Hong Kong

Last week Rhonda and I went to Hong Kong.  Rhonda served a mission for the LDS church there 35 years ago, so this was a chance to reconnect with many of those memories.  We stayed on the Kowloon, mainland, side of the bay.  The view above shows the skyline of Hong Kong Island.  Every night there is a laser light show which is a highlight for visitors. Below are a few images trying to capture some of what we saw...

Here is the skyline during the day...

While in Hong Kong, Rhonda and I had a chance to visit the Big Buddha on Lantau Island.  It is the 2nd largest Buddha in the world and is a major Buddhist landmark.  It stands 268 feet high and is made of bronze. Here is a picture of it below...

The Eightfold Path

1. Right understanding and viewpoint (based on the Four Noble Truths).
2. Right values and attitude (compassion rather than selfishness).
3. Right speech (don't tell lies, avoid harsh, abusive speech, avoid gossip).
4. Right action (help others, live honestly, don't harm living things, take care of the environment).
5. Right work (do something useful, avoid jobs which harm others).
6. Right effort (encourage good, helpful thoughts, discourage unwholesome destructive thoughts).
7. Right mindfulness (be aware of what you feel, think and do).
8. Right meditation (calm mind, practice meditation which leads to nirvana).

Above is a list of the Eightfold Path to Nirvana. While I do not agree with all the tenants of Buddhism, I have found that many of them are in harmony with my beliefs.  It is built on a foundation of doing and being good, as are most religions. Some 2500 years ago, according to history, Siddhartha Guatama, a prince in India,  set aside the wealth and luxuries of his surroundings and spent several years in an attitude of prayer and fasting, striving to understand himself and the world.  Finally, he felt that he had reached a state of Nirvana and was given the title of Buddha, or enlightened one, by those whom he taught.  While here in China, I have come to understand and appreciate the goodness of the people who practice Buddhism.  They are trying to be good and do good.  

 Standing in front of the Hong Kong Temple

One of the highlights for Rhonda and I, while in Hong Kong, was going to the Hong Kong Temple.  It was a beautiful experience.  We met many people from India who were visiting, since this is the closest temple to India.  

Rhonda and I also had a chance to attend a concert at the Hong Kong recital hall.  It is a beautiful building.  Shenyang, a talented Chinese Baritone who is currently singing with the Met, sang with the Hong Kong Philharmonic.  It was a wonderful evening.  Rhonda and I stood to give him a standing ovation.  We immediately noticed that we were the only ones standing and that standing ovations are not customary in China.  They did, however, give him 7 curtain calls!

Rhonda captured an image of this cute little boy on campus, holding a Ginko leaf in his hand.  His sister was very shy, and didn't want to face the camera.