Following the devastating incident at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Tsz Shan Monastery, a prominent Buddhist institution, has significantly increased its daily visitor quota and launched specialized memorial services to offer spiritual and emotional support to the victims, their families, and the wider community. From the present day until December 6, coinciding with the traditional seven-day Buddhist mourning period, the monastery is hosting dedicated services, establishing memorial tablets before the revered Guanyin statue, and providing onsite counseling services for those affected.

The initiative provides a sanctuary for residents grappling with shock and loss. Located amidst the serene Tai Po mountains, the monastery is opening its gates to people of all faiths, welcoming them to seek comfort and reflection within its tranquil gardens.

Spiritual and Emotional Support Extended

Understanding the profound mental toll of such a disaster, Tsz Shan Monastery has established a temporary Spiritual Counselling Centre. This center is staffed by professional social workers and trained volunteers, offering essential emotional and spiritual guidance. Beyond traditional counseling, the monastery has curated a suite of activities designed to facilitate healing:

• Prayer Zone: A dedicated area for silent reflection and prayer for the repose of the deceased and the recovery of the injured.
• Sound Healing Sessions: Therapeutic acoustic experiences aimed at promoting relaxation and mental tranquility.
• Expressive Arts and Crafts Workshop: Creative outlets allowing visitors to process grief and emotions non-verbally.

This comprehensive approach addresses both immediate emotional distress and the deep spiritual need for communal mourning following a tragedy. Visitors are encouraged to utilize these resources to find internal peace amidst external chaos.

Attending the Memorial Services

The special memorial services are scheduled to take place daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until December 6. Due to enhanced visitor quotas, individuals wishing to participate in person must register online beforehand through the official Tsz Shan Monastery website (tszshan.org). Admission is contingent on available space and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Recognizing that many may not be able to attend physically, the monastery is ensuring broad access to the services through digital platforms. The entire service schedule is being live-streamed via the monastery’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel, allowing the wider public to participate in the collective grieving and prayer from anywhere.

Tsz Shan Monastery is situated at 88 Universal Gate Road, Tai Po. By opening its doors and proactively offering multifaceted support—ranging from formal spiritual rites to accessible emotional counseling—the institution is utilizing its unique resources to serve as a vital anchor for collective mourning and recovery in Hong Kong during this difficult time. This compassionate response underscores the critical role spiritual institutions play in community resilience and healing after a major trauma.