Located in Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum is a popular attraction that combines Buddhist culture, artistic architecture, religious faith, and leisure tourism. It is also one of the must-visit landmarks for many domestic and international travelers visiting Kaohsiung.
The origins of the Buddha Museum can be traced back to 1998, when Venerable Master Hsing Yun went to India to transmit the full precepts. At that time, Tibetan Lama Gunga Dorje Rinpoche presented a true relic of the Buddha (a tooth relic) and expressed the hope that a museum could be built in Taiwan to enshrine the Buddha's tooth relic.
After 9 years of planning and construction, the park was officially completed and opened at the end of 2011. It has since become an important Buddhist holy site that integrates religion, culture, education, and tourism.
This time we entered the park from the rear mountain gate leading to Fo Guang Shan Monastery.
The tall archway features the three large characters “Fo Guang Shan” personally inscribed by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, which are solemn and eye-catching.
In front of the archway connects the straight Fo Guang Avenue. This road links the old traditional Fo Guang Shan monastery with the Buddha Museum and serves as an important passage for devotees and visitors traveling between the two places. It is also one of the most representative spots for photographing the entrance of Fo Guang Shan.
Walking along Fo Guang Avenue, on the left is the Fo Guang Shan Boutique Shop. This is a cultural space that combines reading, cultural creativity, incense art, tea tasting, and lifestyle aesthetics. It not only sells Buddhist cultural and creative products but also features a comfortable reading area.
The venue also houses the Dishui Fang Vegetarian Restaurant, offering healthy and delicious vegetarian cuisine. If you get tired from walking, you can stop for a meal and rest.
Continuing forward, you will arrive at the Tea Pavilion, which is full of classical charm.
Because the main Fo Guang Shan monastery and the Buddha Museum cover a vast area, and the walking distances between attractions are considerable, Venerable Master Hsing Yun specially planned this tea pavilion so that every visitor coming to pay respects or visit could rest for a moment along the way.
Embodying the spirit of “offering tea to create affinity,” the pavilion provides free tea and has become a warm space for interaction and rest.
The Venerable Master Hsing Yun Memorial Park features a bronze statue of Venerable Master Hsing Yun in the center. The large arc-shaped arch behind it symbolizes “the Dharma water flowing eternally, perfect and unobstructed.”
Neatly trimmed pines and cypresses, green trees, and garden plants are planted around, complemented by symmetrically arranged Japanese stone lanterns, creating a tranquil, solemn, and Zen-like landscape that is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Continuing along the path, the view gradually opens up.
You can simultaneously enjoy the magnificent sight of the Fo Guang Big Buddha and the Four Holy Pagodas in the same frame, which is also a classic angle that many visitors love for taking photos.
Leading to the main hall of the Buddha Museum is a Path to Buddhahood that stretches 240 meters long.
On both sides of the avenue stand eight seven-tiered treasure pagodas in Tang dynasty style, majestic and symbolizing the path of cultivation and attaining Buddhahood.
The eight pagodas are named in order:
In addition to their elegant exteriors, each pagoda has different functions inside, including artifact exhibitions, book reading areas, briefing rooms, guest halls, and spaces for cultural activities such as Buddhist weddings and sutra copying.
One of the most popular among families with children is the Three Goods Children's Hall located inside the Two Assemblies Pagoda.
The hall is centered on the “Do good deeds, speak good words, and keep a good heart” Three Goods Movement advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Through interactive games, multimedia technology, and edutainment design, children learn virtuous character while playing, and adults can grow together with their children.
Arriving at the heart of the park—the main hall of the Buddha Museum.
The architecture blends design elements of the Indian stupa and the Mahabodhi Temple, exuding a grand and magnificent presence overall.
Surrounding the main hall are the Four Holy Pagodas symbolizing the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism—suffering, accumulation, cessation, and the path—making the entire structure appear even more solemn and dignified.
Located behind the main hall, the Fo Guang Big Buddha is the most iconic landmark of the Buddha Museum.
Including its base, the Big Buddha stands 108 meters tall, equivalent to approximately 36 stories high, making it the largest copper-cast seated Buddha in Asia.
Standing in the plaza and looking up, the Buddha’s solemn and compassionate expression brings a sense of calm to the mind and attracts many visitors to stop and admire it.
Located on the platform beneath the Fo Guang Big Buddha, the Sutra Copying Hall is also a place many recommend experiencing.
Initiated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the hall aims to promote the Dharma through sutra copying, allowing more people to settle their minds while writing.
If time permits, you can fully copy the Heart Sutra (Prajñāpāramitā Hṛdaya Sūtra); if your stay is limited, you can also draw lots to receive a Dharma saying from the Fo Guang Vegetable Root Tan for copying.
The process of writing stroke by stroke not only slows the pace but also gradually calms the mind, making it a truly special and meaningful experience during the journey.
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