The Big Buddha

The Big Buddha is a massive bronze Buddha statue in Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, that was finished in 1993. The statue, which is located near Po Lin Monastery, represents the peaceful coexistence of man and nature, as well as people and faith. It is a major Buddhist center in Hong Kong as well as a tourist attraction.

The Altar of Heaven or Earthly Mount of Tian Tan, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, is modelled on the statue's base. It is one of China's five great Buddha sculptures, enthroned on a lotus atop a three-platform altar. Six smaller bronze sculptures known as "The Offering of the Six Devas" surround it, each posing with flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit, and music to present to the Buddha. The Six Perfections of generosity, morality, patience, enthusiasm, meditation, and wisdom, all of which are required for enlightenment, are symbolized by these.

The monument stands 34 meters (112 feet) tall and is made out of 202 bronze components. It weighs approximately 250 metric tons (280 short tons). A sturdy steel framework supports the enormous load inside, in addition to the outside components. On a clear day, the figure is said to be visible from as far as Macau across the harbor. To reach the Buddha, visitors must climb 268 steps, albeit there is a short curving path for vehicles to allow access for disabled people. The Buddha's right hand is lifted in a sign of affliction elimination, while his left hand is open on his lap in a gesture of giving. He is the only great Buddha statue that faces north, since all others face south.

There are three stories beneath the statue: the Universe Halls, the Benevolent Merit Halls, and the Remembrance Halls. A relic of Gautama Buddha, consisting of some of his supposed cremated ashes, is one of the most well-known features inside. Only guests who have paid an offering to the Buddha are permitted to see the relic, which they must enter to depart. In the show room, there is a massive carved bell etched with Buddha motifs. It was made to ring every seven minutes, 108 times a day, to represent the release of 108 different types of human annoyances.

The construction of the Big Buddha began in 1990 and was completed on December 29, 1993, the Chinese believe to be the day of the Buddha's enlightenment. Monks from all around the globe were invited to the opening ceremony after the monument was finished. The event was attended by dignitaries from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the United States.

The Hong Kong Post Office released a definitive batch of landmark stamps on October 18, 1999, with The Big Buddha shown on the HK$2.50 denomination. It was also included on the HK$3 value of the Five Festival set on May 22, 2012, this one commemorating Sakyamuni Buddha's birth. The MTR corporation has also issued a souvenir ticket featuring a photograph of the statue.

The Buddha and Po Lin Monastery are open to the public from 10:00 to 17:30. The outside of the Buddha is free to visit, however there is an admission cost to enter the Buddha.

Destinations in Asia Readers can get to the location via bus or taxi, after taking a boat from the Outlying Islands piers in Central (pier No. 6) to Mui Wo (commonly known as "Silvermine Bay") or taking the MTR or cable car to Tung Chung station. Visitors can then use the following bus routes to and from the Buddha:

NLB No. 2 Mui Wo Ngong Ping

NLB No. 23 Tung Chung Ngong Ping

Between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping is the Ngong Ping 360 gondola lift (25 minutes).

 

 

Sources :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Buddha_(Hong_Kong)