I had heard that when making a wish at Yonghe Lama Temple, it only guarantees the process, not the outcome. Sometimes, what you ask for is granted in the most surprising ways, often with unexpected twists. You might wish for wealth, only to end up in the hospital a week later with a broken bone—your compensation from the accident indeed brings you a fortune, though at a personal cost. Or perhaps you wish for a good relationship, only to find yourself breaking up with your current partner, paving the way for the next one. You might pray for a raise, and soon find yourself working from nine to nine, six days a week—more money, but less sanity.
So, when I went with my friends, I kept reminding myself to remain calm, afraid that any stray thoughts might turn into unintended wishes. But as I walked through the temple, I found myself growing more peaceful with each step.
Despite it being a weekday afternoon, the temple was still quite crowded, yet everyone was silent and respectful. We picked up incense from the free incense distribution area and followed the crowd, bowing and praying at each hall. Whether dressed in traditional robes or modern Gucci, whether 18 or 80 years old, everyone sincerely lit incense, made wishes, and knelt in prayer.
Yonghe Lama Temple was much larger than I expected, with one hall leading to another. Outside, the incense was burning thick, while inside, the halls were grand and dimly lit. Before the Buddha statues, there were bright lamps and fresh flowers, and the Buddha smiled gently down at the devotees.
Words like “time” and “faith” seem particularly fitting for Yonghe Lama Temple. The yellow glazed tiles, weathered by centuries, glowed warmly even on a dim rainy day. People bowed their heads, hands clasped together, silently holding onto their wishes.
Before I arrived, I wondered if the gods could really find the time to grant so many wishes. But once there, I felt that the gods, full of compassion, could not bear to let anyone’s wish go unanswered.
In the temple, there is a persimmon tree growing beside one of the halls. The tree is slender, yet it bears many fruits, each about the size of a palm.
In the end, I didn’t make a wish, but simply being in a place filled with so many beautiful hopes left me feeling inexplicably satisfied. Perhaps it’s true that sincerity shines through in people.
If you ever have the chance, visit Yonghe Lama Temple. Whether you make a wish or not, it’s worth the experience.