The OCS is delighted to announce a visit to Tsz Shan Monastery (慈山寺) with Professor Puay-peng Ho, the chief consultant behind the architecture and sculpture of the monastery. Located at the foot of Pat Sin Leng in Tai Po with majestic views over the Tolo Harbour, the monastery is a beautifully tranquil centre for the practice, study and appreciation of Buddhism. The complex has been designed to emulate that of a Tang dynasty building complex with buildings drawing on the architectural traditions of the Tang, Song, Liao and Jin dynasties. The monastery is divided into two precincts: the main central axis comprises a series of buildings and a courtyard culminating in the Great Buddha Hall while the Universal Gate Hall leads to the monumental statue of Guan Yin (Avalokitesvara), that rises 70 metres high. Professor Ho will guide us through the architectural features of the monastery, and the history and philosophy that underpin them.
Professor Puay-peng Ho is Professor of the School of Architecture, and Director of Centre for Architectural Heritage Research at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He received his First Class Honours degree in Architecture from the University of Edinburgh and a Ph.D in Art History from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Professor Ho is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Society of Architectural Historians. Currently, he serves on the Town Planning Board, Antiquities Advisory Board and History Museum Advisory Panel, and is Chairman of the Council of Lord Wilson Heritage Trust. His research interests and publications are in the areas of Chinese art and architectural history, vernacular architecture, and architectural theory. He is also involved in many architecture conservation projects in Hong Kong.
The cost of the visit includes transportation to and from Central, a silent vegetarian lunch, and a donation to the monastery. Places are strictly limited and guaranteed only with payment.