Arlee, MT - High 83 Low 58
Just north of Arlee, MT is the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas. This destination has been on my bucket list for several years. Our friend, Dianna (who sold her home in Phoenix and moved to Missoula) went with us.
The garden is on the property of Ewam Sang-ngag Ling and sits in the Jocko Valley between the Mission Mountains and the Jocko River. Established as an international center for peace in 2000, the 750-foot circular monument sits on ten acres.
The Mission Mountains are incredibly beautiful but they were not visible today. This is the picture I took. Yes there are really tall mountains behind all the smoke in this picture.
This is what they are supposed to look like. I found this gorgeous picture on the web. Not sure who to give credit to but they captured their beauty.
The Purpose of the Garden (The following is from their website.)
Dedicated as an International Peace Center, the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas supports people in cultivating inner peace and in preserving the ancient culture of Tibet. The mission of the Garden is to provide visitors of all faiths with an opportunity to generate profound merit, to reduce global negativities, and to bring about lasting peace. Through the use of the ancient symbols of Buddhism, the Garden awakens one’s natural inner qualities of joy, wisdom, and compassion.
Yum Chenmo – the Great Mother of Transcendent Wisdom
The one thousand images of the Buddha (which were made in Montana) are arranged in the shape of an eight-spoked Dharma wheel encircling Yum Chenmo.
The Dharma represents the teachings of the Buddha on the path to Nirvana. The directions in which the eight spokes radiate represent the Buddhist noble eight-fold path of right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
I found this picture on their website and it shows exactly how the garden is laid out to form the Dharma wheel.
There is a path that you can walk (clockwise) around the garden, however we did not walk that far.
There are many stupas (a dome-shaped structure erected as a Buddhist shrine) throughout the design of the garden.
The thousand Buddhas are said to represent the 1000 Buddhas that will be born in our religious age.
A fascinating place to visit and learn.
Looks like an interesting place.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun place to visit. I love the unique stops along the way.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are so lucky. I would have loved to see this place. God Bless you guys for sharing such beautiful pics.
ReplyDeleteThank you for showing us that. I didn't know about it. Will be putting it on the list.
ReplyDeleteOh that would be an amazing experience. I do
ReplyDeleteEnjoy learning about other religions. I don't always agree but like to be educated.
The colors and designs are so very interesting. Nice place to visit.
ReplyDeleteTo bad about the fires is there any containment?
I had no idea that this place existed. Thanks so very much for educating us all.
ReplyDeleteYour second photo down from the top is just fantastic. Great shot.
Another amazing attraction I never heard about. I need to get out more! :cD
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting place!! Thanks for sharing!!
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