A hospital built in tiger cave?
In the 1960s and 1970s, Lok Fu was named Lo Fu Ngam – meaning tiger cave in Chinese – after a cave where tiger once roamed. When the lot on Lo Fu Ngam Street was granted to HKBA, as name of ‘Lo Fu Ngam’ was considered inauspicious, it was suggested changing its name to Heng Lam Street. The government approved the name Heng Lam Street for use until now. The name ‘Lo Fu Ngam’ was later replaced by Lok Fu, which means happiness and prosperity.
A city-wide fundraising effort
To raise money for the establishment of hospital, HKBA organised puja worship rituals, charity singing events, charity premiere, and famous paintings charity sale. The fundraising events were enthusiastically welcomed and HKBH was successfully established and inaugurated in March 1971 with a ceremony officiated by Governor Sir David Trench.
Doctors provided medical consultation at Po Lin Monastery
In past decades, when a monk at Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island was unwell, doctor from HKBH would personally visit the monastery and prescribe medication. A young monk would then be sent to the hospital to collect medicine. A nurse who has worked at HKBH for many years says that when elderly monks at Po Lin Monastery were in poor health, registered nurses from the hospital would visit the Monastery during day-off and take turns staying overnight to provide professional care.
Buddhist hall to help cleanse mind
HKBH is the only hospital in Hong Kong with a Buddhist hall. Before the COVID-19 epidemic, Buddhist songs was played in the hall every day for public to visit. Every year on the Buddha’s Birthday, the Venerable Master would hold a Buddha Bathing Ceremony in the Assembly Hall, which is open to patients, staff and residents. Participants take a ladle of water and pour it over the top of the Buddha’s head to purify their minds and keep their hearts pure. Before the Spring Gathering, offerings are provided to the Buddha with flowers and fruits, while the priests recite prayers for the sick and hospital staff.
