4ever Discovering
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
Spend a day learning about the traditions and the ways of Buddhism.
Buddhism is one of Taiwan’s most popular religions. This area used to be called the Buddha Memorial Center, however, it switched over to the Fo Guang Shan Museum.
To get there, we took the MRT to Metropolitan Park, and then pulled over a taxi for the rest of the way, which was pretty cheap when you split it 5 ways.
I’ve done some research and many people say you can get there from the Kaohsiung train station or Zuoying station by taking the E-DA bus or bus #8010, heading towards Jishan for 80 NT, and for 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on which method you take.
We got there around 1 PM, we didn't eat lunch, so luckily, they had an all you can eat vegetarian buffer to try out! Did we ever eat, it was very very yummy, especially the deep fried tempura.
After this, we walked down the Great Path to Buddhahood. This is a place where you automatically feel peaceful, there is sense of tranquility in the atmosphere. You pass by The Eight Pagodas- I will name them because I think they all have different purposes and you can short of see what they are linked to based on their names:
One Teaching Pogoda
Two Assemblies Pagoda
Three Goodness Pagoda
Four Givings Pagoda
Five Harmonies Pagoda
Six Perfections Pagoda
Seven Admonishments Pagoda
Eightfold Path Pagoda
Then you have a view of a huge Buddha statue, which is 108 meters high made of steel and bronze. It is the highest seated Buddha made of bronze in the world. \\We also got the chance to learn more about Buddhism by walking through the exhibitions. Where they display different art and items to further inform the guest of the traditions and daily lives of a Buddhist.
The construction of the museum started in 2003, it took 9 years to finish! It is a huge landmark. The purpose was to preserve and display Buddha’s tooth relic. It was also build to display Buddhist art, cultures, motion pictures and movies, and more. The goal of the museum is to become a place of worship where people of all the world can come to learn and appreciate the Buddha ways.
A cool fact about the Museum is it has 48 underground palaces. The museum will open a palace every 100 years. This is meant to preserve human civilization and record human history. The last time it was open was in 2007. So, the next time it will be open is 2107!!
I highly recommend going to visit Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum. It is a wonderful museum with lots to learn and lots to see. It’s so unbelievable how much work goes into the museum everyday. It is surrounding by a cute garden with pieces of art everywhere, from paintings to statues. Just seeing the art made the trip here worth it. The volunteers at the museum are very friendly and helpful. The museum is free to visit, they accept donations. If you want to learn more about one of the largest organized religions in the world. Put this on your bucket list.
** SIDE NOTE: after going to this landmark, we went to our monthly pub quiz at Whalen’s, and one of the questions were:
Where is this? (with a picture of the large bronze and steel Buddha)
And we were so happy to know the answer! I feel like we are getting to know ALL of Taiwan!!!
Buddha Buddha Buddha Rockin Everywhere !
