Thousand Buddha Temple

Rodrigo Reijers shares about the Opening of the Thousand Buddha Temple

In November 2024 Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche inaugurated the 1,000 Buddha Temple in Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, with an event worthy of the epic scale of the temple itself. Around 10.000 people joined in the festivities that included consecration ceremonies, empowerments, dharma teachings, pujas, presentations of Rinpoche’s activities, performances of traditional songs and dances and so forth, all to celebrate this glorious crown on Rinpoche’s already spectacular achievements. Rinpoche’s sangha gathered from all corners of the world, enjoying the warm and festive welcome the monastery provided.

The temple is a true masterpiece. From the huge scale of the building to the tiniest details in the decorations: everything radiates awe-inspiring excellence. Entering the temple indeed has a profound effect. Just seeing the beauty and the care that has been put into everything makes one feel serene and clear, negative emotions reduced, and a sense of devotion comes naturally, even to those who are not Buddhists.

The temple is home to three enormous Buddha statues, representing the Buddhas of the past, present and future surrounded by 1000 Buddha Shakyamuni statues covering the whole back wall, all filled with mantras, precious substances, relics and blessings. The temple is intended to be a home for dharma practitioners of all traditions, and a place where all pilgrims can pay homage to the Buddha. This inclusive attitude is yet another illustration of Rinpoche’s kindness and vast vision for preserving the dharma in our world.

To be in the presence of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, in such a holy location, and in such an extraordinary and beautiful temple, together with the worldwide sangha, all shining with devotion and gratitude, receiving precious teachings and sharing this historical moment together, is a truly marvelous experience. The Gomde Denmark team was fortunate enough to be part of this once in a lifetime experience, and to make offerings to Rinpoche and his monks and nuns on behalf of the Gomde Denmark Sangha, to celebrate and reinforce the auspicious connection we have.

It was also a moment of experiencing the bigger picture we are part of, and an opportunity to get a feel of the scope of Rinpoche’s visions and the scope of his activities.

Meeting old and new friends of the international Sangha is, of course, fun and inspiring. We were able to share what we are doing and what our visions for the future are.

This temple is a monumental statement that will impact countless people for centuries to come, and serve as a support for the Dharma to survive through the ages. We are intensely grateful for al Rinpoche’s kind activities and rejoice in the glorious splendor manifested in this temple, which will hopefully be echoed further with more temples and activities at the Gomdes worldwide, so that the motivation to liberate each and every being will be cultivated by ever growing communities for generations to come.

Thousand Buddha Temple

Thousand Buddha Temple

Rodrigo Reijers shares about the Opening of the Thousand Buddha Temple

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