Sangha (monk)
Sangha, also known as the Great Sage of Sizhou (泗州大聖, 'Sizhou Dasheng'; 628–710), was an eminent Chinese monk who lived in the Tang dynasty.
The emperor respected him as the national teacher [zh] and appointed him to be the abbot of Jianfu Temple in Chang'an.
Upon his passing, Emperor Zhongzong honored him by paying tribute to his preserved body and sending it back to Linhuai Pagoda in Sizhou for offerings.
When Sun Wukong was at a loss about how to deal with the Yellow Brows Great King (黃眉大王), he requested the assistance of Preceptor of State-King Bodhisattva to help him subdue the monster.
However, the bodhisattva had recently undertaken the task of subduing the Water Ape Demon and couldn't go in person.
Once the native from Sizhou sat down in the gazebo, his soul was enlightened by Guanyin Bodhisattva and taken to the Western Pure Land, while his physical body remained in the pavilion.
[16] In folk belief, Sizhou Dasheng is highly regarded as understanding and sympathetic towards men and women seeking a fulfilling marriage.
People pray to Sizhou Dasheng not only to obtain love but also to ensure their partner remains faithful, ultimately leading to a happy and fulfilling marriage.
[16] The Sizhou Dasheng Bronze Statue, dating back to the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279), was discovered in 1974 at the Xingshengjiao Temple Pagoda in Songjiang District, Shanghai.
Inside the box, they found a shadow celadon bowl and a green dotted colored clean bottle.
The clean bottle contained numerous relics, which were colorful, predominantly white, crystal clear, and shiny, with a round and smooth appearance.
According to the textual research on the inscription found on the stone tablet, these relics were identified as belonging to the Great Sage of Sizhou.
The relics were first unveiled for worship in 2004 at Wukong Temple, located in Qingyang Town, Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China.
[18] A tomb discovered in Henan, dated 1108, depicts a couple kneeling in worship before the Great Sage of Sizhou.
