 |
Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Giant Buddha, is located on Lan Tau Island (aka Big Fish Mountain) is almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island. It has an area of 142 square kilometers but a population of only 25,000. More then half the island is designated as parkland. The island's history goes back as far as the Sung Dynasty (AD 960-1127), when the island was famous for producing salt, a highly valued commodity then.
The most famous attractions on Lan Tau Island is Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Buddha situated on the plateau of Ngong Ping at 2,460 feet, surrounded by majestic emerald colored hills and white mists that appear and disappear almost like magic. Giving the monastery and the Giant Buddha a mystical feel |
Po Lin Monastery is the largest and most well known monastery on Lan Tau Island. Po Lin Monastery is known as the "Buddhist Kingdom in the South," serving as a Buddhist retreat. Po Lin was originally built, during the Qing Dynasty, by three Zen masters in 1920 as a small stone hut shrine dedicated to Buddha. In 1924 it was officially renamed "Po Lin Monastery." Since the 1930's the monastery started to expand. The present buildings date from 1921 and 1970. The main temples have brightly painted vermillion interiors with dragons and other Chinese mythical figures on the ceilings.
The main temples also house three magnificent bronze statutes of Buddha that represent the past, present and future.
With the number of monks increasing under the guidance of the Venerable Fat Ho, the monastery also has gradually evolved to its present state. A grand building of many different halls and function rooms. The entrance of the monastery is marked by the arch-like monument. Radiating from the main hall are temples and abodes serving other gods like the "Four Kings" in Welto Temple.
Giant Buddha
There are few statues, anywhere in the world, that will have such an intense and powerful affect on the imagination as does the Giant Buddha gazing serenely upon the Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery. Located on the western side of Lan Tau Island, the copper statute of Sakyamuni (Tian Tan Budhha) sits in a cloud on top of the Muyushan (Pheonix) Mountain. Making the area all the more mystical and enchanting, truly communing with heaven.
The half closed eyes, the all knowing half smiling lips, the inclination of the Buddha's head and even the raised right hand delivering a blessing to all who visit, combine to lend great depth of character, serenity and dignity to this extraordinary statue, whose very glance brings a calmness of being and introspection to those who are in the "sight" of those seemingly all-seeing eyes.
T he Tian Tan Buddha, otherwise known as the Giant Buddha, is seated on the hilltop up a flight of 268 steps leading to the platform where the Buddha is depicted in a meditating position. The Buddha is surrounded by a ring of Bodhisatvas offering various gifts to the Buddha. The 34 meter (112ft), 250 ton sculpture is the world's largest seated outdoor bronze statue of the Buddha.
The Buddha was meant to be watched from an elevated angle, showing the respect for the immense power it represents.
The views of the surrounding countryside from the base of the statue are simply stunning
At the other end of the staircase, a circular platform surrounding the statue is used as a viewing terrace and also the entrance to the three floor museum. The museum has three parts, the "Hall of Benevolence Merit," "Hall of Universe," and the "Hall of Remembrance." Statues, graphics, and a Holy Buddha relic are exhibited in the museum. There is a bell inside the Buddha that is controlled by computers and it rings 108 times during the day to symbolize the escape of the 108 troubles of mankind. Inside the Giant Buddha there is also a gift shop for souvenirs.
|
