Yuen Yuen Institute

Yuen Yuen Institute  (CN: 圓玄學院) is a traditional Chinese Taoist Temple which is open daily from 9am to 5pm and free to visit. Like many temples in China, it represents all three local religions, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. The large site features impressive architecture, artworks, and landscaping including a replica of Beijing Temple of Heaven and a nine-story pagoda all making it easy to spend an hour or two here. Not to mention the natural views.

There is also a small car gallery here and onsite vegetarian restaurant.

Nearby

• Western Monastery (西方寺)
• Tung Lam Monastery (東林念佛堂)
• there are numerous smaller temples in the area
• Discovery Park (愉景新城) – shopping mall near to MTR Tsuen Wan
• Sam Tung Uk Museum (三棟屋博物館) – near to MTR Tsuen Wan

Wikipedia Says

Location

The Institute is located on hectares of land around Sam Dip Tam (三疊潭), Tsuen Wan District in the New Territories. The area is interspersed with temples, pavilions, and monasteries.

History

The Yuen Yuen Institute was established in Hong Kong in 1950 by monks from Sanyuan Gong (Three Originals Palace) in Guangzhou, which in turn traces its lineage to the Longmen (Dragon Gate) sect of Quanzhen (Complete Perfection) Taoism.

The Yuen Yuen Institute is the only temple in Hong Kong dedicated to all three major Chinese religions: Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. The first three Chinese characters of the Institute’s name denote the essence of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism respectively, so as to advocate the integration and realization of the three religions’ teachings.

The main building at the Institute is a replica of the Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan) in Beijing. In 1968, Moy Lin-shin co-founded (together with Taoist Masters Mui Ming-to and Mrs Tang Yuen Mei) the temple for the Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism on the grounds of the Yuen Yuen Institute.

Purpose

The Institute’s purpose is:

• to spread the principles of the three religions, Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism;
• to uphold the eight virtues (i.e. filial piety, respect, loyalty, fidelity, propriety, justice, honesty and honour);
• to promote social welfare.

Activities

• During the annual Festival of the Lanterns, donations are exchanged for lanterns in the belief that these will bring fortune and health. The proceeds go to maintaining the Old Age Home and the hospitals and schools run by the Yuen Yuen Institute.
• An annual Bonsai and Stone Appreciation Show.
• A restaurant is maintained at the Institute that offers vegetarian food.
• Celebration of Chinese New Year or Ghost Month (the 7th month of the lunar calendar).

Source: Wikipedia

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