Fo Guang Shan Monastery: Find Your Inner Peace Amidst the Mountains and Waters
Where the Buddha's Light Shines, the Soul Finds Solace | Fo Guang Shan Buddha in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
In Kaohsiung, Taiwan, lies a sacred place blessed by Buddha's light, where the magnificent Fo Guang Big Buddha stands tall, attracting countless believers and tourists to admire and pray. It is the iconic landmark of Fo Guang Shan Monastery. If you yearn to find solace for your soul during your travels and experience a tranquility that transcends the mundane world, Fo Guang Shan is definitely the perfect choice. Today, follow me as we unveil its mystical veil together.
The Fo Guang Big Buddha, located in Fo Guang Shan Monastery, is one of Kaohsiung's famous landmarks. This grand Buddha, meticulously crafted from over 1,800 metric tons of copper and iron, took a year and a half to sculpt before being presented to the world. It consists of a solid foundation and a majestic seated Buddha statue, with a total height of approximately 108 meters, equivalent to a 36-story building, firmly ranking among the tallest outdoor seated Buddha statues in the world.
When you first lay eyes on the Fo Guang Big Buddha, you will undoubtedly be awestruck by its sublime and imposing presence. With lowered eyes and a compassionate gaze, it overlooks all beings, as if its merciful eyes perceive the joys and sorrows of all things in the world. Here, you can admire the magnificent posture of this Big Buddha from various angles. From afar, against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds, the Buddha appears even more sacred and solemn, blending harmoniously with the surrounding green mountains and trees, forming a picturesque scroll of natural and cultural beauty. As you approach the Buddha, you can feel its profound impact on your soul even more. Every detail showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of the artisans, from the delicate lines to the lifelike expressions, all of which evoke a sense of wonder at the perfect fusion of art and faith.
When you visit Fo Guang Shan, besides admiring the Big Buddha, you can also offer sincere prayers before it. Many visitors believe that wishes made here will be blessed by the Buddha, bringing good luck and peace to themselves and their families. Before the Big Buddha, people clasp their hands together, close their eyes, and pray. In that moment, it feels as if all worldly troubles are left behind, and their hearts are filled with tranquility and hope. This devotion and reverence for faith are also part of Fo Guang Shan's unique charm.
Fo Guang Shan is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Thursday, but please note that it is closed on Tuesdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, it is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. It is recommended to allocate 3–4 hours for your visit, allowing ample time to appreciate the beautiful scenery and immerse yourself in the cultural atmosphere of Fo Guang Shan.
Fo Guang Shan offers more than just the Fo Guang Big Buddha. There are many other attractions worth exploring in the surrounding area. The main buildings, such as the Main Shrine, the Great Compassion Shrine, the Great Wisdom Shrine, and the Great Vow Shrine, are magnificent and house numerous Buddha statues, attracting throngs of worshippers. The temple complex is vast, with a well-organized layout, and every corner exudes a rich Buddhist cultural ambiance. At Fo Guang Shan, you can also visit the Buddhist Art Museum, which houses thousands of Buddhist artifacts from around the world, both ancient and modern. These precious artifacts bear witness to the development of Buddhism, providing you with a deeper understanding of Buddhist culture.
For food lovers, the vegetarian cuisine at Fo Guang Shan is not to be missed. Known for its lightness, healthiness, and deliciousness, the vegetarian dishes are carefully prepared using fresh local ingredients. Each dish boasts a unique flavor, allowing you to savor the culinary culture of Buddhism while enjoying a delicious meal.
So, are you tempted yet? If you're looking for a soul-purifying journey, pack your bags and head to Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Experience the sacredness and majesty of the Fo Guang Big Buddha firsthand, and find inner peace and tranquility under the Buddha's light. This journey will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories.