26 November 2009

Blazing Gloriously Like A Mountain of Gold:
Seating the Lotus Garden Buddha

Landscaping

No sooner had the Buddha been seated on his throne than Rinpoche called for every able-bodied person on the land to come and begin clearing the overgrown area around the pond. This was the beginning of the long anticipated 'Buddha Park' which Rinpoche has named Sönam Gatsal, the Joyous Garden of Merit. Working alongside the monks, nuns, residents and sangha members, Rinpoche herself was vigorously cutting weeds and piling refuse into wheelbarrows. There was the buzz of chain saws, pounding of nails and hum of utility vehicles criss-crossing the new park. Two docks by the pond were painted a lovely red and muted green. The tall grass hiding the pond, was trimmed to reveal a lovely slope toward the water where reflections of the Buddha can now be seen. Thickets were thinned out, benches brought in and tables for studying or picnicking were constructed.

Photo Credit: Mark Good and crew begin to clear overgrown area near the pond
©2009 Mindrolling International
Photo Credit: Gordon Ryan removes some obstructing branches from a tree
©2009 Mindrolling International
Photo Credit: Lama Riga, Chöynid and Drolma rake along the slope
©2009 Mindrolling International
Photo Credit: Monks, nuns and sangha members clearing brush
©2009 Mindrolling International
Photo Credit: Sophie Perks and Lopön Karma Wozer with a wheelbarrow of brush
©2009 Mindrolling International
Photo Credit: Vitali Podzniakov painting the dock
©2009 Mindrolling International
Photo Credit: Painting (Clockwise from top left) Jonathan Hanna, Cathie Papantonio, Lopön Jann Jackson, Lopön Andre Papantonio ©2009 Mindrolling International
Photo Credit: Clearing weeds at the edge of the pond ©2009 Mindrolling International
Photo Credit: Lama Phuntsog and Chris Jarmon construct a table and stools from discarded tree branches ©2009 Mindrolling International

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