Memories
of a pilgrimage to Po Lin Monastery, China
[Double click photo to enlarge] |
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Buddha and the Zen Monastery [Double
click photo to enlarge]
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Tiantau (the Big Buddha) is located on Lantau Island and is
approached by ferry. Lantau is known as "Hong Kong's Venice." |

As you approach the mountain you can see the statue of Buddha
between the peaks [click the photo to enlarge it].
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The stairs approaching the Buddha. He sits atop a 3- story exhibition
hall.
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Buddha is 85.3 feet high and weighs 275.5 tons.
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Buddha has a "Buddhist wheel" on the palm of his right hand..
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There is a
swastika (not the inverted swastika of the Nazi party), the symbol of good
luck and harmony, on Buddha's chest.
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At the base of the Buddha there are six additional Buddha statues such as
this. |

A second view of one of the Buddha statues.
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The statue has been built from 202 bronze pieces and assembled in
1989.
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Entrances and exits at the base of the Buddha provide access to the
3-level exhibition hall.
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Within the second floor there exists a mural. Further, the
top-most level holds the relics from the gravesite of Buddha. |

This complete mural is joined up by eighty-eight pieces and
constitutes the largest graphic art in the world.
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The entrance to the path of the Zen monastery. |

Symbolic burning incense at the base of the climb.
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The entrance to the Zen monastery main hall. Po Lin Monastery was
started by three Zen masters so traveling monks could stay, grow their own
food, and meditate.
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The shrine within the temple. On the mats at the foot of this you may sit,
meditate and pray.
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A view of the entire floor of the Temple sanctuary.
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The monastery serves wonderful vegetarian meals for visitors who stay and
eat. |