American Buddhist Net

Yet another "largest" Buddhist symbol for Taiwan. ABN

2006-07-01 19:30:44

Taipei, July 1 (CNA) Ermei Township in the northern county of Hsinchu has a new landmark following the completion of the main structure of a 72 meter-tall bronze statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva, the future Buddha in Buddhist eschatology.

Hsinchu County Magistrate Cheng Yung-chin expressed Saturday the hope that the establishment of Taiwan's largest bronze Maitreya statue will attract more tourists to the region.

LINK TO ORIGINAL

The project, which began in October 2002, is part of the World Maireya Great Tao Organization's plan to build a "Maitreya holy land" in Ermei. The township will also house a planned Maitreya Monastery which is currently under construction.

Cheng said the county government will cooperate with the organization in efforts to develop the township into a world religious center.

Some Buddhists believe Maitreya will eventually appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma.

(By Elizabeth Hsu)