“Lifelong devotion to the Dharma, I discerned the need for a modern, enduring institution in Hong Kong, where wisdom may grow, talents could be cultivated, and the Buddha’s teachings could flourish. Inspired by the struggles of underprivileged young women, I envisioned a charitable school, where education and compassion would nurture their potential and light their path toward a brighter future.”

In her travels, Lady Clara Ho Tung was profoundly influenced by the concept of gender equality. Recognizing the pivotal role women play in both her family and society, she vowed to establish a dedicated institution for educating and cultivating female talent. In 1930, she founded the first Po Kok Free School on Percival Street, marking the beginning of Buddhist girls’ free education in Hong Kong. In 1932, Venerable Ai Ting, responding to Cheung’s invitation, travelled to Hong Kong and established the Po Kok Buddhist Seminary in Castle Peak, focused on nurturing Buddhist talent. By 1935, the Tung Lin Kok Yuen was completed and formally inaugurated, with both the Po Kok Buddhist Research Society and the Po Kok Free School relocating to the renovated premises.

The name “Po Kok” stands as a timeless homage to Lady Clara Ho Tung’s mother, with “Po” lovingly chosen to reflect her mother’s given name, symbolizing Cheung’s profound gratitude for her mother’s nurturing care. Under the guiding principle of “Benevolence and Fraternity,” the Po Kok schools have flourished as havens of learning, uplifting students through the Dharma’s values and wisdom. At the Po Kok Girls Vocational Secondary School, each class began with students greeting their teachers with the words, “Good morning, teacher. Benevolence and fraternity,” echoing the school’s commitment to fostering kindness and harmony. The curriculum integrates practical knowledge with spiritual discipline, fostering intellectual growth, moral integrity, and the development of well-rounded individuals. Subjects including abacus calculation, sewing, and weaving offered practical skills, empowering students to face their futures with confidence. In keeping with this vision, when TLKY was completed, part of its sacred premises served as classrooms to further education’s charitable mission. By 1948, the day school welcomed six grades with 147 students, while the night school extended its teachings to two grades, serving 60 students with the same compassionate spirit.

Guided by both rigor and benevolence, the Board of Directors of Po Kok School has continually adapted to Hong Kong’s growing population and evolving societal needs, ensuring that the school advances gracefully with the times.

History

1930 The Po Kok Free School was established.
1951 The school was developed into the “Po Kok Girls Junior Vocational Secondary School,” specialising in home economics and commercial studies, achieving outstanding results and attracting numerous students.

1956 Renamed as “Po Kok Girls Vocational Secondary School cum Affiliated Primary School,” it offered both day and night classes for primary education and junior secondary to senior one levels. The secondary section comprised 14 subjects, with specialised teachers for each area, including Buddhist Studies, Bookkeeping, Typing, Art, and more. Due to the extensive curriculum, additional morning and evening classes from Monday to Friday, as well as Saturday afternoon sessions, were introduced.

1958 Establishing the Po Kok Branch School, welcoming both boys and girls, thus offering an invaluable opportunity for children in rural areas to receive an education.
2001 The Po Kok Secondary School campus in Tseung Kwan O was inaugurated.

At its inception, the institute’s publishing division produced works such as “Travelogue on Famous Mountains” and “Literary Models of Buddhist Teachings”. In the 1970s, the publication of Chamber of Scent and Light marked a significant milestone, and in the 2000s, over twenty volumes of the Lotus Awakening Series had been released. These publications collectively enriched literary culture by making Buddhist philosophy more accessible to the public. In 1959, Madam Susan S. H. Kong developed a syllabus and textbook for Buddhist studies examinations. In 1960, the Hong Kong government officially incorporated “Buddhist Studies” as a subject in secondary school public examinations. Among these contributions, the “the Buddhist Studies Textbook for Secondary Schools,” authored by Madam Kong, was published and distributed by TLKY, provided to Buddhist schools across Hong Kong, further integrating Buddhist principles into mainstream education.

In recent years TLKY has extended its educational endeavors to both local and international academies, including Centre of Buddhist Studies, The University of Hong Kong, the International Buddhist College in Thailand (2005–2007), and the University of Toronto Scarborough in Canada. Through these partnerships, it has offered a strong foundation for teaching and research across institutions, integrating Buddhist studies with other disciplines, and thoughtfully applying Buddhist principles to contemporary society.