Consecration ceremony of the Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas of Po Lin Monastery

I attended the consecration ceremony of the Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas of Po Lin Monastery this morning. It has been nearly 21 years since the completion and consecration of Po Lin Monastery's Big Buddha, which has all along been highly regarded and welcomed by Buddhists and the general public alike. The magnificent Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas consecrated today has taken many years to build. Serving to enhance people's understanding of Buddhist culture, it is a multi-functional building for sharing understanding of Buddhism; exhibiting Buddhist relics and artefacts; studying, contemplating and practising Buddhist teachings; and storing scriptures. Facing the Big Buddha from afar, the Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas further establishes Po Lin Monastery as a centre for advancing Buddhism through a combination of Buddhist culture, landscape gardening and sculptural art.

Apart from promoting Buddhist culture, Po Lin Monastery spares no effort in serving the community. Over the years, it has been active in providing elderly services, including health care and residential care services, on Lantau Island. It has also sponsored a number of kindergartens and secondary schools in Hong Kong. I sincerely thank Po Lin Monastery for its contributions to religion, culture and social services.

October 31, 2014