Confuscious Temple

I'd never been to one before and whilst we were there found out why, there are barely any of them left and thought I learnt a lot whilst we were there it wasn't a lot to do with Confucianism itself but rather Imperialism education and governmental aspirations. First impressions it didn't look majestic like Bhuddist temples seen in SE Asia or Taoist temples in China, the style seemed to be more rudimentary lacking the external grandeur viewed elsewhere. There was a large pool of water in the courtyard which may have something to with Feng Shui?

Inside there was a large statue of (I'm assuming) the main man himself along with a variety of objects in the space directly in front of him, again not really seen elsewhere as people usually pray before a statute and if they wish to leave an offering. There were steles depicting Chinese characters around the room, all looking rather aged. I'd have loved to be able to read mandarin to know what is being said but i think the unknown lends an air of mysticism and mystery that is the reason why I am more in awe of a Chinese tablet than a Christian scroll.Read more