Work Continues on the Statue of Buddha Maitreya

These images were sent to us from the Lagan District. Professional thangka artist Jigme Lodoy is currently working on the statue of the Buddha of the Future—Maitreya.

For several days now, he has been performing the “opening of the eyes” procedure for the deity: it involves artistically completing the statue in accordance with all Buddhist canons—that is, painting the eyes, eyebrows, lips…

As the master himself notes, this is not work that can be rushed, but painstaking labor in which every detail matters. There is no room for haste: the meaning of the ritual lies in the purity of intention and the impeccability of its execution.

The “opening of the eyes” ritual imbues the image with spiritual power: it is symbolically “brought to life” through mantras, meditations, and special actions. From that moment on, the statue becomes an object of veneration and a source of blessings.

Another important stage will take place soon—the placement of everything required inside the statue in accordance with the canons.