IT WAS A WEIGHTY MATTER when the four-ton Buddha was unveiled at the Nghiem Monastery courtyard in Aldergrove.Carved in Thailand from BC jade, the statue took five years to complete and was consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 2009.
Its illuminating presence and friendly face captures the imagination and is intended to inspire universal compassion as it travels the globe.
Although hundreds of thousands of people have viewed the icon, many more were expected.
Few people could resist taking photographs of the imposing figure that gets star treatment wherever it goes.
Tea candles were lit to provide opportunities for individuals to participate.
People were able to light sticks at the foot of the statue ...
and place them in a bowl with their hopes and prayers.
I learned that the Buddha's design and kindly demeanor is based on the Buddha inside the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodh Gaya in India.
Inside the Monastery I saw a large bell and monks quietly eating a meal.
There was also a colourful drum nearby that was silent and still.
Further within the Monastery there was a sacred place that was open to all who were shoeless.
A dignified Buddha was displayed there with a distinctly more serious air.
In a small corner of the courtyard a pretty statue was easily overlooked. If it were human, it might have been green with envy at the attention the visiting Buddha was getting.
Soon the waiting crane in the background would take the large statue away.
The jade Buddha will next appear in Seattle and likely continue to travel for several more years before settling in the Great Stups of Universal Compassion, near Bendigo, Australia.What an honor that this symbol of peace was created from gemstone discovered in the mountainous regions of British Columbia.
Explorers can discover more sites from around the globe at My World.
How wonderful that you got to see it up close. Thank you for taking photos of it and sharing them. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is really fantastic! And your photos are terrific! Thanks for sharing them with us. I will try to see it when it comes to Seattle! Thanks for the heads up! Great post for the day! Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
an incredible sight to see and amazing that it's traveling the world.
ReplyDeleteenjoy your week.
What a fascinating post! It's unusual to see such a svelte Buddha but I can see why he is the 'Kindly Buddha'. Your photographs are wonderful. I wonder if UK is on his itinerary.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I saw the golden reclining Buddha in Bangkok, and was quite impressed. I can imagine that you were delighted to see these Buddhas at close quarters.
ReplyDeleteFascinating post about this important event.
ReplyDeletegreat shots and a wonderful post. it must be great to see these imposing statues in person.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. This Buddha and this monastery are awesome. Your photos invite the contemplation they invite. So well done.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that you saw this on its travel around the world.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful craftsmanship. I'm in awe already. Hope it comes to northern California. Definitely, a must visit. Thanks for showing & sharing. :)
ReplyDeletethis is an excellent post. I enjoyed it much. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLooks like I will have to wait to see it near Bendigo. It really is such a happy and benign Buddha.The face could have been modelled on an Indo-Japanese ethnic dancer of my acquaintance whose features and smile are almost identical. She too glows from within.
ReplyDeletealoha,
ReplyDeletevery interesting and i enjoyed your narrative on this traveling buddha
Sorry I wasn't able to come to Aldergrove with you. The Buddha is beautiful, and I'd have enjoyed seeing it. Thank you for your photos, and thanks again for inviting me.
ReplyDelete