January 2008 – His Eminence with two Bhutanese craftsmen, inspecting the Buddha’s head at Nanjing

Shipment of Buddha Dordenma to Bhutan


The first batch of Buddha parts were loaded in 25x40ft, and 1 x 20ft container and shipped out of Nanjing on 25 July 2008 for Calcutta port. Upon arrival at Calcutta they were trucked to Phuntsholing, then unstuffed and loaded into trucks for onward delivery to Buddha Dordenma site, Thimphu.

The first truck arrived at the site on 2 September 2008.

His Eminence paying respect to Buddha Dordenma.

His Eminence offering white Katha to Buddha Dordenma.

His Eminence putting the white  katha on the form of Buddha Dordenma.

The eye of Buddha Dordenma being lifted from the truck.

The eye of Buddha Dordenma touches its destined ground, the  kingdom  of Bhutan.

(Many people have asked why build such a big Buddha? Why not give the money to the poor and needy? The reply was given by His Eminence during an interview with a Hong Kong reporter)

His Eminence Reply :

This activity is prophesized in Guru Padmasambhava’s terma, sacred treasure kept by the Guru himself which is destined to be discovered and revealed in the future time by tertons for the benefit of future generations. When the right time has arrived, the tertons (rinpoches and holy beings) will appear and carry out the activity. This terma was discovered by Sangye Lingpa and Guru Chowang more than 800 years ago, by Pema Lingpa more than 500 years ago, by Drugdra Dorje more than 200 years ago and by Terdag Lingpa in 1954. The Buddha’s building contains five different kinds of relics, mantras and precious substances. One hundred thousand 8-inch high little Buddhas and twenty-five thousand 12-inch high little Buddhas are put in the bigger Buddha which also contain relics, mantras and precious substances.

After consecration, the blessings from limitless Buddhas is union into one, thus blessing is limitless. Disasters from the four elements, strange diseases that causes pain and suffering will gradually diminish, restoring peace and happiness to the whole world. For future people it shows the way of the noble path. Those who visit the Buddha will receive blessings and their wishes will be fulfilled. Even for those who hear of the Buddha Dordenma project and rejoices in it will also receive blessings.

Without the good virtue of great offering, generosity and compassion, people become poor. Actions are followed by result. When virtues are exhausted, the action of receiving cannot solve the problem of poverty. By building Buddha statues limitless people can pray and offer for thousands of years, thus by receiving blessings, clearing negativities and building virtues, this life will be happy, next life will be better at a higher level then finally everybody will be enlightened. The well being of future generations is dependant on the kindness and compassion of the present sponsors, Buddha makers and those who participate in this activity. This project brings benefit to self and all beings.

The Blessing and Consecration Ceremony at the Buddha Dordenma site was led by His Holiness together with 1,000 monks from 5 monasteries and supported by many thousands of yogis, yoginis, and lay people who camped at the site so that they can attend the week-long ceremony.

Special guests include, the Queen, Tsering Yangdon, mother of crown prince, Home minister Jigme Trinley, chief parliament speaker Ugin Dorje, ex Trade minister Mr Letho, Indian ambassador, Paul von Chrismar from Buro Architects, Australia, the architect of Buddha Dordenma Project, the five Eminences, deputy Eminences, and many other guest from government ministeries and monasteries.

During this period 100 million Om Mani Padme Hum was recited, transmissions and empowerments were given, and in particular the 22 deities transmission. The construction site was consecrated on the last day of the ceremony 26 August 2006.

Centre

Thousand-armed Chenrezig 31 ft, standing

From Chenrezig’s left

- Vajrakilaya (Phurba) - 13 ft, standing (above)

- Longchenpa (Dzogchen master) – 5 ft, sitting (picture not shown)

About half an hour drive from Thimphu city to Dodina are two Buddhist Institutes which sit on the mountain-slope, they are Cheri Goemba and Tango Goemba. About 100 to 200 monks lives there, to study and practice.  It takes more than two hours to walk up, and can only be reached by foot.
At the mountain-top above these Buddhist Institutes, is a long-term retreat place for monks.
Below the mountain, is Dodina, a vast area of empty land.  This place is earmarked for building a Buddhist university in the near future.