Avalokiteshvara

Avalokiteshvara

Avalokitesvara is a bodhisattva who embodies compassion and is revered in many Buddhist traditions. Avalokitesvara is known by many names, including Guanyin in China and Kannon in Japan. Avalokitesvara is widely revered as the embodiment of compassion, and stories and iconography depict this bodhisattva vowing to postpone his own enlightenment until all other beings have achieved it. Avalokitesvara’s name means “the Lord who looks down in compassion,” indicating his role as a compassionate observer of the world’s suffering. Avalokitesvara is frequently depicted with multiple arms and heads, symbolizing his ability to extend his compassion and aid to all beings simultaneously. Avalokitesvara’s image can be found in many forms, including male and female, reflecting the adaptability of his compassion to different needs and cultures. Avalokitesvara’s mantra, Om Mani Peme Hum, is widely used in Tibetan Buddhism and is said to invoke his blessings and compassion. Avalokitesvara is the Dalai Lama’s patron deity, and it is believed that the Dalai Lama is an emanation of Avalokitesvara. Avalokitesvara’s compassion extends to all beings, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances, making him a universal symbol of love and empathy. Avalokitesvara is revered not only for his compassion but also for his wisdom, which allows him to perceive the most effective ways to alleviate suffering. Avalokitesvara’s teachings emphasize the importance of developing compassion and wisdom in our own lives, as well as actively working to alleviate the suffering of others. Avalokitesvara is a popular figure in Buddhist art, literature, and practice, inspiring countless people to cultivate compassion and work for the benefit of others. Avalokitesvara’s compassionate example encourages us to embrace our interconnectedness and recognize the inherent worth of all beings. Avalokitesvara’s teachings remind us that true happiness comes from cultivating compassion and wisdom, and using them to make a positive impact on the world.

Meditation and resilience
There are many studies done in science about meditation and it’s relation to resilliance. Allthough it is good to be skeptical about this. It is still worth considering.

Healing deity garden
In the serene realm of Tibetan Buddhism, healing herbs hold a significant place, often cultivated in what is known as the “Healing Deities Garden.” These gardens, sometimes part of monasteries or dedicated medicinal farms, are not merely collections of plants but sacred spaces where the power of nature intertwines with spiritual practice.

The Philosophy of Healing

Tibetan medicine, known as Sowa Rigpa, is a traditional healing system that has been practiced for centuries. It views health as a state of balance among the body’s three humors – wind (rlung), bile (mkhrispa), and phlegm (bad kan) – and the five elements – earth, water, fire, wind, and space. When these elements are in harmony, the individual experiences physical and mental well-being.  

Herbs are considered vital in restoring this balance. They are carefully selected and prepared based on their specific properties, which are believed to influence the humors and elements. The Healing Deities Garden is where these herbs are nurtured, their growth often accompanied by prayers and rituals to enhance their healing potency.

Key Herbs and Their Uses

The Healing Deities Garden may house a variety of medicinal plants, each with its unique healing properties. Some of the most commonly used herbs in Tibetan medicine include:

• Terminalia chebula (Aru ra): Known as the “king of medicines,” this herb is believed to possess all six tastes and can address a wide range of ailments. It is often used to support digestion, boost immunity, and promote longevity. 
  
  

   

• Rhodiola (S শ্রোሎག་): This adaptogenic herb, often found growing in high-altitude regions, is used to combat stress, fatigue, and altitude sickness. It is also believed to enhance mental clarity and focus.
  

   

• Saffron (ཀུ་ཀུམ་): This precious spice is not only used for culinary purposes but also in traditional medicine. It is believed to have mood-enhancing properties and can be used to support cardiovascular health.
  

   

• Ginger (སྒྲ་སྐྱེས་): This pungent root is a staple in Tibetan medicine, used to warm the body, improve circulation, and aid digestion. It is also effective in relieving nausea and inflammation.
• Turmeric (གཡུ་མོ་): This golden spice, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, is used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, skin disorders, and digestive issues.

The Spiritual Dimension

The Healing Deities Garden is not just a source of medicinal herbs; it is also a place of spiritual practice. Monks and practitioners often tend to the garden, cultivating the plants with mindfulness and compassion. They may chant mantras, offer prayers, or perform rituals to invoke the blessings of the Medicine Buddha (Sangye Menlha) and other healing deities.  

The herbs grown in this sacred space are believed to carry not only their natural healing properties but also the spiritual energy of the practitioners and the blessings of the deities. This combination of natural and spiritual healing makes the herbs from the Healing Deities Garden particularly potent.

A Living Legacy

The Healing Deities Garden represents a living legacy of Tibetan medicine, where the wisdom of ancient traditions is combined with the power of nature. These gardens serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of maintaining balance and harmony within ourselves and our environment. As we face the challenges of the 21st century, the knowledge and practices of Tibetan medicine, including the cultivation of healing herbs in sacred gardens, continue to offer valuable insights into holistic well-being.

 The statue is intended to be white at 180cm tall.

The sponsorship fees will cover: 

• Base Model Design 
• Generate 3d Model
• Identify the right building materials and way to anchor her
• Production 
• Custom painting of the statue to withstand the elements
• Importation to Australia or Transportation in Australia
• Installation at Land of Shambhala
• Consecration of the Statue

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