The Buddhist Bell of the Yuan Dynasty (1279- 1368) is 2.12 meters
in height, 1.3 meters in rim diameter and 2,048 kilograrns in
weight. Cast with bronze alloy, it contains 71 percent of copper,
13 percent of tin and a small amount of other metals. The Buddhist
bell was struck at a temple to call people together to attend
Buddhist services. According to the
Dharma-gupta-vinaya
Rules, "The bell was struck to summon monks and other Buddhist
devotees from the ten directions. Those who heard the stroke
converged for their common benefit. The evil-doers and all
sufferers were called to cease their activities." As one put it,
"Immortals are happy when they hear the stroke. Ghosts stop their
ferocity when they hear it. The stroke will break into hell and
rescue a multitude of poor people." For monks and nuns, the
Buddhist bell was an important instrument for upholding Buddha's
teachings. The inscription on the bell says, "The stroke of the
bell enables one to alleviate worries, leave hell, get out of the
abyss of suffering, become a Buddha and release all living
creatures from the sea of misery." The stroke of the bell enabled
the good and honest people to be away from suffering and enjoy
happiness and the villains to drop their cleavers and stop their
bad conduct. Therefore, casting bells was an act of great service.
