Buddha Purnima 2021

As we observe the full moon tonight, we celebrate the 2583rd birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha.

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.

Our home is adorned with many different Buddha statues, including this life-sized one.

While in Hong Kong in Aug-Sep of 2019, mom and I visited Lantau Island to see the large bronze statue of the Big Buddha or the Tian Tian Buddha – Buddha Amoghasiddhi. It is located in Ngong Ping Village near the Po Lin Monastery.

It was suddenly a rainy day. We were caught unawares, but as is supposed to be normal in Hong Kong, one usually has an umbrella in hand.

After the majestic entrance archway, there are 12 “Divine Generals” that line the pathway to the Big Buddha.

It felt like one could touch the clouds. Almost like being in heaven.

General Pajra, one of the 12 “Divine Generals”, represents 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. of the day, and the dragon of the Chinese Zodiac. He is armed with a bow and arrow.

It is a long and steep climb to the top to get a close view of the Buddha – 268 steps. Mom decided to admire the statue and everything else in the vicinity, from below.

The Big Buddha is seated on a lotus, atop a 3-level platform. The statue itself is 34 metres high.

On the lowest of the three platforms, surrounding the Buddha are six small bronze statues known as “The Offering of the Six Devas” that offer flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit, and music to the Buddha. (Source of info: Wikipedia)

The view from the top, with Lantau Peak in the distance

The construction of the Big Buddha began in 1990, and it was completed on 29th December 1993. This is the day that the Chinese consider to be the day of the Buddha’s enlightenment. However, many Buddhists celebrate his enlightenment (along with his birth and death) today.

Happy Buddha Purnima! Wish the blessings of the Buddha on this distressed world.