January 12

Today was one of the most inspiring days of our trip. It was the day that we traveled to the Nan Lian Garden and the Chi Lin Nunnery. In this garden there were lotus flowers, and tea grass, and giant Buddha trees. I observed a woman practicing her morning yoga, not letting anything distract her from her relaxation exercises. I noticed how quiet it was. Even with a large group of people it was still one of the quietest moments on the trip. Once again I noticed the skyscrapers and the mountains but the incredible thing about this image is, there is a meld of the old and new Hong Kong. The beauty in the garden, the buildings, the nunnery and in the distance the tall buildings that overwhelm the city is just incredible. It took us about 30 minutes to go through the garden when we arrived to the lotus garden which was another garden right outside of the Nunnery. Inside the nunnery there were different rooms that hosted a different Buddha. This is where people may come and pray for wealth and fortune. One hall that really stood out for me was the Hall of the Avalokitesvara, The Goddess of Mercy meaning the “Lord who looks down”. She sits in a royal posture atop a lotus throne. The Bodhisatta form of cintamanicakra, means goddess with wish-fulfilling pearl and turning the world of teaching. With her, one is known to pray for health and wealth, and peace and wisdom. I hope to continue to do research about her. In fact studying Buddha's and their origin is something that I have grown interested in over the past few weeks.