Po Lin Monastery

85 feet of Buddha is an impressive site, especially when placed in the middle of the mountains in scenic Hong Kong. A 45 minute ferry ride and a 50 minute bus ride from our cozy urban apartment is the vast open space of Lantau Island and the once secluded monastery. The Buddha, which was built in the 1980's, lies at the outskirts of the monastery, overlooking it and serving as a place of sojourn for tourists and worshipers alike.



Lantau Island is a large island, actually bigger than Hong Kong island (which makes up part of Hong Kong), and fairly remote. Until this Buddha and a new airport were constructed on it in the last 20 years, Lantau stood serene outside the hustle and bustle of this international city. Even today most of the island is untouched or used for small farms. Eric got quite a kick out of the hairy mountain cows which seemed undaunted by our large and imposing bus. No picture was available, but these guys looked like what I imagine an animal looks like that has been partially plucked - oddly pale and patchy.

The view from the Buddha of the surrounding lands was impressive as it was built right at the peak of a small growth in the land.



Here you can see the monastery below.



The structure on which the Buddha sits is just as impressive in many ways as the Buddha. On the outside there are a series of statues which I believe represent different followers and worshipers of the Buddha.



Inside, where cameras are not allowed, is an elaborate temple, although temple isn't really the right word. It contains almost a mini-museum of artifacts including what are said to be the special remains of an important Buddhist figure. Or I should say portion of the remains. In fact all you can see with the naked eye and from the distance you are kept from these remains is a little speck. But inside as well are ancient writings, artwork, and even an enormous bell. All very interesting to see.



I think that is all I will share the Buddha tonight. It's really quite a site. I couldn't quite tell how traditional it was or if this was an example of Disneyland meeting the Buddha.