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Taking the #23 bus from Tung Chung, we wound up a steep incline, turning frequently which allowed for great views of the island and ocean below. When we got to the top of the hill, very loud chanting filled the air from what sounded like a loudspeaker. Exiting the bus, I followed the crowd towards the Po Lin monastery, catching a glimpse of the Buddha looming over my right shoulder.Inside the monastery were a number of shrines, some quite ornate, with donation boxes placed squarely in front of each. There is a donation box everywhere in this temple, which reminded me of visiting the Vatican. A service was in progress in the room below the main altar, but we were not allowed to step inside to wi
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Inside the monastery were a number of shrines, some quite ornate, with donation boxes placed squarely in front of each. There is a donation box everywhere in this temple, which reminded me of visiting the Vatican. A service was in progress in the room below the main altar, but we were not allowed to step inside to witness the ceremony. It seems all the other visitors (presumably mainland Chinese tourists) who arrived with me on the first bus of the day were Buddhist and came with oranges, incense and other sacrifices for the various altars throughout the monastery.
There were some nicely landscaped areas throughout the complex, and a lunch room that served vegetarian lunches to hungry tourists. While there is much to recommend about this monastery, it does seem more concerned with raising cash than illuminating visitors on the wonders of Buddhism. Keep your expectations in check, and visit a smaller monastery elsewhere in the city to get a balanced impression of the lifestyle.
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