The Big Buddha (Hong Kong)

The sculpture's base is a model of the one in the United Kingdom. One of the five large Buddha images in China, it is enthroned on a lotus on top of a three-platform altar.{{cite web|title=Tian Tan Buddha|url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/tian-tan-buddha|publisher=Atlas Obscura|access-date=10 January 2014}} Surrounding it are six smaller bronze images known as "The Offering of the Six Devas" that are posed offering flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit, and music to the Buddha, representing the Six Perfections of generosity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom, necessary for Enlightenment in life.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}

The {{convert|34|m|adj=on|abbr=on}} tall image weighs over {{convert|250|metric ton|short ton|lk=on}}, and was constructed from 202 bronze pieces. In addition to the exterior components, there is a strong steel framework inside to support the heavy load. Visitors have to climb 268 steps to reach the Buddha, though the site also features a small winding road for vehicles to provide access for disabled people. The Buddha's right hand is raised, representing the removal of affliction, while the left rests open on his lap in a gesture of generosity.

The monument also features three internal exhibit floors beneath the image: the halls of the Universe, of Benevolent Merit and of Remembrance. One of the most renowned features inside is a relic of Gautama Buddha,John S. Strong, Relics of the Buddha (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2004) consisting of some of his alleged cremated remains.

The Big Buddha was constructed beginning in 1990, and was finished on 29 December 1993, which the Chinese reckon as the day of the Buddha's enlightenment. When the image was completed, monks from around the world were invited to the opening ceremony. Distinguished visitors from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the United States all took part in the proceedings.The monastery [http://www.plm.org.hk/eng/buddha.php website]

On 18 October 1999, the Hong Kong Post Office issued a definitive issue of landmark stamps, of which the HK$2.50 value depicts The Big Buddha.{{cite web|url=http://hongkongpoststamps.hk/eng/library/1999/index.htm|title=Hongkong Post Stamps - Library|website=hongkongpoststamps.hk|access-date=2 April 2015|archive-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116075448/http://hongkongpoststamps.hk/eng/library/1999/index.htm|url-status=dead}} On 22 May 2012, it was also featured on the HK$3 value of the Five Festival set, this one celebrating the birth of Sakyamuni Buddha.

File:Tian Tan Entrance.JPG

Po Lin Monastery and the Buddha are open to the public between 10:00 and 17:30. Access to the outside of the Buddha is free of charge, but there is an admission fee to go inside the Buddha.

Visitors can reach the site by bus or taxi, travelling first to Mui Wo (also known as "Silvermine Bay") via ferry from the Outlying Islands piers in Central (pier No. 6) or to Tung Chung station via the MTR, or cable car. Visitors may then travel to and from the Buddha via the following bus routes:

• Mui Wo ↔ Ngong Ping — NLB No. 2
• Tung Chung ↔ Ngong Ping – NLB No. 23

The Ngong Ping 360 gondola lift between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping (25 minutes).{{Cite web |url=http://www.np360.com.hk/en/lantau-outdoor-fun/land/buddha.html |title=Tian Tan Buddha |access-date=17 August 2012 |archive-date=9 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709062919/http://www.np360.com.hk/en/lantau-outdoor-fun/land/buddha.html |url-status=dead }}

• Laykyun Sekkya
• Great Buddha of Thailand
• Great Buddha
• Buddhist art
• Chinese Buddhism

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• [http://www.fushanan.per.sg/WanShanXF/WuFangDaFo.htm About the top 5 biggest Buddha statues in China] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051126125512/http://www.fushanan.per.sg/WanShanXF/WuFangDaFo.htm |date=26 November 2005 }}
• [http://www.photostock.com.hk/newterritories/polinmonestery1.htm Pictures of the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720104925/http://www.photostock.com.hk/newterritories/polinmonestery1.htm |date=20 July 2011 }}
• {{cite web|url= http://www.info.gov.hk/hkfacts_gb/crelig.pdf |title=Hong Kong's official factsheet (Simplified Chinese) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030327084413/http://www.info.gov.hk/hkfacts_gb/crelig.pdf | archive-date=27 March 2003}} {{small|(300 KiB)}}
• [http://www.edepot.com/buddha.html Video of the climb up the steps to Tian Tan Buddha]

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Category:Buddhism in Hong Kong

Category:Colossal Buddha statues

Category:Bronze Buddha statues

Category:Landmarks in Hong Kong

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Category:Tourist attractions in Hong Kong

Category:1993 establishments in Hong Kong