2024

FO GUANG SHAN FRANCE CH'AN TEMPLE

Religious buildings
4.4/5
24 reviews
Closed - Open to 09h00

This Buddhist centre is one of the largest in Europe with its 8,000 m². It was financed 80% by the Taiwanese monastic order Fo Guang Shan and 20% by the faithful. It is part of a vast ecumenical laboratory project, a large esplanade dedicated to religions in the heart of the Sycamore eco-neighbourhood. This giant temple displays a resolutely Zen, refined and mineral architecture. No golden ostentation or gigantic shimmering pagodas. Wood, stone, glass and raw concrete make the whole modern and sober. It contrasts this with, for example, the typical pagoda visible in the Vincennes woods. In any case, it houses spaces dedicated to meditation, prayer, many rooms for venerable guests during spiritual retreats, etc. Exhibitions are also visible. Don't miss the 5 m high White Jade Buddha in the main area. It should be noted that photos are prohibited in its bosom and that to visit it it is preferable to show white paws and to have the widest smile. At the exit, take the opportunity to continue your journey along the path to discover the other temples recently built or under construction, giving the area a very atypical multi-religious aspect.

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