Po Lin Monastery

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Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha

Visiting the Tian Tan Buddha - also known as the Big Buddha - at the Po Lin Monastery is a wonderful experience in Hong Kong. It can be a little bit of a slog to get there, two ferries and a bus, but the majesty of the Buddha is worth the trip. And on the bus trip to the monastery you get to share the road with free range cattle!

The Tan Tan Buddha is actually a fairly recent addition to the Po Lin Monastery. The Buddha statue was started in 1990, and completed in 1993. The statue is 34 metres (110 feet) high, and on a clear day can be seen as far away as Macau. There are eight smaller statues of bodhisattvas that surround the main statue.

The monastery is also open to the public, and you can have a vegetarian meal either in the dining hall or at the snack bar in the garden. I am most definitely NOT vegetarian, but the meal was filling and tasty.

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Photos

First Glance
The first glimpse of the Tian Tan Buddha after stepping off the bus.

Walking up
There are 268 steps to get to the base of the Buddha. This is the largest seated outdoor Buddha statue in the world.

The hand of Buddha
The position of the open right hand of the Buddha symbolizes that wisdom is accessible to all.

Monks
Monks live, work, and pray at this site.