Journey with me to Luk Wu a village on Lantau Island. This is no ordinary village. Luk Wu boasts a rich tapestry of Buddhist monasteries and tranquil landscapes.
Luk Wu’s name whispers tales of the past. Deer once roamed freely here. The landscape resembled a serene lake. Hence the name Deer Lake Village.
Luk Wu is one of the five major Buddhist sites of Lantau Island. Ngong Ping Keung Shan Tei Tong Tsai and Man Cheung Po join it. Numerous temples and gardens dot the area.
Let’s explore Luk Wu Chin She. It is the oldest temple in the village. Founded in 1883 during British rule it started as a Taoist temple. It sits just above the Deer Pond area.
Next we visit Yin Hing Monastery. This monastic community is relatively new completed in 1966. Notice the brightly colored framework. Two green guardian lions protect it. Sadly Yin Hing Monastery was sold and converted into a columbarium.
Now we arrive at Gak Su Temple. In 1997 the first building was donated to Su Bong Zen Monastery. They manage and maintain this peaceful location. Monks nuns novices and laypeople have trained here ever since. Over time Sim Pak Lam Jing Yu and Lotus Shelter joined Gak Su Temple. They provide facilities for spiritual practice. Retreat participants come from all over the world.
Finally let us consider Amitabha Buddha Temple. In 2019 Plum Village Hong Kong received a house in Luk Wu. Three venerable nuns donated it. The building dates back to the 1950s. Extensive renovations are underway.
Luk Wu is more than just a village. It is a sanctuary. Winds sigh softly here. Temples bells drums and chants echo through the valley. Zen Master Hsu Yun once taught at Luk Wu in the early 20th century.
Luk Wu remains the only Buddhist practitioners village in Hong Kong. Temples have been restored and rebuilt. City dwellers come here for walks meditation and Buddhist practice. The quiet surroundings help us embrace nature. We rediscover our innate compassion and wisdom. May this tradition live on nurturing spiritual health for generations.
As we leave Luk Wu let us carry its peace within us. Remember the deer the temples and the enduring spirit of practice. Luk Wu is a testament to the harmony of nature and spirituality.