Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple

NETHERLANDS, Amsterdam

He Hua means Lotus Flower. The temple is a branch temple of Fo Guang Shan, and is built in traditional Chinese palatial style. In 2000 Queen Beatrix officiated at the opening ceremony of the temple in support of Buddhism in the country.
The temple occupies 508 sq m and consists of the temple gate and one main four-story building. The three-bay wide temple gate has a large yellow tiled roof over the high central bay with similar but smaller roofs on either side. A couplet composed by Master Hsing Yun that begins with the name of the temple is shown on the central bay. The main building houses a Jade Buddha Hall on the first story, in which there is a jade statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. On the second story there is the Perfect Understanding Hall, which contains a statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva flanked by Skanda and Sangharama Bodhisattvas. The third story houses the library and meditation hall. The dining hall is in the basement level.
The temple is not only a focal point for Buddhist cultivation, it is also a place to learn about Chinese culture.