Few
statues anywhere in the world have such a powerful pull on the imagination as
the Giant Buddha gazing serenely on the Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery from
its hillside site at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island.Giant Buddha
Few
statues anywhere in the world have such a powerful pull on the imagination as
the Giant Buddha gazing serenely on the Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery from
its hillside site at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island.
The eyes, lips, incline of the head and even the
right hand raised to deliver a blessing to all, combine to lend great depth of
character and dignity to this extraordinary statue, whose very glance brings
calm and introspection to those who look into those seemingly all-seeing eyes.
The majestic figure of the seated Buddha (or Tian Tan) is 26.4 metres high, was
cast in China and took 10 years to complete. Weighing 220 tonnes, it was
unveiled in 1993 amid deep religious ceremonies.
Besides attracting Buddhists from all over Asia,
the magnificent figure with its compelling presence almost instantly transformed
the remote Po Lin Monastery with its devout monks into a must on tourist
schedules.
Besides studying the massive statue there is also much to see and do at the
monastery itself with its various figures of Gods and other colourful
manifestations of aspects of the Buddhist religion.
If you dare, place in your hands a bamboo cylinder containing a mass of fortune
sticks, and by shaking it carefully, one numbered stick will finally and
tantalisingly fall to the ground. Match it with the relevant printed Fortune
Paper and learn what the Fates have in store for you. Good luck!
Lantau
(aka Big Fish Mountain) is almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island and as far
back as the Northern Sung Dynasty (AD 960-1127) was famous for producing salt,
then a highly valuable commodity.
Take a ferry to Silvermine Bay (Mui Wo) from the Central Pier, and Bus No 2 to
Po Lin. Or take the MTR to Tung Chung Station, and Bus No 23. Allow a full day
for the trip and, depending on your schedule, consider a meal at Silvermine Bay
or Tung Chung before undertaking the long bus ride.