Wilson Lau New Media

What are the changes that Buddhism, Buddhist organisations/ temples and their activities in Hong Kong have undergone since the handover in 1997?

Under the leadership of the former chief executive Tung Chee Hwa, the SAR government formally recognized the influence of Buddhism in Hong Kong - its followers consitute the largest group of religious followers in the city. In 1997 the SAR government designated one public holiday in May or June to mark Buddha’s birthday, which replaced the Queen’s birthday. This year Buddha’s birthday is on May 24th. Tung himself is a Buddhist and participated in major, widely publicised Buddhist activities in Hong Kong and China. The leadership of mainstream Buddhist organizations in Hong Kong have aligned themselves with the city’s establishment. Several were on the Basic Law drafting committee.

There is also a commercial aspect to it. For example, the latest tourist attraction Ngong Ping Skyrail is built around a Buddhism theme, featuring sites of the Wisdom Path and the Po Lin Monastery. 

Academic studies and research of Buddhism in Hong Kong have thrived over the past 10 years. The University of Hong Kong has a Centre of Buddhist Studies. The Chinese University of Hong Kong also has a Centre for the Study of Humanistic Buddhism.

The above are just some facts. In the following week, I would like to gather more information on this subject and see if I would be able to develop it into my final project for this course.