Monasterio de Po Lin

Colourful hillside monastery & site of the landmark, 34-m. bronze Tian Tan Buddha statue.

Po Lin Monastery was known as the ‘Big Thatched Hut’ in the early days more than a century ago. In 1906, three Buddhist monks of the Ch’an School, Venerables Da Yue, Dun Xiu and Yue Ming traveled from Jiangsu Province of China to Lantau Island to set up a site for practice. Since then, many members of the Sangha from all directions were attracted to the place, marking the gradual rise of the Ch’an (Zen) School of Buddhism in Hong Kong. In 1924, the ‘Big Thatched Hut’ was renamed Po Lin Monastery and Venerable Ji Xiu became the first Abbot. Since then, Po Lin Monastery has developed into a world renowned monastery and is now led by the eighth Abbot, Venerable Jing Yin.

Venerables Da Yue, Dun Xiu and Yue Ming were from the Jiangtian Monastery at Jinshan, Zhenjiang prefecture of Jiangsu province. Arriving on Lantau Island, they were delighted to find an expansive flat land amidst the tranquil mountains. Though the place was over grown with thorn bushes and access to it was difficult, they found it a place of serenity ideal for religious practice and spreading Dharma.

To start with, they cleared the bushes and built a small stone house. Many monks were attracted by the tranquility and serenity of the place and more came and practiced over the years. They pulled together to built a big thatched hut and grew crops for food while diligently pursuing along the path of enlightenment. A primordial Buddhist discipline of the Ch’an School was thus established in Hong Kong.

Po Lin Monastery has always supported China’s policy of “development through education”. Since 1996, we have contributed towards the building of over 280 schools under Project Hope in Mainland China. Construction of the Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas commenced in November 2007 and is expected to be completed in 2012. It will house the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, Scripture Library, Abbot’s Chamber, Dharma Hall and a permanent Ordination Platform. When completed, this monumental building will be a central place for holding religious and cultural events. The new Grand Hall will have an exhibition venue of over 3,000 square meters for displaying ancient Chinese and precious Buddhist relics. The purpose of setting up the exhibition venue is to preserve relics of historical importance and to showcase Chinese and Buddhist cultural heritage locally and overseas.