Big Buddha: oli

oli_birdie

Big Buddha

Oct 24, 2005 00:39

Today I went to the Po Lin ("Precious Lotus") Monastery in Lantau ("Big Fish") Island to visit the Tian Tan ("Buddha") - the largest outdoor bronze Buddha in the world. The place was really amazing - sheltered by towering mountains from all sides, and covered by lush green trees. Handled by monks, the entire area was given by the government to their care for free. The Buddha itself was only unveild in 1993, after taking ten years to build. It is said that the giant bronze lotus leaves, costing millions of dollars each, that the statue sits on were donated by wealthy businessmen, actors, and politicians, and that their names are engraved on the sides of the leaves.

It was really great to finally see a more cultural side of Hong Kong. I've been here for over a month now, and will probably be home by early or mid-December. I'm kind of tired of the consumer setting of Causeway Bay, the clubs of Central, and the fake items galore of Mong Kok.

Mom was particularly giddy as she told us of her elementary days where they would take the boat to come to the temple, and walk for two hours down the winding hillside. Today, you can take the MTR - the Metro Train Rail for one hour, and then take the bus and get there in 40 minutes.

Anyway, enjoy the pictures :)