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RELIGION

dying out among the younger people. Religious studies are con- ducted in a large number of monasteries and nunneries, and in hermitages built in secluded places where a dozen or more inmates may reside and devote themselves to quiet meditation. Because of the accessibility of Sha Tin and Tsuen Wan, hermitages in these places are popular with people living in the urban areas. The better known monasteries are, however, situated in more remote and scenically pleasing parts of the Territories. Thus the Po Lin monastery at Ngong Ping, Lantau, is reputed to have the best view of the sunrise and is well patronized at week-ends and holidays. Other monasteries which attract both devotees and sight- seers include those known as Castle Peak, Tung Po To, Sai Lam and Fung Ying Sin Kwun, all in the New Territories. At To Fung Shan, a hill in Sha Tin, there is the famous Christian Mission to Buddhists which aims to cultivate the Christian and the Buddhist faiths together. To meet the demand of the urban population, Buddhist Ching She (places for spiritual cultivation) and Fat Tong (Buddha Halls) have been opened in flats in residential areas. Sutras are also expounded under the auspices of various Buddhist associations in the urban area.

Sarira, relics left after the cremation of renowned high priests or living Buddhas, are treasured by Buddhists and as a result are distributed to the close followers of the priest. They are usually kept in specially built pagodas within the compound of a monastery. It is also a common practice among Buddhists to have the cremated remains of their relatives preserved in such pagodas, but the fees charged are high 'and not within the means of all. The Hong Kong Buddhist Association has applied to Government for the grant of land for a crematorium and pagodas, with a view to charging lower fees for the preservation of cremated remains there.

Taoism also has many followers although it is not as widespread as Buddhism.

Buddhist and Taoist temples fill an important part of the life of many Chinese in Hong Kong. Temples are usually named in honour of one particular deity, though in many temples several deities are worshipped. Statues of Kwun Yam, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, may thus be found standing next to the shrines of local Taoist dignitaries, such as Wong Tai Sin and Tam Kung.