Sphere No.49 (Aug 2019)

Funded by his namesake foundation, Mr Li Ka-shing’s sharing spirit has enabled the creation of a haven that, in his words, “takes visitors on a journey through space and time, and enriches those who seek transcendence and spiritual realisations with an opportunity to explore beyond the symbolism and the art for the essence of the Buddha’s teachings”. That haven is supported by a dedicated cohort of monks, scholars, monastery team members and volunteers whose contribution is essential to the Monastery’s tranquillity and good functioning. Many were on hand when Mr Li, benefactor of the Monastery and Chairman of the Li Ka Shing Foundation (LKSF), spoke at the official opening of the Museum. Quoting his favourite Dharma teachings in the Diamond Sutra that posits that all phenomena are like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, a phantom, Mr Li believes that grasping the world beyond the immediate happenings of daily life is an art and we all need to find answers to the bold and hard questions “Who am I? What should I do with my life?” and most Tsz Shan Monastery, conceived in 2003 and more than 10 years in the making, provides a refuge for the soul, a ‘pure land’ in Hong Kong that offers learning and community engagement alongside enlightenment. In March 2019, it unveiled a stunning collection of Buddhist art within the Tsz Shan Monastery Buddhist Art Museum, cosseted under the 76-metre tall, iconic Guanyin statue that looks out across the Hong Kong countryside to the ocean. “The quest for peace and tranquillity is more relevant than ever in our hectic everyday existence.” Mr Li Ka-shing SPHERE #47 2019 24 TSZ SHAN MONASTERY BUDDHIST ART MUSEUM << importantly “In what direction should we move forward and thrive together?” The future – whatever it might be – is defined by our purposeful trajectory of wisdom, compassion and undertakings. He hopes Tsz Shan Monastery can be a space for such quiet contemplation and orientations. Mr Li drew a direct line between core Buddhist values as expressed in the Eightfold Path – Right View, Right Intention, Right Action, Right Speech, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. This philosophy manifests in the world as the practical action that is the modus vivendi (way of life) of Hong Kong, “forever the sinew of the Hong Kong story”. The Museum presents the perfect environment for visitors to consider these issues among the relics of antiquity. This investment in humanity’s karma was provided for by a HK$3 billion grant from the Foundation which supported the land acquisition, building of the Monastery, creation of the Museum, and the daily operating expenses. The Monastery’s Abbot, the Venerable Dr Thong Hong (second from right) welcomes guests including Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Mrs Carrie Lam (left of centre), LKSF Chairman Mr Li Ka-shing (fourth from right), Director of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR Mr Wang Zhimin (third from right), Chairman of the Board of Tsz Shan Monastery Mr Victor T K Li (third from left), Deputy President of The Buddhist Association of China the Venerable Ming Sheng (second from left), President of The Hong Kong Buddhist Association the Venerable Kuan Yun (right), and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Tsz Shan Monastery Mr Richard Li (left). Tsz Shan Monastery is protected by the serene presence of Guanyin in the verdant hills of Hong Kong.