Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Despite a somewhat hazy day, I decided to visit Ngong Ping village, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha statue on Lantau Island.  I took the MTR, for ease and speed, to Tung Chung station then walked across a modern, cobbled square to the cable car station only to be faced by a massive queue snaking around the overpass.  "Why oh why didn't I think of checking whether I could book tickets online?" I kicked myself mentally as I watched a group pass smugly along the express line to collect theirs. Luckily, I had a book on Kindle which I was more than happy to read.

With boredom alleviated, I soon found myself ushered into a large cable car for the stately trip up and across the island.  I chose a Standard Cabin (at HK$150). Since the prospective 25 minute ride across sea and rugged, mountainous terrain already left me faint hearted, the Crystal Cabin with its see-through floor probably would have resulted in actual heart failure for me!  My fellow passengers were excitedly taking selfies and snapping endless shots of the vistas.  

 

For the first few minutes we had bird's eye views of the busy airport - in itself an amazing development, created by levelling two small islands and reclaiming over 9 square kilometres of seabed!

Arriving at Ngong Ping village one cannot help but be drawn towards the imposing 34m bronze Buddha statue on its lotus throne, which itself sits atop a three tiered altar at the peak of Mount Muk Yue.  

The Tian Tan Buddha is reached up a flight of some 268 steps (although I lost count somewhere around 240).  Unusually for a Buddha statue it faces north - in this situation bestowing blessings upon China.  

Ascending the steps, and seeing the sun forming a halo around Budhha's head, is a breathtaking experience in many ways.  Looking up into the serene expression brought a real sense of peacefulness to me and I marvelled at the detailed craftsmanship which manages to convey beauty, solemnity, calmness, compassion and benevolence. 

For a modest fee of HK$30, which also includes a 4 item snack at the monastery's Vegetarian Cafe, you can enter the 3 storey exhibition hall inside the pedestal.  On display are a number of interesting Buddhist art and relics including: a Buddha bone relic, gifted to the monastery in 1992; a wood-carved statue of Ksitigarbha (the Earth-Store Bodhisattva); the Bell of the Flaming Mouth, engraved with images of Buddha and scriptures - this bell is designed to chime 108 times a day to symbolise clearance of 108 worries; 4 paintings, depicting important events in the life of Buddha; a massive wood engraving showing "Hua Yan Dharma Preaching", brightly painted using mineral pigments; and a collection of precious scrolls with Buddhist scriptures.  Helpfully, there are a few English translations with the exhibits.  No photography is allowed inside the halls.

On the lower tier, six bronze Devas kneel in graceful dance postures offering tributes to Buddha.

The Zodiac Way has statues flanking the pathway, along with signs warning about keeping away from the feral cattle that wander the area. There were some girls having a photo taken standing near one bullock and begging their mother to buy them one for Christmas!

For tourists, there is a choice of food from either the vegetarian restaurant or café at the monastery. Although the photo doesn't do it justice, the food was really tasty and filling.

As for the monks, well they line up with their food bowls and enter the dining hall to eat in silence.  Later, there is a peaceful, melodic chanting drifting through the air from the unseen monks gathered in the Main Hall.

Worshippers light incense sticks and causing strong scents and smoke to waft on the breeze.

A gardener takes a break.  I love the distinctive hat but always feel surprised by the layers of clothing the locals wear in spite of the heat.

The Bodhi Wishing Tree.