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Griffin Funding's Chloe Shubin Named a 2026 HousingWire Tech Trendsetter
Griffin Funding , a nationwide direct-to-consumer mortgage lender, today announced that Chloe Shubin, Vice President of Strategy, has been named one of HousingWire's 2026 Tech Trendsetters. Now in its eighth year, the award recognizes 75 leaders across mortgage lending, servicing, real estate, capital markets and housing technology. Shubin was honored for leading the strategic development and company-wide adoption of LIA, Griffin Funding's AI-powered Loan Intelligence Assistant. Launched to all employees in July 2025, LIA connects to Griffin's loan origination system, pricing engine and property valuation data, so a loan officer can test a borrower's scenario against investor guidelines in the middle of a call. Between August 2025 and August 2026, 111 employees across sales, operations, marketing and compliance asked LIA 42,789 questions, and 72 of them now use it during live borrower conversations. In its first full quarter, LIA saved an estimated 1,232 loan officer hours, time that went back to serving borrowers. "Every non-QM loan is a puzzle, and the pieces are scattered across hundreds of pages of investor guidelines," said Bill Lyons, President and CEO of Griffin Funding. "Chloe saw that AI could put those pieces together in minutes, then did the harder work of getting our whole company to use it. That's the kind of leadership this award was made for." "The borrowers we serve have usually been told no somewhere else," said Shubin. "They deserve a fast, confident answer, and LIA helps every loan officer give them one. I'm proud of this recognition and even prouder of the team that built it with me." HousingWire selected this year's honorees for turning AI, automation and data into practical tools that deliver measurable results for housing professionals and the consumers they serve. The full list of 2026 Tech Trendsetters is available at HousingWire.com .
St Charles County Hail-Damaged Home Roof Replacement: Contractor Services Expand
From Dunhuang to Niushoushan: A Meeting of Buddhist and Zen Culture on One Mountain
Keeping the Lights On: The Future of Energy Security in the Philippines
- October 26, 2026Others
Montana's Building Surge Is Hitting the Ground; Rhino Excavation & Trucking Expands Site Prep Capacity Across the Flathead Valley
Growth in the Flathead Valley is measured. According to U.S. Census Bureau interim population estimates reported by the Montana Free Press, Kalispell has added nearly 6,600 residents since 2020 , which is a 26% increase and the largest gain of any major city in Montana. That growth is arriving in the form of new subdivisions, commercial developments, expanded road networks, and rural land parcels being cleared for first use. Before any of it breaks ground, the land must be prepared. Site preparation is the first and most consequential phase of any build. Every home, commercial structure, and utility installation depends on excavation being done correctly before any other trade begins. Grading errors create drainage failures that persist for years, while improper land clearing compromises foundation integrity and can halt a project mid-permit. In a county where construction activity has remained historically elevated, demand for experienced local excavation contractors has risen in step with the population, and available capacity is being absorbed faster than many project owners anticipated. The permit volume confirms the pressure. Based on reports from Zillow, over the 12 months through May 2026, there were about 1.42 million residential permits issued nationwide. This number is down 2.2% from the prior 12-month period. Even so, contractors, developers, and private landowners are competing for a limited number of qualified site prep crews. To meet that demand with the expertise the region requires, Rhino Excavation & Trucking is expanding its site preparation capacity across Kalispell and Flathead County. The veteran-owned company, founded by U.S. Air Force veteran Chris after more than 15 years of hands-on industry experience, provides full-service excavation for residential and commercial projects throughout the valley. The capacity expansion is designed to accommodate a higher volume of project assignments without reducing the precision and schedule reliability the firm has built its reputation on. Rhino handles every phase of site development from initial clearing to final grade. Services include land clearing and tree removal, home foundation excavation and installation, drainage and finish grading, road construction, hardscaping, retaining wall installation, septic system installation and repair, and trucking for material import and export. The veteran-trained team applies a safety-first approach and clear client communication on every job. These standards carry through from the first site walk to permit sign-off. Rhino Excavation & Trucking serves residential property owners and commercial developers across Kalispell and the broader Flathead Valley. As the region absorbs new residents and the development pipeline that follows, the firm's expanded capacity positions it to take on more projects without delays in scheduling or execution.
- October 26, 2026Others
Panther Pest Control Announces Expanded Residential Pest Management Services in Oviedo, Florida
Panther Pest Control, a locally and family-owned pest control company headquartered in Winter Park, Florida, announces the expansion of its residential pest management services with a renewed focus on pest control in Oviedo and surrounding Seminole County communities. The expansion highlights specialized pest treatment programs, increased service capacity, and localized solutions designed for homeowners in Oviedo, including Alafaya Woods, Twin Rivers, Kingsbridge, Live Oak Reserve, Black Hammock, and Oviedo on the Park. Expanded Pest Management Services Panther Pest Control is strengthening its residential service offerings to address pest challenges commonly found in Oviedo's wooded neighborhoods, residential developments, and properties near wetlands. Specialized treatment programs include: Subterranean and Formosan termite control: Advanced termite protection using the Sentricon® system, delivered by Certified Sentricon Specialists, with free termite inspections. Rodent control and exclusion: Property inspections, trapping, removal, and sealing of potential entry points to help prevent recurring rodent activity. Bat Removal and Exclusion: Professional inspections to identify bat activity, locate potential entry points in attics and rooflines, and implement humane exclusion solutions to prevent bats from reentering the property. Mosquito, ant, and cockroach management: Customized pest treatments designed around each property's conditions and seasonal pest activity. Expanded Focus on Oviedo and Seminole County Oviedo's combination of established neighborhoods, wooded properties, growing residential communities, and proximity to wetlands presents distinct pest management challenges. Properties near Lake Jesup and Black Hammock can experience elevated mosquito and rodent activity, while heavily landscaped neighborhoods may face recurring issues with ants, spiders, termites, and cockroaches. Panther Pest Control is emphasizing localized, inspection-first pest management to address these conditions. The company's Oviedo service coverage includes Alafaya Woods, Twin Rivers, Kingsbridge, Live Oak Reserve, Black Hammock, and surrounding communities, with additional service throughout Chuluota, Winter Park, Sanford, and Greater Orlando. To support its broader Central Florida operations, the company has expanded its service vehicle capacity and offers same-day appointments whenever scheduling permits. Commitment to Personalized, Family-Owned Pest Control Speaking about the new expansion, Darrell Carpenter Jr., Co-Founder, stated that: "Every neighborhood in Central Florida has its own pest challenges, and Oviedo is a great example. Between the wooded properties, lakes, and growing residential communities, homeowners need pest management solutions that address what's happening on their specific property. Our goal is to make reliable, personalized pest control more accessible to families throughout Oviedo and the surrounding communities." The locally owned company offers flexible service options, free inspections, and a customer satisfaction guarantee. Homeowners seeking pest control in Oviedo can learn more at: https://www.panther-pest.com/pest-control-oviedo-fl or contact Panther Pest Control at (407) 713-7853. About Panther Pest Control Panther Pest Control is a locally owned, third-generation pest control company headquartered in Winter Park, Florida. Founded by Darrell Carpenter Jr. and Bo Butler, the company provides residential and commercial pest management services throughout Orlando, Oviedo, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Longwood, Sanford, Winter Garden, College Park, and surrounding Central Florida communities. Its services include general pest management, termite control, rodent exclusion, mosquito treatments, and specialized pest solutions. Website: https://www.panther-pest.com/ .
- October 23, 2026Others
Food Aggression In Dogs: NJ Trainer Releases Resource Guarding Safety Guide
Rylee Rose, CPDT-KA, FDM, of Washington, NJ-based Rose Dog Training has published a guide for families dealing with food aggression, covering early signs of resource guarding, possible causes, mistakes owners should avoid, and immediate steps for reducing conflict around meals. The resource also explains when sudden guarding warrants veterinary attention and when individualized behavioral training may be appropriate. More information is available at https://www.rosedogtraining.com/blog/food-aggression-in-dogs In the guide, Rose notes that food aggression can range from subtle changes such as stiffening over a bowl or eating faster when someone approaches to more obvious growling, snapping, or biting, explaining that the behavior is a form of resource guarding, where a dog is concerned about losing something it values. Importantly, she notes that some common responses can inadvertently reinforce the behavior. As such, Rose advises owners against punishing growling, grabbing bowls during meals, or deliberately placing their hands near the food to establish control. “A growl is your dog’s way of saying ‘please back off,’” she explains, noting that suppressing the warning does not necessarily change how the dog feels about someone approaching its food. Instead, Rose recommends managing the environment while the behavior is being addressed. Dogs can be fed separately from children and other pets, with household members instructed to give them space while eating and bowls removed once meals are finished. Sudden food aggression, however, may require medical attention before behavioral work begins. Rose recommends veterinary assessment when guarding appears unexpectedly, since pain or illness can contribute to a sudden change in behavior. Where guarding persists, spreads to other resources, or creates a bite risk, individualized behavioral training can help identify the specific triggers sustaining the response. Rose Dog Training provides one-on-one in-home sessions, allowing the trainer to observe household routines, other pets, and the situations in which guarding actually occurs. The company uses a science-based LIMA — Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive — approach, with training focused on changing the dog’s response around valued resources rather than simply suppressing outward warning behaviors. Rose has also completed Michael Shikashio’s Aggression in Dogs Master Course. Rose Dog Training serves Long Valley, Chester, Somerville, Bridgewater, Basking Ridge, and surrounding New Jersey communities. Dog owners can learn more at https://www.rosedogtraining.com/dog-training-services
- October 23, 2026Others
Pinnacle Building Services Expands Medical Cleaning Services in Phoenix
Pinnacle Building Services, an Arizona commercial cleaning company serving businesses since 1994, has expanded its medical office and healthcare facility cleaning services in Phoenix . The expansion comes as Greater Phoenix continues to add new healthcare facilities. According to Colliers' Q2 2026 Phoenix Medical Office Building Market Report , 436,396 square feet of medical office space was under construction across the Valley, up 67 percent from a year earlier. The report points to population growth and the continued expansion of outpatient care among the factors driving new healthcare development. For Pinnacle, the city's continued focus on healthcare highlights the growing importance of providing professional commercial cleaning services to the many healthcare facilities operating throughout Phoenix, from independent physician and dental offices to specialty clinics and larger outpatient facilities. “There are already a lot of medical offices and healthcare facilities throughout Phoenix, and we’re continuing to see more investment in healthcare in the area,” Fady said. “It’s exciting for us because as new facilities are opening, they’re going to need commercial cleaning companies to keep those buildings clean and maintained. We see a lot of opportunity for Pinnacle to grow along with the healthcare industry here.” Bringing Decades of Experience to Phoenix Pinnacle is optimistic about the opportunity to grow its commercial cleaning services in Phoenix . The company brings approximately 35 years of experience providing commercial cleaning for medical and healthcare facilities in Northern Arizona, where it has built long-standing client relationships and earned strong reviews for the quality and reliability of its service. With healthcare continuing to grow across Phoenix, Pinnacle sees strong potential for its medical cleaning services in the market. The company is looking forward to working with more physician offices, dental practices, specialty clinics and other healthcare facilities as it expands its presence in the city. About Pinnacle Building Services Founded in 1994, Pinnacle Building Services is an Arizona commercial cleaning company providing customized janitorial and facility cleaning services for medical facilities, professional offices, schools, retail businesses, warehouses and other commercial properties. The company's medical cleaning services are available throughout Phoenix, including Downtown Phoenix, Midtown, the Camelback Corridor, Biltmore, Desert Ridge, Paradise Valley and North Phoenix. For more information about Pinnacle Building Services' medical office and healthcare facility cleaning services in Phoenix, visit the company's Phoenix medical cleaning services page.
- October 22, 2026Others
Woman-Owned Canadian Gifting Brand The Gourmet Gifts Opens Bulk Corporate Hamper Orders for Year-End Thank-Yous
Woman-owned Canadian gifting company The Gourmet Gifts is creating a curated range of hampers for companies looking to send out thank-yous that feel more personal. Hampers contain sparkling wines, gourmet ingredients, and champagne, all enclosed within the brand's most impressive gift baskets . The range has arrived just in time for end-of-year corporate gifting. Companies can take advantage of the luxury hampers to mark employee successes or welcome new hires for the following year. The Gourmet Gifts offers various options in its luxury collection, including the Imperial Champagne Experience, the Veuve Clicquot Celebration Basket, and the Grand Gourmet Gift Basket. Every basket is hand-picked and prepared before shipping, giving it an artisanal feel. A spokesperson from The Gourmet Gifts said the following: “We're opening up bulk buying options and enabling businesses to purchase 20, 50, or 200 baskets in a single run, with bespoke and custom-printed messages for every person. Gifts going to several addresses can be handled from a single invoice, with larger orders carrying additional perks like custom packaging, logo cards, and company-branded ribbons.” The Gourmet Gifts is also pleased to announce that it offers a gifting program for managed accounts run by a dedicated gifting specialist for companies that want to give gifts more than once a year. The service can build schedules around future calendars, ensuring that gifts arrive when and where they're needed. In addition, The Gourmet Gifts allows gifts to be semi-customized and potentially include the company's own products, with prior arrangement. Fully custom baskets are also available, designed according to the brief the brand sends. The Gourmet Gifts delivers to every territory and province across Canada. Orders placed by 4 pm arrive the same day in Toronto and the GTA. Next-day delivery options are available at checkout in qualifying regions, with conventional delivery services taking between 3 and 5 business days for the rest of Canada. Hampers containing champagne and wine only go to recipients over the legal drinking age limit. Gifts may also count towards supplier diversity reporting. The Gourmet Gifts is a WBE-certified supplier. For more information about The Gourmet Gifts use the contact details below:
- October 22, 2026Others
Elite Robots Advances Physical AI Through Embodied Intelligence and Robotics Partnerships
Demonstrations at PACK EXPO and CIIF highlight proprietary PRIMO technology, third-party AI integration and emerging real-world applications. Elite Robots is advancing its Physical AI capabilities through proprietary embodied intelligence and collaborations with AI developers and application partners. Recent demonstrations at PACK EXPO International in Chicago and the China International Industry Fair (CIIF) in Shanghai highlighted the company's approach to connecting AI models with robotic hardware, enabling intelligent systems to perceive, adapt and interact with the physical world. Bringing Physical AI into Real-World Applications At PACK EXPO International 2026, Elite Robots showcased a Physical AI application developed by Synphony, featuring a dual-arm robotic system built with two Elite Robots CS612 collaborative robots and powered by Generalist AI. During the live demonstration, the two robotic arms coordinated their grippers to handle a plastic water bottle, offering visitors a direct view of how AI-driven robotic systems can interact with everyday objects through physical manipulation. Beyond the exhibition, this approach holds potential for a wide range of applications, from agricultural handling to manufacturing and logistics, where robots must interact with different objects and adapt to changing task requirements. PRIMO: Advancing Proprietary Embodied Intelligence Alongside its external collaborations, Elite Robots is developing its proprietary PRIMO embodied AI model, designed to integrate multimodal perception, task understanding, planning and physical execution. PRIMO employs a Vision-Language-Action (VLA) architecture to connect visual perception and language understanding with robotic actions. Working alongside force-controlled robotic systems, it supports adaptive manipulation and task generalization, allowing robots to respond to variations in objects, environments and instructions rather than relying solely on predefined motion sequences. At CIIF 2026, Elite Robots presented selected demonstrations of PRIMO operating with CS66F force-controlled collaborative robots in a dual-arm configuration. Representative tasks included precision optical-module insertion and removal, zip-tie threading, adaptive packing and unpacking, and general-purpose object grasping guided by natural-language instructions. These demonstrations illustrated how embodied intelligence can support both precision manipulation and variable handling tasks, extending robotic capabilities beyond conventional pre-programmed operations. Beyond fixed robotic configurations, PRIMO also serves as the intelligence engine for Elite Robots' Centaur-G1 wheeled humanoid robot, combining mobile manipulation with spatial understanding and task planning. This reflects the company's broader vision of extending embodied intelligence across multiple robotic forms. Empowering AI Developers with Robotic Hardware In parallel with its proprietary AI development, Elite Robots provides collaborative robotic hardware to support third-party embodied AI developers in collecting real-world interaction data, testing manipulation capabilities and validating their own models. The company's CS Series robotic platforms enable AI developers to connect their models with physical systems, evaluate performance through real-world interaction and refine robotic behaviors across different tasks and operating conditions. The PACK EXPO demonstration illustrates this approach in practice, bringing together externally developed AI intelligence, Elite Robots' robotic hardware and a partner-developed application. Through these two complementary approaches—advancing its proprietary PRIMO model and providing robotic hardware for independent AI developers—Elite Robots aims to help bridge the gap between AI research and real-world robotic applications. About Elite Robots Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Shanghai, Elite Robots is a global collaborative robotics manufacturer specializing in intelligent automation solutions. The company develops core robotic hardware and software in-house, with a portfolio spanning collaborative robots, mobile manipulation and embodied AI technologies. With more than 20,000 robots deployed across over 50 countries, Elite Robots serves customers in manufacturing, logistics and other industries worldwide. For more information, visit www.eliterobots.com .
- October 21, 2026Others
Crawl Space Encapsulation & Waterproofing: 2026 Moisture Control Guide Released
Tristate Waterproofing has published a guide examining why crawl space humidity and moisture problems develop in homes across Georgia and the Carolinas, along with the waterproofing and encapsulation solutions available to address them. More information is available at https://tristatewaterproofing.net/crawl-space/crawl-space-moisture-problems-and-solution/ According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, northern Georgia typically receives 50 to 60 inches of precipitation annually, distributed fairly evenly across all four seasons. That sustained rainfall means moisture can work its way into crawl spaces year-round, particularly when grading or drainage issues direct water toward a home's foundation. Tristate Waterproofing's guide is designed to help homeowners recognize those conditions and understand the damage they can cause before mold, wood rot, or weakened floor framing sets in. The guide begins with early warning signs of crawl space moisture problems, including subtle indicators like musty odors or condensation on pipes. It then traces moisture to three primary sources, ranging from exterior water intrusion to everyday household habits, and explains how these sources often work in combination. Understanding each factor, the guide notes, is also key to prevention. Readers will learn how unchecked moisture affects indoor air quality as well as the beams and floor joists that support a house. For those who want to check conditions themselves, the guide also outlines simple at-home tests alongside the tools professionals use during inspections. One of these tests requires little more than a plastic sheet and a day of waiting. Longer-term solutions, including crawl space encapsulation, dehumidification, and vapor barrier installation, are presented with guidance on which tasks homeowners can handle and which require a professional contractor. The guide closes with a recommended inspection schedule, seasonal maintenance considerations, and answers to frequently asked questions, including common encapsulation mistakes to avoid. About Tristate Waterproofing Tristate Waterproofing is a family-owned waterproofing and foundation repair company headquartered in Gainesville, Georgia, with an additional office in Woodstock. In business since 2000, the company serves homeowners, builders, and commercial property owners across Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, including Atlanta, Athens, Suwanee, and Canton. Services include basement waterproofing, crawl space repair and encapsulation, foundation repair, helical piers, concrete correction, and new construction and commercial waterproofing. To explore the complete guide, visit https://tristatewaterproofing.net/crawl-space/crawl-space-moisture-problems-and-solution/
- October 21, 2026Others
Premium Glass & Glazing Celebrates 300 Google Reviews From Melbourne Customers
Melbourne-based glass replacement and custom window glazing business Premium Glass and Glazing is pleased to announce that it has reached a milestone of 300 customer reviews on Google. It believes the tally reflects the high-quality work it provides to its clients across Melbourne's CBD and the surrounding areas, as well as its focus on prompt communication. All the reviews on Premium Glass and Glazing's Google Business Profile come from customers who had glass installed or replaced by its team. The new reviews provide prospective customers with more information about how the firm works and the quality of the services it offers. Many reviewers talk about the benefits the company's finished work has brought them and provide photos showing the evidence of success. A spokesperson from Premium Glass and Glazing said the following: “We're incredibly happy to have received so much positive feedback from our customers over the years. Reaching 300 Google reviews is a significant milestone for us and our team, revealing widespread satisfaction with our work.” Premium Glass and Glazing is best known for its commercial shopfront glass replacement services and its residential broken glass replacement options. It often takes on insurance-related jobs, with clients arranging and managing their claims directly with their insurer. It provides these services in its service area, which includes the Melbourne CBD and other parts of town, including Footscray, Williamstown, Fitzroy, St Kilda, Brunswick, and Yarraville. All glaziers on the Premium Glass and Glazing team are in-house rather than subcontractors. The business is licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority and is a member of the Australian Glass and Window Association (AGWA). All work comes with a 2-year warranty and is completed to the AS1288 glazing standard. Communication quality is a significant focus of Premium Glass and Glazing. It uses systems that send customers booking confirmations, reminders and ETA messages from its technicians in the field. As the business grows, it intends to continue the same approach to business. It will offer guarantees on every job and provide customers with regular updates on progress. For more information about Premium Glass & Glazing use the contact details below:
- October 21, 2026Others
New Jersey Dog Recall Training: Puppy & Emergency Come Command Guide Released
New Jersey’s Rose Dog Training has published a new guide to dog recall training, setting out a structured method for teaching dogs to come when called. Written by certified trainer and owner Rylee Rose, the guide moves through seven steps built on rewards dogs want, short practice sessions, and difficulty that increases in small, manageable stages. More details can be found at https://www.rosedogtraining.com/blog/dog-recall-training The guide is intended for owners whose dogs treat the come cue as a polite suggestion, and for new puppy owners. Rose notes that recall usually fails because of how the cue has been used over time. Repeating it without results drains its meaning, and calling a dog only to end the fun or for unpleasant tasks teaches it to hang back. Trainers often cite recall as one of the most challenging skills to teach, in part because it asks a dog to disengage from real-world distractions and choose its owner instead. According to a 2024 analysis by Pet911, more than 1.7 million pets were reported lost across the United States that year, with 63 percent of lost dogs successfully recovered. With that risk in mind, the guide includes a section on building an emergency recall for high-stakes moments such as an open gate or a dog heading toward a road. Rose recommends a unique word or whistle reserved for these situations, paired with a high-value reward every time, and practiced infrequently so it retains its impact. “Recall asks a dog to walk away from a great smell or a squirrel and choose you instead,” Rylee Rose said. “Coming to you has to be the best deal in their world every time. It takes patience and consistency, but if my cat can do it, so can your dog.” The guide’s steps begin indoors, where owners pair the cue with a treat before asking the dog to move. Games such as hide-and-seek follow, then outdoor practice on a long line. Later stages increase distance, distraction, and duration one at a time, while a dedicated section addresses common mistakes such as chasing a dog or scolding a slow arrival. Interested parties can find more information by visiting https://www.rosedogtraining.com/blog/dog-recall-training
- October 21, 2026Others
Lloyd’s Gas & Renewables Offers Solution To Rising Energy Costs & Carbon Emissions
LLoyd’s Gas & Renewables hopes to offer a solution to the rising energy costs for people in Manchester and Greater Manchester by providing air source heat pump installation solutions. Air source heat pumps cost less money to run than conventional home heating systems and have the additional benefit of cutting a home’s carbon footprint. The company believes that this energy offering will make the cost of living slightly easier for households to deal with, while also giving them peace of mind that their home isn’t generating massive amounts of carbon emissions. Lloyd’s Gas & Renewables also works with the BUS scheme offered by the UK government, enabling customers to benefit from up to £7,500 in grants for an air source heat pump. As energy bills continue to rise, homeowners are always looking for ways to cut the costs without harming their way of life. This has become a particular challenge leading into the colder parts of the year, when many people stop heating their homes to save money, putting their own health at risk. An Air source heat pump absorbs thermal energy from the outside air and transfers it inside to heat the home and provide hot water. Because of the science behind air source heat pumps, they move heat rather than burn fuel, and this creates far more energy efficiency. Statistics show that a heat pump can provide 3 to 4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity used, making them between 300-400% efficient. The benefits of this are felt by homeowners who can heat their homes for less money, and the nature of an air source heat pump means it produces zero carbon emissions at home. For households looking to go greener, it remains a popular solution. Lloyd’s Gas & Renewables currently offers air source heat pump installations to households in the Greater Manchester area and remains committed to helping homeowners get the energy solutions they need in such trying times. About Lloyd’s Gas and Renewables Lloyd’s Gas & Renewables are specialist heat pump installers based in Manchester, covering the whole of Greater Manchester. The company is MCS accredited, Heat Geek certified, and a member of the APHC, RECC, and IWA. This means it carries out all installations to the highest industry standards and will design heat pump solutions to fit each home. For more information on the company, visit the website here: https://lloydsgas.co.uk/ .
- October 21, 2026Others
Eleven Years of Calm Growth: A Mountain's Cultivation in "Anti-Anxiety"
In October, as autumn colors blanket Nanjing, the gilded dome of the Niushoushan Usnisa Palace stands serene in the morning light. The mountain's outline—twin peaks like an ox's head—has been unchanged for millennia. Yet its heart has been deeply transformed. Since its 2015 opening, Niushoushan has undergone a decade of refinement and is now in its eleventh year. Once a 60-meter-deep abandoned mine pit, it has become a landmark receiving over 6 million visitors annually, ranking among Jiangsu's top ticketed scenic spots. Eleven years is fleeting for a mountain, but enough to grow a new ring of history—and "eleven" carries profound Buddhist meaning. The Eleven Wholesome Factors: Eleven Scales of the Mind In Yogacara Buddhism, mental activities are classified into fifty-one factors, eleven of which are wholesome: faith, diligence, shame, remorse, non-attachment, non-hatred, non-delusion, pliancy, non-negligence, equanimity, and non-harming. These describe a path of the mind. Master Ouyi said: "That which benefits both this life and the next is called good." Goodness lies not in form but in benefiting present and future, self and others. Faith is the root of all merit. Diligence is sustained effort toward the goal. Shame and remorse are inner reverence keeping one from straying. Non-attachment, non-hatred and non-delusion purify the mind through concentration and insight. Pliancy, non-negligence, equanimity and non-harming arise as practice deepens. Niushoushan's eleven years embody these factors. From "No Creator" to "Arising Through Conditions" Buddhist dependent origination teaches "no creator"—no prime mover. Niushoushan's rebirth had no single creator either. Before 2011, the site was exposed mine rock walls—an "industrial wound" 200 meters long and over 60 meters deep. A century of iron ore mining had hollowed the West Peak into barren "rusted land." Then a collective arrived. In autumn 2011, the restoration project "Taking the mountain as paper, greenery as ink" launched. Four years later, 32 native plant species took root on the rock faces; wild rabbits and chickadees returned. Meanwhile, Usnisa Palace took shape within the mountain's core. This "miracle suspended above the mine pit" has three floors above ground and six underground, standing 89.3 meters tall with roughly 136,000 square meters of floor area. The outer dome resembles the Buddha's kasaya draping over the inner dome. At the heart of the Relic Hall rises a 21.8-meter stupa modeled after Mount Sumeru, integrating sculpture, enamel, crystal glass and gemstone inlay. The underground Relic Chamber safeguards the Buddha's parietal bone relic; its 66-meter corridor follows the Six Paramitas. In 2017, Usnisa Palace received both the Luban Prize and Zhan Tianyou Prize, praised as "a perfect symbiosis of industrial heritage, natural landscape and culture." This is no work of a single creator but of "arising through conditions"—countless craftsmen, ecologists, monastics and decision-makers. Foding Temple, built in Tang-dynasty style, was completed in 2015. On October 27, 2015, the Buddha's parietal bone relic was transferred from Qixia Temple for permanent enshrinement, and Niushoushan officially opened. No longer a faint silhouette known merely as the birthplace of the Oxhead School of Chan, it regained warmth and vitality. "Cause and Effect: Unbroken Continuity" Of dependent origination's eleven tenets, two are easiest to grasp yet hardest to live: the unbroken continuity of cause and effect, and their distinct categories. Niushoushan's eleven years form just such a chain. It began with Southern Dynasties temples, followed by Tang cave shrines; the land became the birthplace of the Oxhead School. Destroyed in the Southern Song, revived in the Ming, its incense ceased for a century after the Taiping Rebellion of 1856. Then came reconstruction in 2012, the cultural zone's opening in 2015, and Jinling Town in 2021. Each ruin is momentary cessation; each rebirth witnesses causal continuity. In August 2024, learning Abbot Shuguang was raising support for Foding Temple's renovation, Champion Technology Group donated eco-friendly, low-VOC paint with a subtle odor that would not disrupt quiet practice. Chairman Xie Hai said: "Buddhist culture forms an important part of Chinese civilization. We hope to bring our professional expertise to support this renovation." This small detail embodies non-harming: restoring an ancient monastery in the gentlest manner. Another reading of "Eleven" Eleven-bead prayer beads are traditional; folk belief ties them to the Eleven Powers warding off demonic obstacles. But in Yogacara, the deeper meaning is that these eleven factors form a spiritual path. Faith comes first, then diligence takes root. Diligence awakens shame and remorse—we see our flaws and the sages' virtue—driving us to overcome greed, anger and ignorance. As these fade, body and mind attain pliancy; abiding there, non-negligence, equanimity and non-harming arise naturally. Over eleven years, Niushoushan evolved from abandoned mine pit to sacred site, from wasteland to top-tier destination. Externally we see grand architecture and surging visitors; internally the journey follows a spiritual path: from restoration to settled stillness. Mine restoration embodies shame and remorse—regret for damage to nature and loss of heritage. Usnisa Palace represents diligence: crafting miracles against all odds. The relic's enshrinement establishes faith. Today six million visitors come yearly; many standing beneath the great dome say, "My heart suddenly grows calm." That peace is the glow of pliancy. A Mountain's Equanimity Equanimity describes a mind balanced and upright, free from dullness and agitation—neither restless nor sluggish. After eleven years, Niushoushan may be approaching that state. The bustle of opening years has settled. More guests come not merely for snapshots: they pause by the release pond watching water pour from ten dragon-head spouts; they attend Jiangnan cultural heritage lectures; they stand quietly amid the Dunhuang Digital Exhibition Hall's light and shadow. During the 2026 National Day holiday, Niushoushan received over 250,000 visitors, mostly aged 18 to 40, with women at 60 percent—many from Hangzhou, Shandong, Hefei and Xuzhou. Some said, "The real sight touches me more than short videos." Others: "The moment I stepped into the underground palace, my inner restlessness faded away." The mountain's equanimity means moving with poise. This autumn, Niushoushan partnered with Visual China's 500px to launch the photography contest "One Mountain, One World: Light and Shadow Reveal Niushou," inviting global creators to capture its Zen charm from diverse perspectives. The Eleventh Anniversary Is Not the End In Buddhist teachings, "eleven" marks a path from faith to abiding peace. Niushoushan's eleven years trace a journey from restoration to settled stillness—two paths, one destination. Its twin peaks still face one another like an ox's head. The mountain remains the same mountain, yet its story has turned to chapter eleven. And eleven is never the end; it reminds us that faith has taken root, diligence is at work, shame and remorse are never lost—while pliancy, non-negligence, equanimity and non-harming need far more time to mature. A mountain is never in a rush to become a mountain. It simply abides, welcomes wind and rain, lets plants thrive, and offers all seekers of peace a place to rest. Eleven years form the annual rings of this mountain; within them dwells the collective embodiment of the Eleven Wholesome Factors forged by countless souls.
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