Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center Introduction
Located in the Dashu District of Kaohsiung City, the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center is an important landmark that combines Buddhist culture, historical heritage, and modern architectural art. Since its completion in 2011, it has become a significant pilgrimage site for global Buddhist devotees and culture enthusiasts. The center is a formal member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and has been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for six consecutive years since 2014, earning a place in its "Hall of Fame." The construction of the Buddha Memorial Center was inspired by Master Hsing Yun’s vow to bring the "true relics of the Buddha" from India to Taiwan, with the hope of disseminating the wisdom of Buddhism through this solemn Buddhist hall. It serves not only as a religious site but also as a diverse venue for promoting Buddhist culture, art, and education, allowing everyone to experience tranquility and enlightenment. As visitors enter the memorial center via the Avenue of Enlightenment and the Great Buddha, they are greeted by the 240-meter-long Avenue of Enlightenment, flanked by eight pagodas representing the "Noble Eightfold Path," guiding travelers into the path of cultivation, calming the mind, and experiencing the wisdom and compassion of Buddhism. Towering behind the memorial center, the bronze seated Buddha stands at 50 meters tall, with a total height of 108 meters including the base, equivalent to a 36-story building, making it the largest bronze seated Buddha in Asia. The Great Buddha’s compassionate gaze symbolizes the boundless love of Buddhist teachings, guarding humanity and inspiring good thoughts and wisdom. A treasured possession of the Buddha Memorial Center is the true relic of the Buddha, one of only three remaining in the world, making it extremely precious. This relic was invited back to Taiwan by Master Hsing Yun in 1998 and was enshrined in the memorial center in 2011 for pilgrims to pay respects. This relic, housed in Fo Guang Shan, is not only a treasure of the Buddhist world but also an invaluable cultural heritage. The Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center aims not only to promote Buddhist teachings but also to help the public find inner peace and wisdom in a serene environment. Master Hsing Yun upholds the concept of Humanistic Buddhism, advocating the "Three Good" movement—doing good deeds, speaking good words, and harboring good intentions, encouraging people to realize the essence of Buddhism in their daily lives and contribute to a more harmonious world through good thoughts. Whether one seeks to find spiritual tranquility or explore the profound depths of Buddhist culture, the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center is truly a gem worth visiting in person.
