kaohsiung fo guang shan, kaohsiung

Even the Buddha needs a pedestal this grand to keep an eye on all the tourists.

Standing before the colossal Buddha at the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center, one can't help but feel a sense of awe mixed with a touch of existential dread. The sheer scale of the statue, towering above the meticulously arranged courtyard, serves as a humbling reminder of our own insignificance. The pagoda beside it, with its intricate carvings and golden spire, adds a touch of elegance to the scene, as if to say, 'Yes, we can be grand and graceful at the same time.' The stone steps leading up to the monument invite you to ascend, but let's be honest, who among us has the energy to climb to enlightenment? The overcast sky adds a layer of somber reflection, perfect for contemplating the mysteries of the universe—or just your next meal. In the grand chessboard of life, this place is definitely a checkmate.