ENG-2007 — Page 425

Religion and Custom | 361

Buddhism

Buddhism is one of the dominant religions in China. Lord Buddha Sakyamuni is generally recognised by Buddhists as a key figure. There are more than one million followers and 400 Buddhist monasteries in Hong Kong. The Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island is famous for its bronze Tian Tan Buddha. The Chi Lin Nunnery on Diamond Hill in Kowloon is another well known temple. It comprises a cluster of temple structures, built in the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. Both are popular attractions for visitors, especially during weekends and holidays.

The Hong Kong Buddhist Association, founded in 1945, comprises bhiksus, bhisksunis, upaskas and upasikas. It is the largest Buddhist organisation in Hong Kong. Its mission is to propagate dharma teaching and culture and to provide charitable and social welfare services to the public, such as medical and general care of the young and old. The Lord Buddha's birthday is observed as a public holiday in Hong Kong. On that day, all Buddhist followers visit Buddhist temples across the city to pay homage.

Taoism

Taoism is an indigenous religion of China with a long history of over 2 000 years. Honouring Taishang Laojun (Li Dan) as the Supreme Patriarch, Taoism advocates simple living and harmony with nature. Different branches of Taoism, including the Orthodox Oneness, the Complete Perfection and the Anterior Heaven, have emerged over the years. There are about one million Taoist followers and more than 300 Taoist temples in Hong Kong, according to the Hong Kong Taoist Association. Some of the temples are open to the public, while others are not. The Hong Kong Taoist Association, formed by representatives of major Taoist temples and Taoists, maintains close liaison with the Government as well as Taoist communities and other religious. bodies on the Mainland and overseas. Each year, the association organises a wide range of activities to promote Taoist culture and philosophy, the moral values of loyalty and filial piety, and the idea of cultivating the self to achieve longevity. These activities include the Hong Kong Taoist Festival held around the 15th day of the second lunar month (the birthday of the Supreme Patriarch of Taoism), the Taoist Blessing Ceremony held on the 15th day of the 10th lunar month, and others.

Taoist gods are classified under two headings: Prior Heavens and Posterior Heavens. Gods of the Prior Heavens include the Supreme Patriarch Taishang Laojun and Doumu. Mortal gods of the Posterior Heavens group, including Kwan Tai, Lui Cho, Wong Tai Sin, Che Kung, Tin Hau, Pak Tai and Hung Shing, are revered for their great virtues and feats in saving mankind.

The Taoist community is committed to promoting the well-being of society, especially the educational, social and charitable services. They run more than 40 schools and kindergartens and subsidise courses offered by universities and tertiary institutions. They provide social and charitable services by operating clinics, homes for the elderly, care and attention homes, child care centres and community service centres in Hong Kong. They also provide strong funding support for