History and Vision

Two and a half years ago, Lama Sonam started the Jowo Rinpoche Statue Project. Lama Sonam's vision is to bring the blessings of Buddhism from Buddha Shakamuni , from the "second Buddha" Guru Padmasambava, and from countless other enlightened masters to the United States by creating a pilgrimage site here. The centerpiece and power source of the pilgrimmage site will be a five foot tall gilded, jewel encrusted bronze, the Jowo Rinpoche Statue.

Artisans in Nepal have created an exact replica of the famous Jowo Rinpoche statue that has resided in Lhasa, Tibet since 641 AD. When completed and consecrated, it will be an "emanation" replica of the original.

Fund Raising Successes

Lama Sonam raised $60,000 almost single-handedly. He held a concert featuring traditional and popular Tibetan musicians. He read the Prajnaparamita Sutra (an eleven hour reading) 118 times, and dedicated it to the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to all sentient beings. People gave him money for the reading, ranging from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars. Over 230 people participated

"Because of kind patrons, the Jowo Rinpoche statue is almost completed. Thank you.  This is wonderful because we will help so many sentient beings. There is another opportunity for the accumulation of merit...".  -Ven. Lama Konchok Sonam

It was cast in Bronze, gilded, and set with turquoise,  coral, and other stones. Special clothes were made. The statue, named the U.S. Drikung Jowo Rinpoche by Lama Sonam, is a spiritual presence, as well as a work of art that is helping to preserve Tibetan culture. Once consecrated, it will be an emanation of Buddha Shakyamuni. The original is called "the Wish-Fulfilling Gem"  because of the personal experience that so many people have had: prayers offered in front of the Jowo get fulfilled.

Because of his wisdom and compassion, Lama Sonam is giving us an opportunity to accumulate a vast amount of merit by participating in this project. To finish the statue we need gold on the throne and back piece and the shipping charges.  Please sponsor, in any amount, if you can".  This statue will be here for generations to enjoy and benefit from.
To donate by check please make checks payable to Drikung Meditation Center

mail to:
Drikung Meditation Center
Lama Sonam or Jowo Statue Project
15 Bartlett Avenue
Arlington, MA 02476.

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