A postally unused postcard bearing no publisher's name.
The Tian Tan Buddha
Tian Tan Buddha is a large bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, completed in 1993, and located at Ngong Ping, 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. It is a major centre of Buddhism in Hong Kong, and is also a tourist attraction.
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.
Note the swastika on the Buddha's chest.
Surrounding it are six smaller bronze statues known as 'The Offering of the Six Devas' that are posed offering flowers, incense, light, 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, and was constructed from 202 bronze sections. In addition to the exterior components, there is a strong steel framework inside to support the heavy load. 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. 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.
Completion of the Statue
The Big Buddha was constructed beginning in 1990, and was finished on the 29th. December 1993, which the Chinese regard 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.
Opening Hours
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.
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