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.

Photo Credit: Sangha members lift the Buddha statue from the U-Haul truck upon its delivery at Lotus Garden ©2011 Mindrolling International

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.

Photo Credit: Many sangha members are required to carry the Buddha statue upon its arrival at Lotus Garden ©2011 Mindrolling International

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.

Photo Credit: As sangha members look on, the nuns of Samten Tse unwrap and clean the statue after its long journey from India ©2011 Mindrolling International

Photo Credit: Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche leads the nuns in the purification ritual with a small sang of juniper leaves ©2011 Mindrolling International

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.

Photo Credit: Procession ©2011 Mindrolling International

Photo Credit: Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and musicians welcome the Buddha statue ©2011 Mindrolling International
Photo Credit: Sangha members lift the Buddha statue into location
where it will remain until it is installed ©2011 Mindrolling International

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