seeing Buddha upon the blooming of flowers(“花开见佛”).”
With the support of government leaders, the Buddhist community, and countless devotees, the monastery's reconstruction was officially initiated in 2013. Today, Baihua Ancient Monastery rises anew, standing proudly against the picturesque backdrop of Xiangshan Mountain, ready to share its timeless beauty with the world.
The newly reconstructed Baihua Ancient Monastery is the biggest Buddhist Monastery in the region and has been meticulously designed in the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty, incorporating distinctive Lingnan characteristics. Spanning over 300 acres, the monastery is thoughtfully divided into six functional zones: the Protective Green Zone, Baihua Plaza, the Worship Area, the Cultural and Art Center, the Buddhist Education Zone, and the Donation Center. This harmonious layout not only reflects traditional aesthetics but also serves diverse cultural, spiritual, and community purposes. Let us now explore these areas and discover their unique significance.
【2-牌坊】 Archway
Archway made of stone is a unique feature of Chinese architecture. As we approach the main archway, you'll notice the words "佛光普照" (The Buddha's Light Shines Everywhere) on the front and "慈云法雨" (The Clouds of Compassion and Dharma Rain) on the back, symbolizing the Buddha's boundless benevolence. Towering trees on both sides create a natural barrier, gently isolating the monastery from the noise of the outside world, making this a true sanctuary of peace.
【3-山门】 Mountain Gate
At the Mountain Gate, you'll find a couplet written by Venerable Monk Yaozhi:
“The serene land hides within Xiangshan, swept clean by the old monk净地隐香山，由是老僧拂扫;
The Gate of Emptiness lead to the Dharma realm, letting the openinged and closing be your will “空门通法界，任凭尔等开关.” This couplet reflects the tranquil location of Baihua Ancient Monastery and serves as an encouragement for future generations to strive diligently in their spiritual practice. The couplet invokes a renowned story of Huineng, the Sixth Patriarch of Chinese Chan Buddhism. Flanking the gate are the two guardian generals, General Heng on the right and General Ha on the left — standing watch to protect this sacred place.
As you step through the gate, take a moment to admire the two ancient lychee trees. These trees are over 400 years old, quietly observing everyone who comes and goes, much like patient elders watching over youth. Standing here, beneath their timeless branches, one can't help but feel small in the face of history and the enduring presence of the monastery.
【4-莲花池广场】Lotus Pond Square
Behind the Mountain Gate lies a lotus pond, where two statues of the Guangli Loong King and Guangji Loong King are enshrined in the center, symbolizing blessings and prosperity.
On the west side, you’ll see Chamber of Tea which serves as the office for the volunteer center. On the east side stands Tzu Yun Hall, designated as the donation center.
Move forward, to your right is the Hall of Samghārāma, where stands the statue of Guan Yu,. Known for his unwavering loyalty, courage, and integrity, also skilled in financial management and arithmetic, Guanyu earned respect across Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. In Buddhist tradition, he is venerated as Bodhisattva Samgharama and a Dharma protector. His legacy of honor and righteousness continues to inspire people to this day.
与佛教渊源：在《三国演义》中有段故事，关公被杀后在天上飞呀飞，不停地说“还我头来，还我头来”，有个老僧就对他说：“你找别人要头，你杀了那么多人，找谁要头啊？”。于是他大悟，皈依佛门。这个老僧就是天台山智者大师，关公皈依了智者大师。关公在湖北玉泉山显过圣，后来他把玉泉山供养给智者大师。
Let me share an interesting story about Guan Yu's connection to Buddhism. According to Romance of the Three Kingdoms, after Guan Yu was killed, his spirit wandered the skies, crying out, "Return my head! Return my head!" An old monk finally stopped him and said, "You demand your head from others, but what about the countless lives you’ve taken—who should they ask for their heads?" This awakened Guan Yu, leading him to seek refuge in Buddhism.
The monk in the story was Master Zhizhe of Tiantai Mountain, under whom Guan Yu took refuge. It’s said that Guan Yu later appeared as a deity on Yuquan Mountain in Hubei Province and, in gratitude, offered the mountain to Master Zhizhe. This story not only highlights Guan Yu’s spiritual transformation but also deepens his revered status across different faiths.
On your left is the Hall of Jambhala, the Buddhist deity of fortune and wealth. In Tibetan Buddhism, Jambhala is regarded as the chief among all wealth deities. According to the Exoteric Buddhist tradition（显宗）, when Shakyamuni was teaching, demons disrupted the assembly. At that moment, Jambhala appeared to subdue the demons. Impressed by his actions, the Buddha instructed him to protect the Dharma. This is why many Dharma centers enshrine Jambhala as a guardian of Dharma.
In the southeast and northeast corners of the Lotus Pond stand two Deities of Wealth—Fan Li and Wang Hai. Fan Li , the symbol of entrepreneurship, symbolizes wisdom in managing and generating wealth, reminding us that fortune comes through diligence and intelligence.
Wang Hai, a pioneer of commerce, laid the foundation for trade and inspires us to embrace innovation and explore the unknown.
【5-天王殿】
Ahead of us is the Devaraja Hall , where the Maitreya Bodhisattva, known to many as the cheerful and approachable "Laughing Buddha," is enshrined at the center. His friendly and down-to-earth image brings joy to all who visit.
On two sides of the hall stand the Four Heavenly Kings, each with a unique appearance and symbolic role:
Dhritarashtra, the King of the East, is depicted with fair skin and holding a pipa or ruan lute. He must tune up the string properly in order to play the music harmony, and in Chinses the “tune” is pronounced as 调， so this king indicates 调 and symbolizes the Middle Way of Buddhism.
Virūḍhaka, the King of the South, has a bluish-green complexion and wields a precious sword, representing the wisdom to cut through delusion and protect the Dharma. His sword is very sharp(锋利，锋谐风), in Chinese “sharp” is pronounced as 风（wind）, so he symbolizes the element of wind(风).
Virupaksha, the King of the West, has a reddish face and holds a dragon or snake in one hand and a jewel in the other. This signifies the impermanence of worldly phenomena and the unchanging nature of inner truth, and anyone who wants to be awakened must obey Dharma in his thought (dragon) , in Chinese “obey” is pronounced as 顺， so it symbolized 顺（Shun).
Vaiśravaņa (Dhanada), the King of the North, appears golden-yellow and carries a treasure umbrella, which, when closed, signifies a mind unpolluted by external influences. The umbrella also symbolizes Sila(precept) to protect people, and he governs the element of rain（雨）.
The Four Heavenly Kings standing together can be summarized as风调雨顺(timely wind and rain)，and each fulfilling their own duties, overseeing all spirits, and protecting Dharma.
If you’ve visited the Grand Buddha Monastery, you might notice something familiar—their representations are the same here: a "stringless lute," a "sheatheless sword," a "footless dragon," and an "unopened umbrella." These subtle details symbolize the prosperity and peace of the current age, where the deities appear in a non-threatening form.
At the back of the hall, you'll find Bodhisattva Skanda, known as Wei Tuo in Chinese. He resides in the Sahā World, protecting the Dharma across the three continents. His presence here symbolizes vigilance and the safeguarding of Buddhist teachings.
