- Yuen Yuen Institute
The Yuen Yuen Institute (zh-t|t=圓玄學院) was established in
Hong Kong in1950 by monks from Sanyuan Gong (Three Originals Palace) inGuangzhou , which in turn traces its lineage to theLongmen (Dragon Gate) sect ofQuanzhen (Complete Perfection) Taoism.The Institute is located on hectares of land around
Sam Dip Tam ,Tsuen Wan District in theNew Territories . The area is interspersed with temples pavilions, monasteries and halls for various purposes.The Yuen Yuen Institute is the only temple in Hong Kong dedicated to all three major Chinese religions:
Taoism ,Buddhism andConfucianism . 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) inBeijing . In 1968,Moy Lin-shin co-founded (together with Taoist MastersMui Ming-to and MrsTang Yuen Mei ) the temple for theFung 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) and
*to promote social welfare.Activities
*At the annual Festival of the Lanterns donations are exchanged for lanterns in the believe 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. The donations are generous and in this way, the elderly, the young, and the sick are taken care of.
*An annualBonsai and Stone Appreciation Show.
*A restaurant is maintained that offers vegetarian food.
*Celebration ofChinese New Year orGhost Month (the 7th month of the lunar calendar).
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