Buddhism in Hong Kong: Ankur Barua, M.A. Basilio

BUDDHISM IN HONG KONG
ANKUR BARUA, M.A. BASILIO
The Centre of Buddhist Studies, The University of Hong Kong &

Buddhist Door, Tung Lin Kok Yuen, Hong Kong
Background: Dr. Ankur Barua had graduated with distinction
from the University of Hong Kong (MBuddStud, 2009). He had
also completed two other Master Degrees, one from Sikkim
Manipal University (MBAIT, 2007) while the other from Manipal
University (MBBS-2000, MD in Community Medicine - 2003) and
presently working in professional field.
Ms. M.A. Basilio is a nursing professional who also has keen

passion and research interest in religion and science.
First Publication on 8th November 2009

Buddhist Door, Tung Lin Kok Yuen, Hong Kong
Copyright © Ankur Barua and M.A.Basilio
Communication Address of Corresponding Author:

Dr. ANKUR BARUA
Block – EE, No.-80, Flat No.-2A,
Salt Lake City, Sector-2,
Kolkata - 700091, West Bengal, INDIA.
Email: ankurbarua26@yahoo.com
Mobile: +91-9434485543 (India),
+852-96195078 (Hong Kong)
Buddhism in Hong Kong Page 2

Acknowledgements
We would like to express our sincere gratitude and

indebtedness to Ven. Dr. Jing Yin, Professor of Buddhist Studies
and Director of the Centre of Buddhist Studies in the University
of Hong Kong for his kind support, inspiration, encouragement
and timely advice during the compilation of this book.
We would like to extend our earnest gratitude to Dr. Dipak

Kumar Barua, who was the earlier Dean of the Faculty Council
for Postgraduate Studies in Education, Journalism & Library
Science in the University of Calcutta (1987-1991) and the
Director of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Nalanda (1996-1999), for
his technical guidance and valuable advice.
We would also like to convey our sincere thanks to Mrs. Dipa

Barua for showing keen interest and providing constant
assistance and support during this endeavor.

Preface
Initiated in India by the Sakyamuni Buddha, Buddhism has

now become a world religion. Buddhism was first introduced
to China from India approximately during the first century A.D.
and later became increasingly popular after the fourth century
A.D. The three major religions followed by most people in
Hong Kong are Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.
Buddhism has a long history in Hong Kong, dating back at least

to the fifth century A.D., when the monk Pui To had set up a
hermitage at Castle Peak in Hong Kong. A few monasteries
claim an antiquity of one or two hundred years. Most were
established after the British acquisition of the Colony.
In recent years, more and more people in Hong Kong are

showing greater interest in learning and practicing Buddhism.
Due to the hectic and frenzied life in the metros, many have
turned to Buddhism for inner peace and awakening. The Hong
Kong Government has also provided favorable support to
Buddhism and all activities of the Buddhist organizations.

Abstract
Buddhism has now involved wider participation by

incorporating individuals from various occupational fields and
diverse religious backgrounds. In recent years, Hong Kong has
become a platform for the exchanges of ideas among the
Buddhist organizations in Greater China. The academic studies
of Buddhism unite and facilitate exchange among
organizations based in Taiwan, China and Hong Kong.
Although the majority of Hong Kong Chinese believe in
Buddhism or some folkloric forms of the religion, the higher-
educated professionals have become Buddhists. The Hong
Kong Government has also provided favorable support to
Buddhism and all activities of the Buddhist organizations. The
Birthday of the historical Gautama Buddha is an official
holiday in Hong Kong and the activities organized to celebrate
this auspicious event are attended by millions of people.
Key words: Mahayana, Theravada, Buddhism, Lantau,

Wisdom, Monastery.

Introduction
In recent years there has been a tremendous upsurge of
interest in Buddhism throughout the world, particularly in Asia,
Europe and America. The interest in Buddhism is no longer
restricted to its believers and religious academics.1
Buddhism has now involved wider participation by
incorporating individuals from various occupational fields and
diverse religious backgrounds.
With the philosophical foundation on spirituality beyond
religion, Buddhism has also caught the attention of many
modern research scholars.

There is a growing worldwide academic interest on the
application of Buddhist teachings in modern science and
healthcare.1
There is now an even richer pool of talent and knowledge which
have the potential to provide new interpretations for enriching
our understanding of Buddhism.

Religious Background of China and Hong Kong
China is a country with great diversity of religions. There are
more than 100 million followers of various religious faiths. The
main religions are Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, China's
indigenous Taoism, along with Shamanism, Eastern Orthodox
Christianity and the Maxi people's Dongba religion.2
The Hui, Uygur, Kazak, Kirgiz, Tatar, Ozbek, Tajik, Dongxiang,
Salar and Bonan people follow either Islam or the Tibetan
Buddhism. However, the Dai, Blang and Deang follow the
Theravada Buddhism.2
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) belonging to
China. Three major religions that define the religious life of
most people in Hong Kong are Buddhism from India and Taoism
and Confucianism from China. There is also ancestral worship
as a way of honoring the dead ancestors.

Hong Kong also has representation from all the main religions in
the world. Some of the Miao, Yao and Ti are Christians, while
the religious Han Chinese practices either Buddhism or
Christianity or Taoism.2

Religious Freedom in China2
The constitution of China provides the citizens of the Peoples’
Republic of China (PRC) the complete liberty to enjoy freedom
of religious belief. The policy of freedom of religious belief
adopted by the Chinese government has the following basic
contents: Respecting and protecting freedom of religious belief.
In China, every citizen enjoys the freedom to believe in, or not
to believe in, any religion.
Within a religion, every Chinese citizen has the freedom to
believe in any denomination or division. Each citizen has the
freedom to adopt or reject a religious belief.
The Criminal Law of China, the General Principles of the Civil
Law, the National Minority Regional Autonomy Law, the
Education Law, the Labor Law, the Electoral Law of the People's
Congresses, and the Organic Law Governing Villagers'
Committees include corresponding articles stipulating that

citizens' freedom of religious belief should be protected, and
that citizens who believe in, or do not believe in, any religion
should not be discriminated against.
In China, religion is separated from political power and from
education too. State power does not use religion in its own
service' and religion does not interfere with the state's
administration, judicature and education. All religions adopt the
principle of independence and self-management. Chinese
religions are run solely by the religious organizations, clergy and
believers themselves.
Chinese religious affairs and organizations are not controlled by
foreign forces. Chinese religious organizations are willing to
conduct friendly exchanges and with counterparts in other
countries to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship.
The cultural and religious exchanges are based on complete
equality and mutual respect.

Timeline of the History of Buddhism in China3
Though it is one of the main religions in China, but Buddhism
had originated in India. Traders and monks, who traveled from
India through the Silk Route, introduced Buddhism to China at
the beginning of the first century A.D. There are two main
schools of Buddhist thoughts, namely the Mahayana and the
Theravada. It is the Mahayana tradition which is the most
popular Buddhist practice in China. The Mahayana promises all
creatures salvation through the 'bodhisattva' practices.
Buddhism was not always a popular religion. There was
considerable opposition to Buddhism, which conflicted with
Confucian ethics and the tradition of ancestral worship. During
the Three Kingdoms Period (AD220-280), Confucianism spread
in each of the three states. When Buddhism came forth as a
new religion, Confucians treated it with hostility during the rule
of Emperor Wudi. The religion even saw a stage of interdiction
from 574-577 during the ruling of the northern Zhou Dynasty.

The revival and triumphant of Buddhism occurred during the
Tang Dynasty (618-907), whereby several of its officers were in
support of the religion. The Empress Wu Zetian herself was an
ardent Buddhist. Nevertheless, from 842 to 845, Chinese
Buddhists encountered the most acerb persecution in their
entire history. A total of 40,000 temples and monasteries were
ravaged, and Buddhism was condemned for the economic
decline and moral decay of the dynasty.
Time has since passed and schools for Buddhism have been built
to pass on philosophical knowledge and Buddhist teachings.
Two main influential schools are the Chan (school of meditation
or Zen Buddhism) and Amitabha Buddhism (Pure Land).
In Mahayana Buddhism, worship focused on the bodhisattva
Avalokiteshvara. In China, the most popular bodhisattva is the
female goddess of mercy and compassion, Guanyin, who
represents a central deity for the ordinary people.

However, the center of religious attention is the Sakyamuni
Buddha, the founder of Buddhism who was forced into the
background by the Maitreya Buddha (called Milofo in China). In
monasteries, Sakyamuni greets the faithful as a laughing
Buddha in the entrance hall. The Amitabha School has
dominated the life and culture of the Chinese people since the
14th Century.
The Chan School was the most influential school. Known as the
School of Meditation, it preached redemption through
Buddhahood, which is available to anyone. Meditation is used
to lead disciples toward enlightenment. Other methods are long
hikes and physical labor.
The most significant method is having a conversation with the
master who asks subtle and paradoxical questions and expects
equally paradoxical answers.

In the 17th Century, another type of Buddhism that made its
debut in Tibet is called Tantric Buddhism or Lamaism.
Originating from India, Lamaism replaced the indigenous Bon
religion, while simultaneously taking over some of the elements
of this naturalist religion.
Two of the founder's disciples are said to be reborn as heads of
the order: the Dalai Lama, representing the incarnated
bodhisattva of mercy, was worshiped as the patron god of
Tibet; and Panchen Lama who is higher in the hierarchy of gods.
Besides these Buddhist deities, there are other figures from the
Brahman and Hindu world of gods, as well as the old Bon
religion. Redemption is achieved through magic, repetitive
prayers, movements, formulae, symbols, and sacrificial rituals.

History of Buddhism in Hong Kong2,4
Buddhism was first introduced to China from India
approximately during the first century A.D. and later became
increasingly popular after the fourth century A.D.
The Tibetan Buddhism or Lamaism or Vajrayana or Tantrayana
as it is sometimes called, is found primarily in Tibet and Inner
Mongolia. Now in China, including Hong Kong, there are about
200,000 monks and nuns residing in more than 13,000 Buddhist
temples.
Buddhism has a long history in Hong Kong, dating back at least
to the fifth century A.D., when the monk Pui To had set up a
hermitage at Castle Peak in Hong Kong. A few monasteries claim
an antiquity of one or two hundred years. Most were
established after the British acquisition of the Colony as a result
of its growing wealth and population.

The census-takers of Hong Kong had never attempted to
discover the number of Buddhist monks, nuns and their
followers. No question on religion had been ever included in the
census of 1961.
However, in the 1954-1956 report by the Hong Kong and Macau
Regional Centre of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, it was
estimated that the number of Buddhists in Hong Kong to be
around 500,000. Among them 5,000 were active, cultured
Buddhists who not only believed in the Buddha but also
devoted themselves in earnest to the study and practice of the
doctrines of Buddhism. The lay Buddhists had been increasingly
active here over the past twenty years, particularly in social
welfare work.
Buddhism in Hong Kong fits into the pattern of Chinese
Buddhism as a whole over the past hundred years.

Revitalization of faith and practice among laymen are often
sparked by a few really able monks, whose talents stand in all
the greater contrast to those of most of their counterparts.
Though the number of active Buddhist laymen is growing day by
day, but the Sangha or body of monks is becoming smaller.
However, the Sangha, which had declined almost to the
vanishing point by 1949, was restored in size and quality by an
influx of refugee monks (estimated at 800-1,000) in the early
1950's. During the later years, most of these monks gradually
moved on to other areas.
The monastic institutions of Hong Kong, like those of China
proper, are individual entities. They do not belong to the
authority of a patriarch or any other central organ of the school
to which they belong. It is best not to regard them as belonging
to distinct and separate schools. In any given monastery one
monk might study Ch'an while another studies Pure Land.

Monasteries are usually classified according to the school of the
abbot and a change of abbot can mean a change of
classification. Thus, the Chuk Lam Monastery in Tsuen Wan
which was once Ch'an has now become Pure Land, but shelters
monks of other schools.
Although religious tolerance in India and Tibet is usually based
on an awareness of the difference between one's own doctrines
and those of the neighbor, tolerance in China is more often
based on a desire to unify all religious doctrines and a belief
that it can be done.
However, this does not mean that there is no awareness in
Hong Kong that Buddhism is divided into schools. There are
often separate alters for different schools of Buddhism during
prayer meetings in Hong Kong.

Apart from one or two exceptions, most of the monasteries in
Hong Kong now tend to become static and withdrawn. But the
nunneries and some of the Buddhist lay organizations had
shown an increasingly active role in social welfare. The initiative
in most of the occasions had come from laymen, some of whom
might be equally interested in Taoism or one of the other
popular syncretistic sects in Hong Kong.

Buddhism Flourishes in Hong Kong
Buddhism is not a dogmatic religion and never stresses on
achieving any time-bound goals. Everyone is invited to critically
examine the teachings of Buddha. Blind faith is never
encouraged in Buddhism. Buddhism is a religion which never
makes any effort to convert people in order to preach or
promote its doctrine. Instead, it encourages people to seek their
own path to enlightenment at their own pace. The scientific
outlook and attitude of Buddhism advices the followers to avoid
involvement in unwanted debates and controversies related to
the soul, self-entity and creation of the universe.5
The teachings of the Buddha help people in solving their own
problems encountered in daily life. Through the regular
application of Buddhist teachings in daily life, an individual is
trained to develop the insight to visualize all the phenomena as
truly as they are. This also helps him to put aside the prejudices
and egos and become a better person in the society.6

In recent times, Hong Kong has become a platform for the
exchanges of ideas among the Buddhist organizations in Greater
China. The academic studies of Buddhism unite and facilitate
exchange among organizations based in Taiwan, China and
Hong Kong. Although the majority of Hong Kong Chinese believe
in Buddhism or some folkloric forms of the religion, the higher-
educated professionals have become Buddhists. The activities
organized by Buddhist organizations in Hong Kong have
increased manifold due to a greater access to the religion during
the last couple of decades.5,6

More and more people in Hong Kong are now showing greater
interest in learning and practicing Buddhism. Due to the hectic
and frenzied life in the metros, many have turned to Buddhism
for inner peace and awakening.
The Hong Kong Government has also provided favorable
support to Buddhism and all activities of the Buddhist
organizations. The Birthday of the historical Gautama Buddha is
an official holiday in Hong Kong and the activities organized to
celebrate this auspicious and memorable event are attended by
millions of people.5,6

Role of Buddhist organizations in Hong Kong4,7
Buddhist organizations in Hong Kong do not play the economic,
political, and cultural role that is played by their counterparts in
Southeast Asia. In particular, they attempt to avoid politics.
Although anti-Communist efforts have been practiced by a few
Buddhist groups, the majority concentrate on religious activities
and social welfare.
The principal religious role of Buddhist organizations in Hong
Kong is to provide palliative care, funeral ceremonies and care
for the souls of the dead.
Following a series of mishaps during the racing season, in the
last of which a prominent jockey was killed (the fourth since the
war), the Hong Kong Jockey Club had invited the Buddhist
Association to arrange for appropriate rites of exorcism in
January 1960.

For three days and four nights 68 monks and 44 nuns
performed elaborate ceremonies at altars on the premises of
the club. They prayed continuously in teams, not only for the
repose of the souls of the jockeys, but also for those of the
2,000 persons who lost their lives in the grandstand fire of 1918.
They also prayed for other souls whose welfare was brought to
their attention by relatives. According to the local press, around
40,000 persons attended the ceremony. Though exorcism is a
common event, but this was the first time that such an event
had taken place at the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Two months later a much smaller ceremony was performed
near Shatin at the request of villagers, who believed that an
increase in traffic accidents had been caused by the "restless
souls" of victims of the Japanese which was a very widespread
belief in the Colony.

Although only a tiny fraction of the population can be
considered both purely Buddhist and devoutly Buddhist in Hong
Kong, but a very large percentage of the general community
depend on Buddhism in connection with death related issues.
Except for some strict adherents of other religions in Hong
Kong, there is an underlying reverence for Shakyamuni, Guanyin
and the vast pantheon of other Buddhas and Bodhisattas that
have become native to China.

Buddhist Association of Hong Kong4,7
After Japan declared her unconditional surrender on 15 August
1945, some of the local Buddhist masters of Hong Kong came
together to form the Buddhist Association of Hong Kong. They
hosted their first office in a four-storey timber building at 117
Wanchai Road in Hong Kong Main Island. The founding masters
of great virtue were, Ven. Fat Ho, Ven. Kok Kwong, Ven. Mou
Fung, Ven. Mou Yue, Ven. Yiu Tan, Ven. Wun Cing , Ven. Hoi Yen
, Ven. Shui Yung, Ven. Oi Ting, Ven. Wang Zi, Ven. Tsze Cheong,
Mr. Chan Ching To, Mr. Wong Hok Yan and Mr. Lam Lim Chun.

In post-war Hong Kong, there were a large number of orphans
who urgently needed to be looked after and educated. The
Buddhist Association of Hong Kong immediately set up a
Charitable Chinese Buddhist School to offer them free
education.
In the early years, the Buddhist Association of Hong Kong did
not have a permanent address. Some of the early meetings
were held to discuss association affairs at an office inside Tung
Lin Kok Yuen. However, the Association enjoyed rapid
development and its membership saw significant growth in
subsequent years.
In 1967, the Board purchased the premises at 338 Lockhart
Road Wanchai and started operating from there. The
Association has remained actively functional at this place till
date.

Today, the Buddhist Association of Hong Kong is the largest and
most prestigious Buddhist group in Hong Kong. It operates more
than 40 units which include hospitals, schools, elderly services,
youth services, childcare services, cemeteries and magazines.
Embracing a primary principle of uniting all Buddhist monks and
followers, the Association is committed to practicing the
Buddha way. It has undertaken a mission to spread the word of
Buddha actively and unite all Buddhist groups and members of
the Buddhist order from Hong Kong and across the world.
The Association now plays a bridging role to facilitate
communication between Buddhist groups and the central and
Hong Kong governments.

Following years of lobbying by the Association and local
Buddhists, the birthday of the historical Sakyamuni Buddha had
earned the official status of a statutory holiday in Hong Kong
from 1999.
During the past few decades, Buddhism has been gaining status
and importance in Hong Kong. The Buddhist ideology has now
become an important element of local ethical education. The
Buddhist Association of Hong Kong continues to uphold the
spirit of Buddha and serve the public. It holds a public service
for the souls of the dead on every Remembrance Day at the
Tung Lin Kok Yuen.
The Association sincerely urges the masters of all monasteries,
Buddhists everywhere and the general public to render their
continued support in order to relieve more people from pain
and sufferings and successfully guide them towards happiness.

Centre of Buddhist Studies at the University of Hong Kong1
Hong Kong uniquely combines the Eastern culture and tradition
with all the dynamism of an ultra-modern and cosmopolitan
society. It provides the perfect setting for an academic
endeavor at the University of Hong Kong for fostering Buddhist
studies. This is the Centre of Buddhist Studies which provides
Buddhist studies of an international standard.

The Centre of Buddhist Studies of The University of Hong Kong
was established in September 2000 to promote study and
research on all aspects of Buddhism and its relevance to the
world at present.
The Centre is a self-funded academic centre relying on generous
donations and support from benefactors. It is the first of its kind
to be set up in Hong Kong.
Since 2002, the Centre has been offering a broad range of
Buddhist studies at postgraduate research (MPhil/PhD), Master
and undergraduate levels. The degrees are awarded through
the Faculty of Social Sciences. The courses are taught by a team
of renowned Buddhist scholars from across the world.
The curriculum covers Buddhist literature, Indian Buddhism,
Chinese Mahayana, Buddhist Canonical languages, Buddhist Art,
social application and Mindfulness and Stress-reduction.

Through a fundamental understanding of Buddhist teachings,
the educational programmes enable the students to develop
better mind and life-management skills.
The postgraduate studies and research programmes provide an
opportunity for the participants to explore how Buddhist
teachings could add a new dimension to the science of the
human psyche and how their application could effectively
enhance the quality of their personal and professional lives.

Centre for the Study of Humanistic Buddhism at CUHK8
The Department of Cultural and Religious Studies at the Chinese
University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has established a Centre for the
Study of Humanistic Buddhism to promote Buddhist culture on
18th April 2005. The Fo Guang Shan Foundation had rendered
its support of education and charity; and also for the promotion
of Chinese culture.
At present, the centre is focusing on promoting Buddhist
studies, training scholars, enhancing global academic exchange
among scholars and promulgating Buddhist culture. It also
offers undergraduate and general education courses in
Buddhism as well as postgraduate (research and taught) and
doctoral programmes in the area.

The centre also invites eminent Buddhist scholars worldwide as
visiting professors for conducting research and delivering
lectures.
The foci of its research at the Centre for the Study of Humanistic
Buddhism include Buddhism and Chinese society, Buddhism and
contemporary ethical and cultural issues, and comparative
studies and dialogues between Buddhism and other religions.
The centre is expected to play a leading role in research on
humanistic Buddhism and in creating a 'pure land' in the society.

The Lantau Buddha in Hong Kong9,10
Ngong Ping is located high on the uplands at 460 meters above
sea level. It is a 102-hectare plateau in the western-central part
of Lantau Island. Monks and priests began settling in this
pristine part of Hong Kong in the last century. Here, they live a
very secluded life and practice Buddhism. Today, apart from
some original rural settlements, Lantau is mostly known for its
religious establishments such as monasteries, retreats and
Buddhist halls.

The main Buddhist attraction of Hong Kong is the world’s largest
outdoor bronze Buddha statue of the Lantau Island. Here, the
Tian Tan Buddha is seated on a Lotus Throne on an altar built to
resemble the altar at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.
Facing North, the Tian Tan Buddha statue is 34 meters high. It
symbolizes Sakyamuni, who meditated deeply under the Bodhi
tree and attained enlightenment and awakening to true reality.
The Giant Buddha sits solemnly atop the 482m Muk Yue Shan.
The whole complex stands opposite to the monastery and is
6,547 m2 in size.
There is a relic of Gautama Buddha and a giant bell in the
central hall located at the base of the Lotus Throne. The visitors
need to climb 268 steps in order to reach the Buddha. Featuring
the pronounced facial expression of the Buddha and the statue
craftsmanship of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, the Tian Tan
Buddha was built with bronze and weighs over 250 tonnes.

Gold was used for the face, portraying the beauty and solemnity
of the Buddha. The right hand of the Buddha is held up as a
"Fear-Not mudra", a manifestation of the great vow to
eliminate suffering from all sentient beings. The left hand is
placed on the Buddha’s thigh with His palm facing out and
fingers slightly pointing downwards. This is known as the "Wish-
Granting mudra", signifying the compassionate vow to grant
happiness to all men. The Dharma chakra in the palm
represents the everlasting turning of the Wheel of Dharma and
the dissemination of the Dharma to every corner of the world.
The planning of the Tian Tan Buddha started in 1976.
Constructed by the China Aeronautic Department, the works
were completed in 1993. It was selected as one of the "Ten
Engineering Wonders in Hong Kong" and was awarded the
"Merit of Unique Artistic Features" by the Hong Kong Institution
of Engineers in 2000.

Po Lin Monastery at Lantau9,10
Located adjacent to the big Buddha of Lantau Island in Hong
Kong is the Po Lin Monastery which provides residential facility
for the monks. Regular meditational activities and Buddhist
studies are practiced here.
Po Lin Monastery, established in 1906, is known as "The Sacred
Place of the Buddha in the South" and is the first of the four
most popular monasteries in Hong Kong.

The Monastery was initially named "The Big Hut" when it was
first built. Having gone through a century of development, Po
Lin Monastery is now well developed with a number of
structures including the Mahavira Hall and the Heavenly King
Hall.
Po Lin Monastery is a renowned attraction and a holy Buddhist
place in Hong Kong. The gardens and pavilions are well-
established to blend in with the natural environment in Ngong
Ping. A new "Jeweled Hall of 10,000 Buddhas" is being built,
which will feature 10,000 Buddha statues as well as a Buddhist
Scripture Library and a Dharma Hall.

Path to Wisdom at Lantau9,10
A few yards walk from the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan
Buddha is the ‘Path to Wisdom’ for the travelers in need of
further spiritual immersion. This path winds between tall
wooden beams inscribed with the Heart Sutra, one of the most
famous and meaningful Buddhist prayers.
The 38 columns are arranged in a figure 8, the symbol of
infinity. A walk along the Path to Wisdom provides a remarkable
peaceful experience for the visitors of Lantau Island.

Chi Lin Monastery at Diamond Hill11
The youngest of the great monasteries of Hong Kong, the Chi Lin
temple is located on the Diamond Hill. The Chi Lin Nunnery is
one of the hidden attractions of Hong Kong. It was first founded
in the year 1930 as a retreat for Buddhist nuns. Later, in 2000,
the temple was rebuilt making use of traditional Tang Dynasty
(618-907AD) architecture.
The temple was constructed entirely of timber held together by
wooden brackets. No metal, not even a single nail was used in
the construction work. Till date, it is the greatest handcrafted
timber building in the world.

The temple complex spreads over an area of 33,000 square
meters and includes a lotus pond garden together with 16 halls.
In the courtyard, a blooming lotus in the pond captivates the
attention of visitors.
The statues of Buddhas and bodhisattvas are located inside the
halls. The complex also houses a library, a school, a pagoda of
Ten Thousand Buddhas, bell tower and drum tower with huge
hand-made drums. The atmosphere inside the complex is
beautiful and soothing. The grandeur blends beautifully with
simplicity to give the feeling of divine serenity.

Buddhist Organizations in Hong Kong12
There are many well-recognized Buddhist organizations in Hong
Kong at present. Some of the renowned organizations are listed
below:
1. Amitabha Druk Foundation Ltd. following the tradition of
Tibetan, Kagyu and Drikung.
2. Buddhist Mau Fung Memorial College affiliated to the Hong
Kong Buddhist Association.
3. Buddhist Youth Association at Kowloon, Hong Kong.
4. Cham-Tse-Ling following the tradition of Vajrayana, Tibetan,
Gelugpa (FPMT).
5. Dhammakaya International Meditation Center (Hong Kong)
following the tradition of Theravada, Thai Meditation
Organization.
6. Dharma Drum Mountain following the tradition of Chinese
Ch'an (Zen).

7. Dudjom Buddhist Association following the tradition of
Tibetan, Nyingma.
8. Gak Su Mountain Temple founded by Zen Master Seung Sah
following the tradition of Kwan Um School of Zen (Korean).
9. Hong Kong Buddhist Association Youth Committee
10. Hong Kong Karma Kagyu Buddhist Society following the
tradition of Tibetan Karma Kagyu.
11. Hong Kong Theravada Meditation Society Ltd following the
Theravada tradition.
12. I.B.P.S. Hong Kong affiliated to Fo Guang Shan and
following the tradition of Mahayana, Humanistic Buddhism.
13. I.B.P.S. Macau affiliated to Fo Guang Shan nd following the
tradition of Mahayana, Humanistic Buddhism.
14. Jangchub Phuntsok Ling Buddhist Charity Centre following
the tradition of Vajrayana, Tibetan, Kagyu lineage.
15. Karma Samten Ling (H.K.) Buddhist Centre affiliated to Ven.
Gyalpo Rinpoche and following the tradition of Vajrayana,
Karma Kagyu.

16. Macau Palyul Buddhist Dharma Chakra Centre following the
tradition of Tibetan, Nyingmapa, Palyul Lineage.
17. Mahayana Buddhist Association (Cham Tse Ling) following
the tradition of Vajrayana, Tibetan, Gelugpa (FPMT).
18. Ngagyur Dzogchen Shri Singha Buddhist Centre following
the tradition of Tibetan, Dzogchen.
19. Palyul Changchub Dargyeling following the tradition of
Tibetan, Nyingmapa, Palyul Lineage.
20. Po Lam Forest Monastery at Lantau Island, Hong Kong.
21. Puguang Meditation Center affiliated to Chung Tai Chan
Monastery and following the tradition of Mahayana, Linji
Chan.
22. Su Bong Zen Monastery founded by Zen Master Seung Sah
and following the tradition of Kwan Um School of Zen
(Korean).
23. The Dharmasthiti Buddhist Institute following the
Mahayana tradition.

24. The Hong Kong Buddhist Association at Wanchai, Hong
Kong.
25. The Hong Kong Satipatthana Centre following the
Theravada tradition.
26. Thrangu Vajrayana Buddhist Centre following the tradition
of Tibetan, Kagyu.
27. Tong Lin Kok Yuen following the Mahayana tradition.
28. United Trungram Buddhist Foundation, Hong Kong
affiliated to the United Trungram Buddhist Fellowship and
following the Trungram Tibetan Tradition of Kagyu School.
29. Vajradhara Buddhist Centre following the Tibetan tradition.
30. Wat BuddhaDhamaram following the Theravada, Thai
tradition.
31. Wat Mekadhamwanaram following the Theravada, Thai
tradition.
32. Diamond Way Buddhism Hong Kong following the
Vajrayana, Karma Kagyu tradition.

Conclusion
Buddhism was first introduced to China from India
approximately during the first century A.D. and later became
increasingly popular after the fourth century A.D.2 During the
fifth century A.D., monk Pui To had set up the first hermitage
at Castle Peak in Hong Kong.2,4
In recent times, Hong Kong has become a platform for the
exchanges of ideas among the Buddhist organizations in
Greater China. The academic studies of Buddhism unite and
facilitate exchange among organizations based in Taiwan,
China and Hong Kong. More and more people in Hong Kong
are now showing greater interest in learning and practicing
Buddhism. The Hong Kong Government has also provided
favorable support to Buddhism and all activities of the
Buddhist organizations.4,5

References
1. Yin, J. 2009. Message from the Director [serial onine]. [cited

2009 November 4]; [1 screen]. Available from: URL:
http://www.buddhism.hku.hk/director_message.htm
2. AsianInfo.org. 2009. Religion in Hong Kong [serial onine].

[cited 2009 October 26]; [2 screens]. Available from: URL:
http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/hong-
kong/hk_religion.htm
3. Hotnet Sdn.Bhd. 2009. Religion:Buddhism [serial online].

[cited 2009 October 31]; [1 screen]. Available from: URL:
http://www.marimari.com/content/hong_kong/index.html
4. Holmes, W. 1971. Buddhist Organizations in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong.
5. Lau, W. 4th May 2007. Changes in Buddhist Organizations’

Activities. Hong Kong Stories. Hong Kong: Journalism and
Media Studies Centre, the University of Hong Kong.

6. Lau, W. 4th May 2007. Buddhism Thrives in Hong Kong. Hong
Kong Stories. Hong Kong: Journalism and Media Studies
Centre, the University of Hong Kong.
7. Hsin Ying. 27th September 2009, Buddhist in Hong Kong. The

Buddhist Association of Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Buddha
Channel [serial online]. [cited 2009 November 2]; [3
screens]. Available from: URL:
http://www.buddhachannel.tv/portail/spip.php?article2615
&var_recherche=the%20Buddhist%20in%20Hong%20Kong
8. The Chinese University of Hong Kong. 23rd April 2005. CUHK

Sets up Centre for the Study of Humanistic Buddhism. Hong
Kong: CUHK e-newsletter 2(10). [serial onine]. [cited 2009
October 17]; [1 screen]. Available from: URL:
http://mmlab.csc.cuhk.edu.hk/eNewsASP/app/article-
details.aspx/B45183071973E42964EBAD5F3258CB2E/
9. Ngong Ping 360. Lantau Experience: Po Lin Monastery and

Giant Buddha [serial online]. [cited 2009 November 4]; [3
http://www.np360.com.hk/html/eng/lantau/po-
lin.html?4&gclid=COLM8r6E_J0CFdEvpAodX1YtpA#back

10. Coila, B. 25th March 2009. Hong Kong's Big Buddha. Hong
Kong travel [serial online]. [cited 2009 November 2]; [2
attachment:/158/attachment158.htm
11. Buddhist Tourism.com. 2009. Chi Lin Nunnery [serial

online]. [cited 2009 October 17]; [1 screen]. Available from:
URL: http://www.buddhist-
tourism.com/countries/hongkong/temples-
monasteries/chi-lin-nunnery.html
12. Buddhanet.net. 2009. World Buddhist Director:. Hong Kong

[serial onine]. [cited 2009 October 26]; [2 screens].
Available from: URL:
http://buddhanet.info/wbd/country.php?country_id=41&of
fset=25

Concluding Remarks
Buddhism is not a dogmatic religion and blind faith is never
encouraged in Buddhism. Everyone is invited to critically
examine the teachings of Buddha. Buddhism encourages
people to seek their own path to enlightenment at their own
pace. The scientific attitude of Buddhism advices the followers
to avoid involvement in unwanted debates and controversies
related to the soul, self-entity and creation of the universe.

Buddhism in Hong Kong: Ankur Barua, M.A. Basilio

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Buddhism in Hong Kong: Ankur Barua, M.A. Basilio

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

BUDDHISM IN HONG KONG

ANKUR BARUA, M.A. BASILIO

The Centre of Buddhist Studies, The University of Hong Kong &

Ms. M.A. Basilio is a nursing professional who also has keen

First Publication on 8th November 2009

Copyright © Ankur Barua and M.A.Basilio

Communication Address of Corresponding Author:

Buddhism in Hong Kong Page 2

We would like to express our sincere gratitude and

We would like to extend our earnest gratitude to Dr. Dipak

We would also like to convey our sincere thanks to Mrs. Dipa

Buddhism in Hong Kong Page 3

Initiated in India by the Sakyamuni Buddha, Buddhism has

Buddhism has a long history in Hong Kong, dating back at least

In recent years, more and more people in Hong Kong are

Buddhism in Hong Kong Page 4

Buddhism has now involved wider participation by

Key words: Mahayana, Theravada, Buddhism, Lantau,

Buddhism in Hong Kong Page 5

In recent years there has been a tremendous upsurge of

interest in Buddhism throughout the world, particularly in Asia,

Europe and America. The interest in Buddhism is no longer

restricted to its believers and religious academics.1

Buddhism has now involved wider participation by

incorporating individuals from various occupational fields and

diverse religious backgrounds.

With the philosophical foundation on spirituality beyond

religion, Buddhism has also caught the attention of many

modern research scholars.

Buddhism in Hong Kong Page 6

application of Buddhist teachings in modern science and

There is now an even richer pool of talent and knowledge which

have the potential to provide new interpretations for enriching

our understanding of Buddhism.

Buddhism in Hong Kong Page 7

China is a country with great diversity of religions. There are

more than 100 million followers of various religious faiths. The

main religions are Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, China's

indigenous Taoism, along with Shamanism, Eastern Orthodox

Christianity and the Maxi people's Dongba religion.2

The Hui, Uygur, Kazak, Kirgiz, Tatar, Ozbek, Tajik, Dongxiang,

Salar and Bonan people follow either Islam or the Tibetan

Buddhism. However, the Dai, Blang and Deang follow the

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) belonging to

China. Three major religions that define the religious life of

and Confucianism from China. There is also ancestral worship

as a way of honoring the dead ancestors.

Buddhism in Hong Kong Page 8

the religious Han Chinese practices either Buddhism or

Buddhism in Hong Kong Page 9

The constitution of China provides the citizens of the Peoples’

Republic of China (PRC) the complete liberty to enjoy freedom

of religious belief. The policy of freedom of religious belief

adopted by the Chinese government has the following basic

contents: Respecting and protecting freedom of religious belief.

In China, every citizen enjoys the freedom to believe in, or not

to believe in, any religion.

Within a religion, every Chinese citizen has the freedom to

believe in any denomination or division. Each citizen has the

freedom to adopt or reject a religious belief.

The Criminal Law of China, the General Principles of the Civil

Law, the National Minority Regional Autonomy Law, the

Congresses, and the Organic Law Governing Villagers'