ENG-2006 — Page 434

366 | Religion and Custom

Buddhism

Buddhism is one of the dominant religions in China. It has many followers in Hong Kong who worship in hundreds of temples across the city. The major Buddhist festival takes place on Buddha's birthday, on the eighth day of the fourth month in the lunar calendar. Followers pay respect to Sakyamuni Buddha, Kwun Yum (the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy) and other Buddhas and Bodhisattva.

The Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island is famous for the Tian Tan Buddha, a majestic bronze statue of Buddha, in a seated position, believed to be the largest outdoor Buddha statue of its kind in the world. It is a popular attraction for visitors, especially during weekends and holidays.

Other notable Buddhist temples include the Chi Lin Nunnery on Diamond Hill, which is a cluster of temple structures built in the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty.

Taoism

Taoism has many followers in Hong Kong. Taoist Day, the birthday of Lao Zi, is celebrated on the 15th day of the second month of the lunar year.

Taoist gods are classified under two headings: Prior Heavens, and Posterior Heavens. The gods commonly worshipped by Taoists as patron spirits are those of the Prior Heavens, including Senior Lord Taishang, Jade Emperor and Doumu (Mother of the Dipper). Mortal gods of the Posterior Heavens group, such as Lui Cho, Kwan Tai and Che Kung, are revered for their great virtues and feats in saving mankind. Tin Hau, the Queen of Heaven and Protector of Seafarers, is worshipped widely, particularly during the Tin Hau Festival, which falls on the 23rd day of the third month in the lunar calendar. Worshippers pay homage at the famous Tin Hau Temple at Joss House Bay on the Clear Water Bay Peninsula on that day. Other leading deities. include Pak Tai (Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven and local patron of Cheung Chau Island) and Hung Shing (God of the South Seas and a weather prophet).

Notable temples include the Wong Tai Sin Temple, named after a Taoist deity, in the Wong Tai Sin District of Kowloon, the Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin in the New Territories, and the Man Mo Temple in Hollywood Road on Hong Kong Island.

Confucianism

Confucianism is a belief in the teachings of Confucius, who lived in ancient China from 551 to 479 BC. His teachings are based on a moral code for human relations which emphasises the importance of tradition and rites. He was one of the most eminent thinkers of the time, a great sage and educator whose philosophy has deeply influenced the political, economic and social systems of China through the ages. He has also been hailed as an exemplary mentor for all ages. Confucianism's main feast day is Confucius's birthday, on the 27th day of the eighth lunar month. The Confucian Academy, a leading Confucian organisation in Hong Kong, is staging a campaign to make this day a public holiday.