Postcard From Po Lin Monastery
One of the more remarkable excursions during my week in Hong Kong was to the Ngong Ping Plateau on Lantau Island where the Po Lin Monastery nestles in mountains draped in thin wispy cloud. Getting to the monastery is an adventure in itself. The ride by gondola takes 25 minutes.
Of all the religions, Buddhism surely has the best merchandise.
The main reason people go to the monastery is to high-five Big Buddha. He certainly meets up to his name. He’s a big fella! But how big?
Tian Tan Buddha is a whopping 34 metres (112 ft) tall, weighs 250 metric tons, and was the world’s tallest outdoor bronze seated Buddha prior to 2007. Between you and him are a mere 240 steps.
Stairs, humidity and altitude aren’t the best mix. Phew!
The monastery itself is everything you could possibly want from a monastery. Beautiful and peaceful. Big Buddha oversees the monastery and ensures the peace is maintained.
The main entrance to the monastery. wonderfully well kept to maximise the experience of pilgrims and tourists alike.
The ride back down is just as exciting as the ride up.
