ENG-2011 — Page 448

384 Religion and Custom

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 of the religion and hundreds of Buddhist organisations 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 2 000-year history. Its followers. honour Taishang Laojun as the Supreme Patriarch by advocating simple living and harmony with nature.

There are different branches of Taoism, now generally grouped under two main branches: the 'Orthodox Oneness' and the 'Complete Perfection'. There are over one million Taoist followers and more than 300 Taoist abbeys and temples in Hong Kong, according to a survey carried out by the Hong Kong Taoist Association in 2010. Most of the abbeys and temples are open to the public.

The Hong Kong Taoist Association, formed by representatives of major Taoist temples and Taoists in 1967, organises a wide range of religious, cultural and charitable activities to promote the Taoist belief of unity of heaven and man, Taoist scriptures and doctrines, moral values, and the idea of cultivating oneself and accumulating merits to understand and practise the Taoist truth and finally bring about peace for all mankind.

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) every year since 2001, the triennial Taoist Blessing Ceremony held on the 15th day of the 10th lunar month, lectures on Taoist scriptures and philosophy, Tai Chi classes, Taoist music classes, 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, including Kwan Tai, Lui Cho, Kwun Yum, Wong Tai Sin, Che Kung, Tin Hau, Pak Tai and Hung Shing, were ordinary human beings who became immortals for their great virtues and feats in saving mankind according to the Taoist belief.