Buddhism is a major religion inHong Kong and has been greatly influential in the traditional culture of its populace.[1] Among the most prominent Buddhist temples in the city there are theChi Lin Nunnery inDiamond Hill, built in theTang dynasty's architectural style; thePo Lin Monastery onLantau Island, famous for the outdoor bronze statue,Tian Tan Buddha, which attracts a large number of visitors during the weekends and holidays.
Buddhist organizations and temples in Hong Kong have long been involved in social welfare and education. TheHong Kong Buddhist Association with close to 10,000 members operates a dozen primary and secondary schools, and elderly homes as well as centres for youth and children in Hong Kong.[2][3] It also runs theHong Kong Buddhist Hospital, which was founded in 1971.[4]
Under the leadership of the former Chief ExecutiveTung Chee Hwa, the Hong Kong government formally recognised the influence of Buddhism in Hong Kong. In 1997 the government designatedBuddha's Birthday as a public holiday, which replaced theQueen's birthday holiday. Tung himself is a Buddhist and participated in major, widely publicised Buddhist activities in Hong Kong and China.
Academic studies and research of Buddhism in Hong Kong have thrived over the past decades. TheUniversity of Hong Kong established a Centre of Buddhist Studies (CBS) in 2000.[5] TheChinese University of Hong Kong also has a Centre for the Study ofHumanistic Buddhism.[6] The Buddha-Dharma Centre of Hong Kong (BDCHK) was established in April 2012 byVen. Prof. K. L. Dhammmajoti and his post-graduate students from CBS, with primary aims to promote the study and research of Buddhism through academic courses and publications, and to integrate Buddhist study and spiritual praxis.[7]
Most denominations of Buddhism can be found in Hong Kong, including schools from theTheravada,Mahayana andVajrayana traditions, as well as from many geographical origins.
AlthoughTheravada Buddhism remains a minority tradition mainly practiced by immigrants from Theravada Buddhist countries, there have been interest from a growing number of local Hongkongers.[8] There are a handful meditation groups that based onVipassana Meditation,[9] and some Buddhist centres catered to Burmese and Sri Lankan Buddhist communities in Hong Kong.[10]Ven. Prof. K. L. Dhammmajoti who had retired from HKU in 2014, established the Aloka Vihara where he conducts weekly Pali devotional chants for lay followers.[11]
The majority of Thais in Hong Kong are adherents of Theravada Buddhism. In Hong Kong, there are four Thai Buddhist temples altogether and they are located inNgau Tam Mei of Yuen Long, Shun Shan San Tsuen ofShap Pat Heung,Ha Pak Nai of Tuen Mun and Tai PoTai Wo.[12]
Buddhist organisations in Hong Kong from the Tibetan tradition includeDiamond Way Buddhism, a network of lay Buddhist centres in theKarma Kagyu tradition, founded byLama Ole Nydahl and under the spiritual authority of the 17th KarmapaTrinley Thaye Dorje.
TheSoka Gakkai International has an estimated 50,000 members in Hong Kong. The local association is called Soka Gakkai International of Hong Kong (HKSGI) and it promotes peace, culture and education based on the principles ofNichiren Buddhism.[13]
.svg)
