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37979

Big Buddha, officially known as The Tian Tan Buddha, a large bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Located at the village of Ngong Ping on Lantau Island in Hong Kong.

The statue is sited near Po Lin Monastery and symbolises the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and faith and is a major centre of Buddhism.

The statue's base is a model of the Altar of Heaven or Earthly Mount of Tian Tan, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. One of the five large Buddha statues in China, it is enthroned on a lotus on top of a three-platform altar. Surrounding it are six smaller bronze statues known as "The Offering of the Six Devas" that are posed offering flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit, and music to the Buddha. These symbolise the Six Perfections of generosity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom, all of which are necessary for enlightenment.

The statue is 34 metres (112 ft) tall, weighs over 250 metric tons (280 short tons), 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. Reputedly the figure can be seen across the bay from as far away as Macau on a clear day. Visitors have to climb 268 steps to reach the Buddha, though the site also features a small winding road for vehicles to accommodate the handicapped. 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. He faces north, which is unique among the great Buddha statues, as all others face south.

There are also three floors beneath the statue: the halls of the Universe, of Benevolent Merit and of Remembrance. One of the most renowned features inside is a relic of Gautama Buddha, consisting of some of his alleged cremated remains. Only visitors who purchase an offering for the Buddha are allowed to see the relic, entering to leave it there. There is a huge carved bell inscribed with images of Buddhas in the show room. It was designed to ring every seven minutes, 108 times a day, symbolising the release of 108 kinds of human vexations.

The Big Buddha was constructed beginning in 1990, and was finished on 29 December 1993, which the Chinese recognise as the day of the Buddha's enlightenment. When the statue 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.

Information Source:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tian_Tan_Buddha

Taken in: Hong Kong / Islands District / Shek Mun Kap (show map)

Taken on: September 20, 2018

Tags:

China

Hong Kong

Lantau Island

Po Lin Monastery

Tian Tan Buddha statue

Tian Tan Buddha

statue

Big Buddha

Buddha Shakyamuni

sculpture

Buddhism

religion

worship « less

Sets appears in: • Hong Kong • Island District

Groups appears in: • China • *China* more » • Hong Kong Images • Sculpture • Travel Photography • City • Memorials • Sculptures, Statues, and 3D Public Art • Statues and Sculptures. • Hong Kong • Hong Kong 香港 - The Noble House • We travel the World • city & the streets • "Unlimited Photos: No Rules" (NO AI, CGI or SL images) • City Scapes & Street • China • Anything you would show your Grandparents. • China Travel Pics • Photographers from around the world • PBWA - Photography By Wandering About • MONUMENT • A STATUE..PLAQUES • Flickr Photo Album Unlimited & Instant Posting • A HISTORY « less

Camera: Nikon D7200, f/8.0, 1/500 sec, 70mm (=105mm), ISO 320 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Nikon D7200
Aperture:	f/8.0
Exposure Time:	0.002 sec (1/500)
Focal Length:	70mm (35mm equivalent: 105mm)
ISO:	320
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Not Defined
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Scene Capture Type:	Portrait
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Windows Photo Editor 10.0.10011.16384
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