Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Life of the Buddha

The "Museum of the Life of the Buddha" permanent exhibit is located in the rear area on the left of the Main Hall's first floor. The first attraction upon entering the exhibit is the "4D Movie Theater". A short, eight-minute film distills the events of the Buddha"s life, exhibiting how a human being like any other subdued his own afflictions and attained enlightenment, becoming the Buddha.

Upon exiting the 4D movie theater, the scenes depicted in the movie are on display before one's eyes: murals, text, and audio-video materials, as well as interactive touch displays that transport the visitor through a step by step journey through the Buddha's mind.

Having walked through the stages of the Buddha's life from birth, upbringing, renunciation, asceticism, enlightenment, Dharma teaching, and final nirvana, the visitor comes to the concluding exhibit. When the visitor speaks the words "I am a Buddha" in front of the interactive installation, one's image is projected on the screen, congratulating the speaker on his future attainment of Buddhahood.