Monday, March 31, 2008

Tian Tan Buddha

As mentioned in my last post, I was able to take the Ngong Ping cable car to the top of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Although there is a small village for buying souvenirs, the real attraction for this ride is the impressive Tian Tan Buddha. Noted as the "world's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha" it stands 24 feet tall.

I am not a religious person per-se, but standing at the foot of the 268 steps leading up to this beautiful statue leaves even the most jaded a little more humble. I watched a young lady from Singapore do a ritual she described as Three Steps, One Bow where devotees walk three steps, fall prostrate to the ground, rise, and repeat the sequence. This makes for a rather arduous route to the top.

In the following pictures I tried to capture both the size and the spirit of the place. If you have an afternoon in Hong Kong this is a must see.

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2 comments:

Pat said...

Thank you for that. Most impressive. My Buddha is seated, and only one foot high and he is a candle which I would never light. I could do the prostrate bit but, rising would be a bit of a problem.
Hi from Michele.

Bobkat said...

It is certainly imposing being at the top of those steps, but then that is the point isn't it?! What a great experience. If I ever get to Hong Kong then I would have to check this out myself.

Michele sent me over to see your great pics :)