Fung Ying Seen Koon was founded in 1929 as an affiliate of the Quanzhen Longmen Sect of Daoism. FYSK is a superb example of Daoist design and craftsmanship. It was named after the two fairy islands of Fung Lai and Ying Chau of the Bohai Sea. It Dominates the skyline from its commanding site on a hillside overlooking the New Territories town of Fanling in Hong Kong. Its massive orange-tiled double roof, built to traditional design and supported by stout red pillars of stone, catches the eyes immediately, inviting the visitor to step up to its entrance and inspect the many examples of artistic craftsmanship to be found within its grounds.
Features
Grand Temple
The Grand Temple is for the worship of Taishang Laojun, Lü Dongbin and Qiu Chuji. The middle one is Laojun. Laojun is one of the three highest deities of Daoism. According to Daoist classics, Laojun manifested himself in the form of Laozi, the Great philosopher of ancient China, best known as the author of the Daodejing. Lü Dongbin is one of the Five Patriarchs in the Quenzhen School. He is one of the earliest masters of the tradition of Internal alchemy. Qiu Chuji was a great disciple of Wang Chongyang, the founder of Quanzhen School. He was also referred to as the founder of Longmen Sect.
The Guanyin Temple was established to worship Guanyin. Guanyin is deity of mercy and compassion.
Yuen San Temple
The Yuen San Temple was established to worship Doumu and the sixty Great Generals of the Chinese sexagesimal cycle. Doumu is the mother of deities of the stars of the Northern Dipper. She is referred to as a deity of medicine, healing, fertility and nurture. The Chinese sexagesimal cycle corresponding to a person’s year of birth are considered to denote his or her fundamental destiny. The sixty Great Generals alternately govern and act as the patron deities.
The Colorful Sculpture of "Yellow Emperor Inquires After the Tao"
This painting depicts the Yellow Emperor's visit to the hermit Guangchengzi of Mt. Kongdong, who discovered the secrets of immortality and the Dao. The scene demonstrates that the legendary first emperor of China set the precedent for seeking advice from wise Daoist hermits.
The Craving of "The Scroll of Eighty-Seven Immortals"
The scroll depicts 87 immortals paying homage to the supreme deity. The picture is considered as a representative of China's best achievement in line drawing techniques of classical portraits. Xu Beihong attributed it to a 7th century painter Wu Daozi and even stamped a seal on it reading "Beihong's Life". The scroll is now in the collection of the Xu Beihong Memorial Museum.
Vegetarian canteen
The vegetarian canteen provides vegetarian food for tourists, disciples and the public. Most of the food is also vegan. On walking up the main stairs the General Office is on the left. Diagonally behind the office is a Yin and Yang carving. The restaurant is signposted in the corner past the Yin and Yang carving.
Public transport
From Fanling rail station take exit B. Follow signs in the subway for Fung Ying Seen Koon and Wo Hop Shek. The temple is then beside the subway exit.
