In the upper reaches of the TiaoShui River, approximately ten miles away from the Wudang Dam, lies a valley with a rock cave known as Monk’s Cave. The legend of Monk’s Cave unfolds as follows:
It is unknown which year, month, dynasty, or generation it was, but a wandering monk arrived at Wudang Dam. After paying homage to the six major temples in the dam, he followed the TiaoShui River upstream, intending to continue southward to seek mountains and visit friends.
On this day, the monk arrived at the rock known as XianZiYan at dusk. He had barely crossed the TiaoShui River when he got lost in the deep mountains. As night fell, the monk became anxious, contemplating how to find a place to spend the night in a place where beasts like jackals, tigers, and leopards roam.
Just as the monk was in a state of panic, he suddenly heard the sound of a wooden fish. Startled, he thought he had misheard, but then he listened carefully and confirmed it was indeed the sound of a wooden fish from a sutra recitation, coming from halfway up the mountain. Delighted, the monk hurriedly lifted his robe and rushed towards the direction of the sound.
As he approached, the sound of the wooden fish suddenly stopped. He looked up and saw no temple there, only a dark cave under the overhanging rock, gaping at him. The monk felt a chill run down his spine and hesitated in front of the cave, regretting not inquiring about the situation along the way before setting out. He turned to look, and the sky was completely dark; it was impossible to go down the mountain and cross the river to return.He mustered his courage, muttering “Amitabha,” and entered the cave.
