Fo Guang Shan Monastery Great Buddha Land: Great Buddha

TAIWAN, Kaohsiung

A verse was created for the Buddha’s installation by Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan describing its origins, “Collecting stone from the Kaoping quarry, obtaining the spring water from the west side, gathering workers from throughout Taiwan, building the Great Buddha of unsurpassed height.” The Great Buddha Land is located on an elevated area on the east side of Fo Guang Shan Monastery.
The Great Buddha is entirely gilded and stands on a lotus pedestal with the right hand held in the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra and the left hand in varada (wish-granting) mudra.
Nearly 4,800 small Buddha statues can be found around this the Great Buddha Land. The number 48 is significant as it represents Amitabha Buddha’s 48 vows to liberate all sentient beings. The figures also represent the throng of Buddhas present when a new Buddha comes into the world.
A shrine is incorporated into the pedestal, inside which the walls are covered with mirrors and statues of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and heavenly beings. The mirrors are there to create an optical effect so visitors will be under the impression that they are surrounded by thousands of Buddhas. The exterior of the building is also covered with statues of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and heavenly beings carrying offerings and musical instruments.