Orchids
Amidst the blend of ancient temple bells and blooming valley orchids, a delegation from Hong Kong’s Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group recently visited Donghua Zen Temple in Wengyuan County, Guangdong Province, embarking on a cultural journey to explore the deep connection between Zen and orchids. Renowned as the “Hometown of Chinese Orchids,” Wengyuan has deeply intertwined its orchid industry with regional culture. The temple’s unique tradition of offering orchids to Buddha further enriches this land with a distinctive Zen-inspired ambiance.
Upon entering Donghua Zen Temple, the serene sounds of Buddhist chants intertwine with the delicate fragrance of orchids, instantly immersing visitors in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Within the temple halls, pots of orchids are gracefully arranged, serving as sacred offerings to the Buddha. The tradition of offering orchids to the Buddha has a long history at Donghua Zen Temple. Master Wanxing, the abbot, explained to the visiting delegation that orchids are known for their elegance, purity, and humility, qualities that align perfectly with the Zen Buddhist principle of “seeing one’s true nature.”
Master Wanxing introduces orchids.
During the exchange, the Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group delegation toured the temple’s main structures, gaining deep insight into its historical roots and the cultural essence of offering orchids to Buddha. They also focused on the achievements of Wengyuan in promoting rural development through its orchid industry.
It is reported that Wengyuan, as the largest production base for Chinese orchids in the country, grows over 100 million orchid plants annually. It supplies 60% of the nation’s Chinese orchids and generates an annual output value exceeding 3 billion yuan. Leveraging its abundant orchid resources, Wengyuan County has vigorously developed industries related to orchid cultivation, processing, and sales, thereby increasing local farmers’ incomes. However, in its early development stages, Wengyuan’s orchid industry faced sales bottlenecks due to insufficient brand recognition.
Donghua Zen Temple actively engages in rural development, working closely with local farmers. Leveraging its cultural influence and using orchids as a bridge, the temple hosts various events such as meditation retreats and calligraphy and painting exhibitions. Each year, it selects 10,000 pots of premium orchids as offerings to the Buddha. These initiatives promote the integration of orchid culture and Zen spirit, attracting numerous domestic and international visitors to experience this unique convergence.
The symposium venue.
Orchids are not only an economic crop, but also a cultural symbol of Wengyuan. Wang Xiao, Assistant President of Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group and Executive President of Ta Kung Wen Wei International Culture Communication Co., Ltd., stated that the group will fully utilize its all-media platform advantages. Through diverse forms of communication, it will comprehensively report on the Zen-inspired culture of Donghua Zen Temple, support the development of Wengyuan’s orchid industry, and allow more people to appreciate the unique charm of Zen-orchid culture.
Using orchids as a medium, Donghua Zen Temple infuses the Zen spirit into the local economy, preserving the cultural imagery of “orchids blooming in secluded valleys” while building an industrial model where “one flower thrives numerous businesses”. In the future, Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group will deepen collaboration with the temple to explore practical approaches where Zen-inspired IP empowers rural revitalization, promoting Wengyuan’s orchid fragrance and Zen charm on the global stage. (translator: Jiang Renfeng)