The Buddha project

Next to the retreat a 9m high Buddha-Statue sitting in the lotus position is under construction. It will be completed and consecrated in August 2010.

Many villagers join the Nepali masons and work at the building, thus earning spiritual merits. Construction work is done in the traditional way, so guest do not have to expect any noise.

Monks from the main monastery Likir accompany the construction works with their prayers and spiritual advice. At Likir itself a big statue of a teaching Buddha was completed a few years ago, these religious buildings are a vivid proof that Buddhism is very much “alive” in Ladakh.

At the end of 2008 the walls and roof of the foundation building had been completed. A prayer room and a library will soon be ready for pilgrims from all over Ladakh and for the guests of the retreat. A new kitchen will provide food for the pilgrims, travelling monks can stay in additional guest-rooms.

The construction of the Buddha statue itself will start in spring 2009. The statue will overlook the valley and bless all living beings.

Buddha-Statue on September 2009

The Buddha project - work in progress