The Wisdom Path Hong Kong is located near the Ngong Ping village on Lantau Island, close to the famous Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) statue and the Po Lin Monastery. This area is a significant cultural and spiritual site in Hong Kong, attracting both tourists and pilgrims.
From the Wisdom Path, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the South China Sea. The path is also part of the Lantau Trail, making it a great spot for hikers looking to explore the natural beauty of the island.
I first wrote “Hong Kong Wisdom Path at Lantau Island” back in 2009. You can read about it in the blog post to find out more.
In a recent trip to Hong Kong (for Jacky Cheung Concert), I visited it again. This time I found out something. What’s the right way of walking The Wisdom Path Hong Kong. Or at least what I think is the right way 🙂
History and Significance
The Wisdom Path was completed in 2005 as part of a cultural and spiritual initiative. It was designed by Professor Jao Tsung-I, a respected Chinese scholar and calligrapher, who personally selected the Heart Sutra for the inscription. The choice of this particular scripture highlights the importance of wisdom and compassion in Buddhist teachings.
The Layout and Experience
The 38 wooden pillars, each about 8-10 meters tall, are arranged in the shape of a figure-eight (∞), which symbolizes infinity. The Heart Sutra, one of the most important texts in Buddhism, is inscribed on these pillars in traditional Chinese calligraphy. The infinity symbol represents the idea that wisdom has no bounds.
As you walk along the path, you can take time to read the inscriptions and reflect on their meanings. The pillars are made of durable wood, and their arrangement amidst nature creates a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere, allowing visitors to connect with the spiritual message of the Heart Sutra.
Reaching the Wisdom Path
For the longest time, I just used my intuition on what’s the right direction. Do you start left or do you start right. Do you do a loop of 8 or what do you exactly do ? Actually the answer is close by.
When you reach the Wisdom Path, do NOT rush to go into the Wisdom Path. You will see this gate.
Walk towards the gate. It leads you to the Wisdom Path Viewing Platform !
The Wisdom Path Viewing Platform
There is a Wisdom Path Hong Kong Viewing Platform here.
From here, you can see the WHOLE MAGNIFICENT Wisdom Path of Hong Kong Lantau Island. Amazing.
It is a view I have never seen before !
So what is the right way to walk the Wisdom Path
The answer is right at the viewing platform. At the viewing platform, you can see this board, which shows the layout of the Wisdom Path.
The words of the Sutra of each pillar are also printed here at the top. With a number each.
On the board and also at the bottom, you can see the numbering of the pillars. The pillars are numbered accordingly to the Sutra.
Here’s another useful guide.
So if you believe it is important to follow the exact Sutra wording sequence, and you want to walk the walk “correctly” (Correct is relative.. it is your choice and your heart), then ou can follow the sequence of the numbers.
Here’s a close up !
So if you follow the number, it is to the right first after 1 to 10, reach the crossing and carry on from 11 to 20 then turn right to 21 to 30 and then finally crossing over at 31 to 38.
There you go 🙂
For example, these are the pillars 2-5
And you can see it here…
So if you are familiar with the Sutra, walk the pillars SLOWLY and read out the Sutra SLOWLY.
Brilliant mediation !
Conclusion about the Wisdom Path Hong Kong
The Wisdom Path offers a unique blend of natural beauty, spiritual reflection, and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Lantau Island.
Visit it if you can !
