"Big Buddha"

Tian Tan Buddha aka “Big Buddha” (天壇大佛) is the largest Buddha in Hong Kong (located in Ngong Ping, Lantau Island) and towers 34m tall, weighing 250-mt weights. It was contructed using 202 copper pieces. The whole work spent over 60 million HKD (7 million USD) - a heavy sum for an inanimate statue! Luckily, it attracts  a thousand devout Buddhists and visitors every year, along with their offerings. Rather pious people would literally kneel up 268-step in the hopes that Buddha will grant their prayers. However, less-physically able or willing people will take the less-strenuous route of bowing before the Buddha and then venture to have a vegetable meal in the Hall of Benevolent Merit, donating a few notes to the Po Ling Monastery to “accumulate virtue”.

A look at this incredible work of art and labour - The whole of Tian Tan Buddha is meticulously designed, though admittedly, its face is not one of beauty. With a face like a full moon, broad forehead, “usnisa” pearl and conch hairs on the head, and elongated ear lobes, Buddha’s face is a true reflection of inner beauty while at the same time symbolizing the wisdom of Tathagata. It has been said that even its smell makes viewers happy. His new moon eyebrows and the eyes of lotus flowers gives the illusion of compassion. Two hands are in the Mudra position. The right hand is raised in order to “impart fearlessness” and the left hand to “fulfill wishes”. They symbolize the compassion of the Buddha to save all sentient beings from their worldly sufferings and the vow to grant blessing and happiness to all. The “卍” sign (interesting fact: the same sign in the opposite direction is the swastika or the Nazi symbol) on the chest symbolize solemness. As typical of such religious attractions, the souvenirs in Tian Tan Buddha are almost all related to “luck” or “blessing”.

If you ever happen to visit the Tian Tan Buddha, time yourself to see how fast you can go up those stairs!


檢視較大的地圖