During the summer and fall of 2009, the Buddha statue was installed on the throne by the pond. Extensive work was also undertaken to prepare the public park surrounding the Buddha statue called Sönam Gatsal, or Joyous Garden of Merit. Please see the Lotus News photo essay from November 2009 entitled Blazing Gloriously Like A Mountain of Gold or a wonderful video on YouTube (Part 1 and Part 2) for an exciting glimpse into this project. Consecration of the statue is planned for the Spring of 2010.
The following photos show recent work on the area immediately surrounding the Buddha statue. The ground has been leveled and prepared to provide adequate drainage to the area. Electrical and water lines have been installed to ensure that lighting and water for landscaping will be available. Workers are now beginning the installation of a retaining wall that will prevent erosion of the embankment and also serve to define an area around the Buddha where further development is planned.
Start Date: Fall 2009
Status: ongoing
Update Report Period: Sept - Dec 2009
See older photos
Last update: 20 December 2009