Po Lin Monastery And Its Solemn Land On Lantau Island (#MyLantauIslandExploration24)

14th January 2024

Lantau Island is not just known as the largest island in Hong Kong, but also with its natural beauty and iconic tourist attractions. It's an ideal destination for retreat and relaxation away from the bustling city for wanderers and adventurers. If you get the chance to travel to this amazing region, Hong Kong, make sure to include it on your itinerary as it is a must-visit destination.

The monasteries on Lantau Island are among the well-known tourist attractions. I went back to Po Lin Monastery for the fourth time because it's a location you want to return to for relaxation and meditation. And because I haven't featured it yet in Pinmapple, I decided to visit it again while touring my new friend.

Ngong Ping Village on Lantau Island is blessed with some iconic attractions. Two of the major attractions on the island are located in this village. Below is the entrance to the major attractions, and you can see the majestic giant Buddha sitting on top of the plateau which is noticeable even from the distance.

It was the 31st of December, so the crowd was truly expected. After my last visit in 2021, I finally was able to see this solemn land again. Back then, I rode a cable car and it was another new experience. Getting to this place has other options too, like taking trails from the surrounding mountains, or buses from Tung Chung station.

As I passed through the ornate archway, a lot more scenic spots rich in history and culture, and interesting attractions awaited. The pathway sides are flanked by twelve divine generals that represent Chinese zodiac signs. Each general is armed with a weapon with a creature on their heads representing their corresponding zodiac sign, and their time of day.

For instance, these two divine generals. General Mihira on the left represents the year of the rooster and the time five to seven PM. He is armed with a vajra. Meanwhile, General Vajra on the right represents the year of the dog and the time seven to nine PM, and armed with a sword.

Some monks on their break were passing by. There are quite several monasteries and temples in this area, not just Po Lin. By the road are different vegetarian restaurants serving Hong Kong cuisine and traditional food. Those restaurants are run by monks.

On this platform in front of the Buddha, chairs were arranged and waiting to be occupied for the night event. Meanwhile, on the stage were performers rehearsing for their presentations.

Since it was past lunchtime, we continued walking toward the monastery to visit its dining hall and eat lunch. In the middle of the pathway was this installation adorned with colorful paper lanterns.

Colorful lanterns have Korean prints and designs. The printed words got me confused as it means "Buddha Birthday" in English translation. But as far as I know, Buddha's birthday is on the 15th of May.

Selfie with my new friend, Cindy, before continuing our walk. I was quite hungry at this point already.

Before entering the monastery premises are some incense pots and burners where devotees light incense and offer their prayers to Buddha and deities. I have a quiet collection of photos in this spot that you can find in my Liketu post, Rising Smoke Serenity.

We headed to the dining area beside the monastery to take our lunch before continuing our journey. Although I had some food in my bag; a burger, and a sandwich, I opted to order some traditional Chinese delicacies as I found them enticing. Besides, my buddy didn't have enough food to eat, so I let her order too.

I initially wanted to eat the tofu pudding, but then I changed my mind and ordered foods that I hadn't tried yet. These are black-eyed green tea mochi, sago pudding, and vegetarian spring rolls. This dining hall is renowned for vegetarian cuisine, but expect it to be quite pricey. For those guests who would rather eat outside, there is an open-space dining area.

After eating, we proceeded to Po Lin Monastery. It was my friend's first time visiting the place, although she's a Hong Kong resident, so I was glad to bring her to this sacred place.

But by then, the temple was closed to the general public. During my third trip there with my boss in 2019, I had the opportunity to explore this sacred place. It houses scriptures and several sculptures of Buddha and other deities that are significant to Chinese Buddhism.

The Po Lin Monastery was founded in 1906 and houses three significant bronze Buddha statues representing his past, present, and future lives. The architectural beauty of the monastery itself is captivating adorned with yellow glazed roof tiles. Meanwhile, posts and walls have motifs and symbols in Buddhism intricately carved. This truly shows a fusion of Chinese architecture and Buddhist symbols.

The red lanterns add charm to the place. There are also auspicious food offerings and displays. One of them is a resemblance to a sailing boat. In Chinese beliefs, this is a significant symbol just like a dragon.

The monks conducted a procession around three in the afternoon. They either do this as part of their year-end celebration or just part of their everyday ritual.

There are two exhibition halls inside this premise and we entered the hall on the left with displays about Buddha's teachings beyond words, the thirty-two marks of the Buddha, its restoration, and other information. There are also three Buddha statues displayed in this hall and virtual shows all about Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.

Before heading out to visit another attraction, we stumbled upon this souvenir shop next to the exit gate. As stated, all proceeds and donations will be allotted to the charitable purposes of the monastery.

Visitors seeking spirituality and tranquility usually go to this place. It's a place not just for meditation, worship, and understanding Buddhism, but for self-reflection and contemplation.

With a smile on my face, I left the sacred place, and the giant Buddha was waiting to be visited on top of the plateau.

I'll see you there!

(All photos are mine)

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