Beside the Kaochi Highway in Tashu Hsiang of Kaohsiung County, Fo Kuang Mountain stands as the torch of Buddha. Facing the Kaoping River, it is higher than all the other points nearby. It provides a clear view of the nearby banana plantations, green valleys and the criss-cross paths on the farmland. Fo Kuang Mountain, which covers 50 chias of land (48.5 hectares about 121.3 acres), was originally a desolate place. On May 16, 1967, Monk Hsinyun felt that Taiwan needed a Buddhist College. He raised funds and started the construction work at Fo Kuang Mountain. Now, after nine years, the college has a good foundation.
So far, the construction works that have been completed are: the classrooms of the Oriental Buddhist College, the Union Building, the Great Mercy Temple, International Children's Village, many pagodas, a pond where turtles are released and a statue of Buddha facing the entrance. Now under construction or planned are: meditation room, library, place for taking vows, ritual room, "big wish" tower, monks' dormitory, Pumen High school, and Buddhism cultural display museum. The most impressive feature is the statue of Buddha at the college entrance. It stands on the east side of the mountain top, 122 feet tall surrounded by 480 statuettes of Buddha. This Buddha city is very spectacular.
The Guiding Buddha and 480 Buddhas of six feet tall
the Goddess of Mercy in the Great Mercy Temple
The pond where turtles are released
The Guiding Buddha of 120 feet tall.