Longhua Temple in Davao

The Longhua Temple, also known as the Lon Wa Buddhist Temple is one of the biggest Buddhist temples in the Philippines and the biggest in the island of Mindanao. It is located 3-4 kilometers northeast of the city center at Cabagiuo Avenue.

Seeing a Buddhist Temple in predominantly Muslim region is one of the things you must experience in Davao. The Taoist Temple, which practices Taoism, another variant of religion in the Philippines is about 500 meters away. But since it is inside a village (not along the main street), only the Longhua Temple is generally visited by tourists.

Once you enter the grounds of the Longhua Temple, you will see a concrete statue of a smiling Buddha, sitting calmly, waiting to welcome visitors. There are a couple of lion statues near the stairs which probably guard the temples from evil spirits and the likes. The simplistic design of the building with green roofs and white/gray walls makes the temple more alluring and peaceful to those who visit it. A Bermuda garden with variety of flowering plants and palm trees surrounds the Longhua Temple. There is a wonderfully designed stones which acts as a walkway.

Longhua Temple

Entrance of Philippine Academy of Sakya or Long Hua Temple

Landscape Design of Longhua Temple

Buddha at Longhua Temple

Monks and Nuns live on the Longhua Temple grounds. If you see one, just simply greet “Good Day Father/Sister” with a vow gesture and they will also greet you.

Unlike the Taoist Temple in Cebu, one can take pictures of the Gods inside the Longhua Temple. Sometimes you can catch Chinese students in Monk suit, practicing some songs and prayers for the Buddha. Words of wisdom can be found in print along the walls of the temples.

Examples of Buddhism Words of Wisdom

“Wisdom and afflictions are related like the palm and the back of the hand. Though both are on the same hand, the back of the hand is unable to hold things. But turn to the palm and the hands become omnipotent.”

“Whether poor or rich, of an honorable or lowly status, no one can avoid the suffering and afflictions of life.”

“If the mind is healthy the body will stay healthy. If the mind is not healthy, no medicine, tonic or food can help us.”

“Do not be afraid of heaven and hell. Heaven and hell are created by our mind and our actions. The only fear one should have is the deviation of the mind.”

Sakyamuni Buddha

Sakyamuni Buddha is the founder of Buddhism. He had three names, Sakyamuni Gautama Siddhartha. He was born two thousand five hundred and eighty years ago. In India, his birthday is known as the Vesak Day, that is, the full moon of May. His father King Shuddhodana Gautama, who had settled his capital at Kapilavastu, (now known as Nepal,) King Shuddhodana Gautama being a good and kind leader won the heart of his people. His mother, Queen Maya, was the daughter of the king’s uncle. At the age of twenty-nine, he search for the Truth of Suffering leaving home as a hermit. He found the path to Enlightenment on December eight, when he was thirty-five years of age and became a “Buddha”.

Arahat Ananda

Arahat Ananda, the cousin of Buddha was one among the ten great disciples. His name means “delighted”. Ananda is a chief attendant of Buddha. He was beside Buddha for more than twenty years. His memory was so great that he was able to retain in his memory the teaching of Buddha at the same time was able to preach them word for word. Ananda was a very handsome young fellow, but he was so straight and was not tempted by women who tried to attract him.

The Interior

Longhua Office

The office, probably of the chief monk, is near the main prayer room. It has a wonderful passive design with a wood carving of people praying to the Buddha. Buddhism books, CD’s and other souvenir items are placed there. There are also 4 nicely hand-made word carvings of the “Four Heavenly Kings” found on the walls which signifies Wind, Harmony, Rain and Prosperity. Similar to Taoism, Buddhism also light joss sticks which can be relate to candles in Catholicism.

Four Heavenly Kings

Pot for Joss Sticks

Thousand-Armed Kuan Yina

The most prominent of all the display found at the back of the Longhua Temple is the Thousand-Armed Kuan Yina. It is a golden colored statue which was said to be part of a popular Philippine-made movie.

How to get there

Jeepneys with Route 10 labels or those with signboards going to Sasa or Cabagiuo pass by Longhua Temple. Many locals don’t know the exact location if you ask them for the direction of Longhua Temple or Lon Wa Buddhist Temple because it is better recognized as the Philippine Academy of Sakya, a Bhuddhist religion movement. The Longhua Temple is housed inside it.

The admission in Longhua Temple is free (or by donation). It is open from 7:30am to 4:30pm. A guard is usually on standby near the gate to assist you going inside the temple, study room/office and prayer room.

If you’re visiting Davao, don’t forget to visit Longhua Temple or Lon Wa Temple in Cabagiuo Avenue. Praying a general prayer to their Buddha can simply help you clear your mind from worries and stress.

Contact Information

Telephone Numbers: (+63)(82)227-1314 and (+63)(82)305-1083

About the author

Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.