Monday's Beautiful Memory
2 Summers ago while traveling through China with some girlfriends, we decided to separate. They went to Beijing, a city I had previously been to twice, and I went to Hong Kong by myself. My second day there was probably one of the most special days on my 3-week trip. It all started with me randomly finding a blog entry about the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery several years ago and then never being able to get the images out of my head. I have a minor obsession with all things Buddha. Thus, I swore to myself that if I was to ever to visit Hong Kong that I MUST visit this place.
When I first bought my Lonely PlanetHong Kong guide the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery was the 1st thing I looked up. Believe it or not, there was barely any mention of it and what little was said made it sound like it was a place that could be missed. Thank goodness I did not listen to the review! I am telling you that this place cannot be missed.
The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in fact actually has more like thirty thousand Buddhas, but I believe that they have been added over the years? From the road, you cannot see the Monastery, which means it is vital to get really good directions before you set off to see it. The Monastery is on top of a hill and it requires a hike to get to it (expect about a 30 minute hike up stairs). It was not an intense hike, however if you are not able to walk then unfortunately you will not be able to see it. The hike was through a bamboo forest and I felt like I was in ancientChina
The entrance to the Monastery.
As I got closer to the top the countless golden Buddhas began to emerge. They were on either side of the path and they each had a different facial expression. I cannot begin to explain the feeling I got when I realized that I was surrounded by thousands of Buddhas. All I can say is wow!!!
Buddhas, Buddhas everywhere!
1 of the many Buddha's.
At the top of the hill there were 2 levels to the Monastery. On the lower level there was a pagoda, a hall, 2 pavilions, and a tower and on the higher level there were 4 halls.
Lower level of the Monastery.
A view from the top of the pagoda.
Thousands of glowing Buddhas inside the hall.
A close-up of the small glowing Buddhas.
At the time I went there, there was not a single other tourist present, which meant I had the entire place to myself. I spent several hours wandering around and admiring the magnificent grounds. I probably took about 500 pictures! I had to leave earlier than I wanted to since I had a taxi waiting for me and another Monastery to check out. I will forever remember my experience there and hope to return one day soon with more time to enjoy.
Upper level of the monastery.
The view on the way back down.
When I first bought my Lonely Planet
The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in fact actually has more like thirty thousand Buddhas, but I believe that they have been added over the years? From the road, you cannot see the Monastery, which means it is vital to get really good directions before you set off to see it. The Monastery is on top of a hill and it requires a hike to get to it (expect about a 30 minute hike up stairs). It was not an intense hike, however if you are not able to walk then unfortunately you will not be able to see it. The hike was through a bamboo forest and I felt like I was in ancient
As I got closer to the top the countless golden Buddhas began to emerge. They were on either side of the path and they each had a different facial expression. I cannot begin to explain the feeling I got when I realized that I was surrounded by thousands of Buddhas. All I can say is wow!!!
At the top of the hill there were 2 levels to the Monastery. On the lower level there was a pagoda, a hall, 2 pavilions, and a tower and on the higher level there were 4 halls.
At the time I went there, there was not a single other tourist present, which meant I had the entire place to myself. I spent several hours wandering around and admiring the magnificent grounds. I probably took about 500 pictures! I had to leave earlier than I wanted to since I had a taxi waiting for me and another Monastery to check out. I will forever remember my experience there and hope to return one day soon with more time to enjoy.
I remember these pictures! They're all still in my e-mail somewhere! I still can't get over how freakin' cute your blog header is!
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