Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum Introduction
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center, located in Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, 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 Buddhist believers and culture enthusiasts worldwide. It is a formal member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and has won the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for six consecutive years starting in 2014, earning a place in the "Hall of Fame." The construction of the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center was inspired by Master Hsing Yun's vow to invite the "true relics of the Buddha" from India back to Taiwan, hoping to spread the wisdom of Buddhism through this solemn Buddhist hall. This place is not just a religious sanctuary but also a multifaceted space for promoting Buddhist culture, art, and education, allowing everyone to experience spiritual tranquility and inspiration. Entering the memorial center via the Road to Buddhahood and the Great Buddha of Fo Guang, visitors are greeted by the 240-meter-long Road to Buddhahood, flanked by eight pagodas that symbolize the "Noble Eightfold Path," leading travelers into the path of practice, purifying their hearts, and feeling the wisdom and compassion of Buddhism. Standing behind the memorial center is the bronze Buddha, measuring 50 meters tall and with a combined height of 108 meters when including its base, making it the largest cast sitting Buddha in Asia equivalent to a 36-story building. The Buddha's compassionate and solemn gaze symbolizes the boundless love of Buddhist teachings, guarding humanity and inspiring goodness and wisdom among people. The treasure of the center—the true relic of the Buddha, housed in the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center, is 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 devotees to pay homage to. The relic enshrined 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 is dedicated to promoting Buddhist teachings and hopes to help the public find inner peace and wisdom within its solemn and tranquil environment. Master Hsing Yun upholds the philosophy of Humanistic Buddhism and advocates the "Three Good Deeds Movement"—doing good deeds, speaking good words, and harboring good intentions, encouraging people to embody the spirit of Buddhism in their daily lives, making the world a more harmonious and beautiful place through goodness. Whether seeking spiritual tranquility or exploring the profound essence of Buddhist culture, the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center is a treasure worth visiting personally.
