On our road trip from western Montana to Florida, Daniel and I stopped off at the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas. We spent over an hour walking through the garden, contemplating the journey we had ahead in this peaceful place. While this off-the-beaten-path attraction may not be for everyone, it is a sacred place that once had the Dalai Lama visit for its opening ceremony.
Everything you need to know about visiting the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
Here's what you need to know if you are planning on visiting the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas.
Map of the Garden of 1000 Buddhas
What you need to know about the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas is a public park, botanical garden, and Buddhist center situated in Western Montana's Jocko Valley, just north of Missoula and Arlee. Nestled in a peaceful valley on the land of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation, the garden is near Glacier National Park and Missoula. Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche, a master and central figure of Tibetan Buddhism, discovered this spiritual site while on a trip to teach the dharma in Montana.
The Garden of 1000 Buddhas is based on the eight spokes of the Dharma wheel and aligns positive properties of the physical world in a sacred architectural arrangement based on the awakening of the enlightened qualities of altruism and wisdom.
[vc_cta h2="Join the community!"]Love the outdoors? Join my free Facebook community where we chat and share information about national parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more!
JOIN HERE! 
[/vc_cta]
The monument portion of the site, covering 750 square feet, was under construction in 2012, while the surrounding garden occupies 10 acres of land. Over one thousand identical white Buddha statues sit motionless, eyes closed, and mouths frozen in a slight grin, arranged in perfect symmetry.
The main section of the Garden is circular, with a spoke design of rows extending from the center to evoke the eight-spoked Dharma wheel.
Each row has 125 Buddha statues sitting next to each other, with each Buddha sitting in a traditional pose, legs crossed and the right hand hanging over the knee. The Garden's centerpiece is Yum Chenmo, the Great Mother of Transcendent Wisdom, a 24-foot-tall and the most colorful statue in the Garden.
Beyond the Buddha statues, visitors to the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas encounter a small pond and several statues standing around the edges of the pond. Additionally, the site has one thousand stupas, and tall stone structures, each containing an image of the female deity Tara.
For those seeking lodging, the nearest place to stay is the Jocko Hollow Campground in Arlee. The closest hotels are the Motel 6 and Days Inn on I-90, located 20 miles from the Garden. The Garden is located at 34574 White Coyote Road, Arlee, MT 59821, and is easily accessible via Interstate 90, located 20 miles north of the site off Highway 93.
However, since the Garden is not too far from Missoula, you might want to consider some Missoula hotels or camping in Missoula for your visit. That way you also have access to Missoula restaurants when you are done for the day, as well.
The Garden provides a parking lot for visitors to park their vehicles free of charge while enjoying the site.
Garden of One Thousand Buddhas hours and ticket prices
The Garden of a Thousand Buddhas is open year-round at 9:00 am, with closing times depending on the season. Pets are not permitted on the grounds. Admission to the Garden is completely free, and a suggested donation of $5-10 can be made at donation boxes located near the central statue, the pond, and the gift shop. Guided tours are available from April through October, and the facility can be contacted for weddings and events.
The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas welcomes people of many faiths in the Western hemisphere. The garden is free to the public, and visitors can about an hour exploring the site and checking out all the statues.
How to get to the Buddha Garden
Although its rural Montana location may come as a surprise to many visitors, it is easily accessible and only 30 minutes off Route 90, not far from Missoula. You can add it to your list of the best things to in Missoula since it's fairly close and can be a fun afternoon activity. The garden's serene atmosphere and unique design make it an interesting roadside attraction for those with an adventurous spirit.
The history of the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
The Garden of 1000 Buddhas was founded in 2000 by Tibetan Buddhist lama Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche, who purchased the Arlee property. After years of planning, work began in earnest on casting the statues in 2011, and the work was completed five years later.
The mission of the Garden of 1000 buddhas
The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas aims to bring about positive transformation within visitors in response to the negativity present in the world today. Operated by the non-profit Ewam International, the site hosts Tibetan Buddhist studies and provides a peaceful place for quiet reflection.
Yum Chemno and Tibetan Buddhism
The garden cornerstone, the Great Mother, or Yum Chenmo, represents the garden's commitment to promoting wisdom and understanding through the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Yum Chenmo is often depicted holding a book, and her symbol evokes both knowledge and wisdom. In Buddhism, the study and contemplation of Buddhist texts are seen as a crucial component of spiritual practice, and Yum Chenmo serves as a reminder of this important aspect of the tradition.
The statue of Yum Chenmo at the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas is also surrounded by prayer wheels. Visitors can spin a prayer wheel as a way to accumulate merit and positive karma. In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the spinning of prayer wheels is believed to have a purifying effect on one's mind and intentions, and can also generate positive energy and blessings for oneself and others.
Tibetan Buddhist studies at the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas provides a unique opportunity for Tibetan Buddhist studies. Visitors can learn about Tibetan Buddhist teachings and spiritual practices, attend meditation classes and retreats, and explore the beautiful artwork and architecture of the garden. The Ewam Sangha website has a full list of activities for the year.
Festival of Peace
For 16 years, the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas has hosted the free Festival of Peace, organized by The Ewam Sangha. Thousands of visitors gather for a day of Peace Festival activities celebrating peace and unity, which include Tibetan dances, musical performances, and inspiring talks on peace and perseverance. By promoting compassion, unity, and understanding, this annual festival unites people through singing, dancing, storytelling, and prayer for a more peaceful world.
Have any questions about visiting the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas? Let me know in the comments!
Like this post? Save it for later!
Want more information on Montana? Check out these articles:
No comments:
Post a Comment