The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, or also referred as Man Fat Tsz, is a famous serene holy place situated at Pai Tau Village’s Po Fook Hill. The temple was founded in 1949 by Reverend Yuet Kai and was completed in 1957. Although the monastery is operated by monks, it is by no means a residential area. People often get confused upon going to the place since another sacred site is nestled directly below the Ten Buddhas Monastery.
The monastery opens at 9 in the morning until 5:30 in the afternoon. Here, you may entertain yourself by snapping photos of the Buddha statues. In addition, you can unwind and enjoy a relaxing respite by taking a stroll while gazing on the different attractions that the temple has to offer.
1. Golden life-sized statues
The monastery was redecorated during 1968 and some pavilions and temples were rebuilt. All of the statues were repainted and coated with pure gold.
The place is built over a couple of levels on a bamboo forest hillside that occupies up to eight hectares. It has five temples, one verandah, four pavilions and a pagoda that has a concrete path with 431 steps.
Upon walking along those steps, you get to encounter the statues that are made out of pure gold. Then, a total of 500 life-sized gilded Arhan statues will welcome you as you take a step.
photo by Bernard Spragg. NZ
2. Main pavilions and Temples
The Samantabhadra Pavilion, Avalokitesvara Pavilion, Manjusri Pavilion, the main temple or Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall, Naga-puspa Hall, 18-Arhat Gallery and the pagoda are all situated on the lower level terrace.
Drop by at the main temple, and feast your eyes on its mesmerizing walls, which are lined with more than 10,000 miniature golden ceramic Buddha statues. Each statue is about a foot tall and comes with different expressions and pose.
There are three huge gilded Buddha statues that are on display in the main hall. It is beside the embalmed body of the founder.
3. The Pagoda
The moderately steep pagoda can be reached via a spiral staircase. There are Buddha statues at each level, and once you’re at the top, your eyes will meet the panoramic scenery of Sha Tin.
The pagoda was selected to represent the symbol of Hong Kong and featured on the HK$100 banknote by the year 2001.
4. Giant Buddha statues
An extension to the eastern part end of the monastery on the upper level was opened to the public on 2009. It contains a huge columbarium named Amitabha Hall with a eye-catching golden Amitabha Buddha statue.
Pay a visit to the Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery to get a glimpse of the different kinds of Buddha as well as to learn more about them and their religion.