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What I am particularly proud of China is the "西安古观音禅寺"/ The ancient Avalokiteshvara Zen Temple of Xi`An city--my own translation to show the basic meaning of the chinese name. The temple was built in 628AD, and the symbolic ginkgo tree in the temple was planted by Tang dynasty emperor Taizong(598-649AD) himself. The ginkgo tree is one of my most favorite tree species of the world, ginkgo for me is like sakura for japanese, tulip for hollanders. I think ginkgo is sacred for chinese Buddhism, therefore it is as important as the temple structure there. The whole site is a piece of art in terms of archicteture and gardening.
Also my personal symbol of spiritual well-being and happiness is the ginkgo leaf, with a small cross projecting from the top, I designed this symbol one years ago before realizing it looks like the ginkgo leaf: firstly I draw a Fleur de lys type of symbol to symbolize the human spirit, and then feeling a bit wanting and then I put a downward curve to cover the FdL, symbolizing the compassionate sky that protects the flower, then this is the symbol of happiness. Why I add a cross at the top? it means the undying light that shines from the sky, also a christian inspiration. This is my own symbolic art, combining my own spiritualism, Buddhism, Christianity. I have design many other symbols as well, only Oh, yes, I am trying to sanctify Ginkgo.
The basic similitude sketch is here, not my own drawing, but shall be drawn upright not curvy as in natural conditions.
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