Buddha Museum at Dusk (2016) by Fo Guang Shan Buddha MuseumFo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
Founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum was constructed with the intention of enshrining the Buddha’s relic. The construction commenced in 2001 and lasted for ten years. It was officially opened on the 25th December 2011.
Introduction to the Buddha MuseumFo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
According to Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Museum serves to acquaint the public with the Buddha's quantities, through which the Buddhist practice can be inspired.
Fireworks and Light Show by Fo Guang Shan Buddha MuseumFo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
The Museum was thus built not only to venerate the Buddha, but more importantly with the interests of sentient beings kept in mind.”
Front Hall (2016) by Fo Guang Shan Buddha MuseumFo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
Now let's take a tour of the museum.
On the right side of the Front Hall is an adult elephant, leading a herd of small elephants. The elephant represents noble dignity in Buddhism, for the Buddha rode a white elephant into his mother’s womb.
Eight Pagodas (2016) by Fo Guang Shan Buddha MuseumFo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
The Eight Pagodas on the both sides of the Great Path to Buddhahood are designed in the Chinese pagoda style. They symbolize the spread of Buddhism from India to China where it flourished.
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Each pagoda is 38 meters high, where you can rest your feet, enjoy a cup of tea, and discuss the Dharma with your friends.
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On the highest point along its central axis of the Buddha Museum sits a magnificent, colossal statue.
Fo Guang Big Buddha (2016) by Fo Guang Shan Buddha MuseumFo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
The head of the statue alone is three stories tall, while a single eye is as wide as the whole floor of most other buildings.
Main Hall (2016) by Fo Guang Shan Buddha MuseumFo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
The Four Noble Truths are an outline of the entirety of the Buddha’s teachings. Following the development of Buddhism over time, the connotations of the Four Noble Truths have expanded in correlation with the spirits of the Four Great Bodhisattvas:
Main Hall (2016) by Fo Guang Shan Buddha MuseumFo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
Great Compassion practiced by Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Great Vow by Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Great Wisdom by Manjusri Bodhisattva, and Great Practice by Samantabhadra Bodhisattva.
Bodhi Wisdom Concourse (2016) by Fo Guang Shan Buddha MuseumFo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
In Buddhism, the word arhat refers to a person who has no afflictions. The set of eighteen arhats at the Bodhi Wisdom Concourse contains three female arhat statues, demonstrating equal gender rights.
Ancient Stanzas & Stories of the Buddha (2016) by Fo Guang Shan Buddha MuseumFo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
There are twenty-two bas-reliefs made by sculptor Shi Jinhui set in the walls lining the walkways on either side of the Bodhi Wisdom Concourse. Each depicts a story from the Buddha’s life.
Tooth Relic (543 BCE) by Fo Guang Shan Buddha MuseumFo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
The Main Hall enshrines the most important treasure in the Buddha Museum - the Buddha's tooth relic. It is housed in the Jade Buddha Shrine.
Life Protection Murals (2016) by Fo Guang Shan Buddha MuseumFo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
The 86 color murals depicting the protection of life were selected from Feng Zikai's Protection for Living Beings. To abstain from killing is the most fundamental teaching of the Buddha.
Camphor Grove Waterdrop Tea House (2016) by Fo Guang Shan Buddha MuseumFo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
This tea house provides simple food everyday, and customers can pay any price they like after the meal as a donation.
Twin Pavilions (2016) by Fo Guang Shan Buddha MuseumFo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
The Twin Pavilions is a gold-colored structure located beside a lotus pond. After a day's walk, it is nice to relax with a cup of tea on the second floor of this building.
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
You are all set!
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