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Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

Monastery Religious Building

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The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Chinese: 萬佛寺) is a Buddhist temple in Sha Tin, Hong Kong, located at 220 Pai Tau Village. Despite its name, it is not a true monastery as no monks reside there; it is managed entirely by laypeople. Both the main temple and the pagoda are listed as Grade III historic buildings by the Hong Kong Government.Construction began in 1951 under Yuet Kai and his followers, and the monastery was completed six years later. It was closed for three years at the end of the 20th century after a caretaker was killed in a mudslide due to poorly maintained slopes nearby.The journey up to the monastery is itself an attraction, with golden Buddha statues lining both sides of the path, each unique and in different poses. The monastery actually contains nearly 13,000 Buddha statues, far exceeding the 'Ten Thousand' suggested by its name. The path leading up to the monastery includes 431 steep steps surrounded by statues of arhats—Buddhist saints who have achieved enlightenment—crafted by artists from Yunnan and Guangdong provinces. These statues are modeled after those at a temple in Kunming, Yuet Kai’s hometown.The creation of these statues led to a dispute with local authorities in 2001, as they were installed without prior government approval. Authorities raised concerns about safety and potential landslide risks. After a safety assessment, the statues were allowed to remain, and they continue to line the route up to the monastery.The complex spans over 8 hectares and is spread over two floors. The upper level contains four halls dedicated to Kwun Yam and other Buddhist and Taoist deities, while the lower floor features another hall, a nine-story pagoda, a tower, and two pavilions. Several Buddha statues at the monastery date back to the Tang dynasty.

Inserted: 08-01-2025 22:01:54

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How did the naming of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery impact its public perception?

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How do the historical Buddha statues from the Tang dynasty at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery influence its cultural value?

How does the dispute over the statues at Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery reflect broader challenges in urban planning?

How does the presence of nearly 13,000 Buddha statues at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery reflect its spiritual significance?

How does the two-floor structure of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery enhance its religious and architectural appeal?

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What led to the closure of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery at the end of the 20th century?

What safety concerns were raised by the construction of statues at Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, and how were they resolved?

Why was the installation of the arhat statues at Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery controversial in 2001?

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Tang dynasty

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