Though the three monks who founded the monastery chose a secluded corner amidst a bushy mountainous terrain, they could not keep prosperity or glory away from the temple. Today the monastery is considered the ‘Buddhist World in the South’ with a strong following of devout Buddhists. The monastery is located on Lantau Island towards the west of the mainland, thus slightly far away from Hong Kong hotel rooms. However, as there are many attractions located on this island a number of tourists who stay as far as Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong in the heart of Hong Kong city visit often.
When the Po Lin Monastery or the ‘Big Hut’ as it was originally known came into being, the main building contained three bronze statues of Buddha which were worshipped by the incumbent monks and the followers that gathered when word started to spread. From the year 1924 the temple came to be known under its new name and many years later a large bronze statue which extends 34
From the year 1924 the temple came to be known under its new name and many years later a large bronze statue which extends 34 metres into the sky was erected opposite the temple and named the Tian Tan Buddha. This statue is now synonymous with the main shrine as it is a landmark of the area. The statue itself looks towards mainland China and is sculptured in such a way that it appears to be blessing the mainland. Apart from this gigantic statue, there are a six statues of devas and a few other structures such as the Boddhisatva Skanda.
The Po Lin Monastery occupies a piece of land that is not affected or disturbed by the everyday activities of man. It is surrounded by lush greenery intermingled with the calmness of the Ngong Ping plateau. Those who wish to take back with them a bit of the serenity and holiness can procure wooden bracelets from the foot of the Tian Tan Buddha statue.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
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