The Joyous Garden of Merit
Contributed by: Lotus News Staff
Published: 20 November 2010
Remember the summer of 2008 when the Buddha statue first arrived at Lotus Garden? The rolling doors on the back of the truck were lifted revealing the Buddha's large undefined shape. The packing material masked the beautiful form of Shakyamuni in the standing form.
Years before the contents of this large package had been crafted in India. In fact, three identical statues in the form of the Buddha’s descent from Devaloka were cast of fiberglass. According to Kyabje Mindrolling Trichen's wish, one statue would adorn the Great Stupa at Mindrolling, one would go to the branch monastery of Mindrolling in Lava and the third would be placed at Lotus Garden. Months before the Buddha had arrived here it began its long journey across the seas under the kind supervision of the managers of Mindrolling, Lama Riga and Lama Phuntsok. The well-packaged form arrived at Lotus Garden and was surrounded by residents and members of the Lotus Garden community working in harmony to lift the giant statue out of the truck and set it nearby in a prepared place.
Her Eminence Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and the senior nuns of Samten Tse began to strip away the packing, revealing the golden flowing robes, the Buddha’s perfectly formed hands, and finally - the face was unmasked. Everyone remarked about the beauty and exquisite detail of the statue. Everyone felt the tremendous blessing and excitement that this wonderful gift from Mindrolling had finally found its way to Lotus Garden. Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and the nuns then performed the purification ritual ceremony.
The Buddha was placed standing on the back of a pickup truck for a procession to the main shrine room. It looked majestic and beautiful towering over the land, slowly climbing the hill. Musicians played the gyalings, dungchen, conches, and drums as offerings as the Buddha reached its temporary place where it would be stored until the offering of zung (filling) was completed.
where it will remain until it is installed ©2011 Mindrolling International
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