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| Jade Buddha for Universal Peace is finally in Penang |
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| Offerings to the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace |
Jade Buddha for Universal Peace was on display at Penang Times Square from 6 to 14 April, 2013. Many devotees have thronged the mall to participate in the prayers or just to take photographs of the world's largest jade Buddha.
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| A smaller Buddha statue next to the Jade Buddha |
We visited the Jade Buddha on the last night, just before the closing ceremony. When we arrived, the crowd was all lining up. So, without much question, we quickly joined the line. After a friendly chat with an uncle in front of us, then only we knew why we were in line. We were queueing for a share of the sand mandala. (See below on What is Sand Mandala?)
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| The finished piece of sand mandala at Penang Times Square (Photo courtesy of Jin Tatt) |
Obviously, many were ignorant about the usage of the sand mandala. We were too. The MC was busy making announcements about the usage of the sand mandala in Mandarin, English and Hokkien. Firstly, it can be placed in a stupa to be prayed, or secondly, it can be placed in a pendant and wear it for protection. Thirdly, the grains of the sand can be placed on the forehead of a just deceased person in order to bless the deceased with a better rebirth.
The sand mandala is sacred. It must be treated with respect at all time. A word of caution from the MC that night was "do not mix the sand mandala in the water and drink". This advice may sound humorous and childish but to many, it was something on their mind. This was because many Penangites who were Taoists were accustomed to drinking Taoism talismans to heal illness and so on.
The sand mandala is sacred. It must be treated with respect at all time. A word of caution from the MC that night was "do not mix the sand mandala in the water and drink". This advice may sound humorous and childish but to many, it was something on their mind. This was because many Penangites who were Taoists were accustomed to drinking Taoism talismans to heal illness and so on.
Since there was a large crowd queueing for the sand mandala, we went forward to the almost empty red-carpeted area, bare-footed and knelt down before the Lord Buddha statue and prayed. We had our moments of silence and peace. After praying, we took several shots of the Jade Buddha and the altar filled with bouquet of fresh flowers. The view of the Jade Buddha was majestic and we prayed for peace in the world and peace in our mind. It was just a simple wish but it was not so easy to attain!
Have you heard of Buddhism and fate? Well, many believe in fate with the Lord Buddha. I was anxious that I could not get a share of the sand mandala as the queue was really long. Hubby reminded me that if we managed to get a share, then it was our fate with the Lord Buddha. The night was so beautiful indeed that everyone in the crowd received a share of the precious sand Mandala.
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| The colourful sand mandala is placed in a stupa |
After receiving the tiny portion of sand mandala in a zipped plastic bag, we bought a mini stupa from the exhibition counter after jostling with the crowd. We also planned to share the sand mandala with our family members. May everyone have peace within them. Namo Amitabha.
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| A pagoda-shaped stupa with sand mandala for our family |
Some quick facts:
Where is Jade Buddha for Universal Peace from?
Jade Buddha for Universal Peace measuring 2.7 metres tall was carved from jade called "Polar Pride" which was discovered in Canada. The statue was modelled after the Buddha statue in the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodh Gaya, India and was carved in Thailand by Thai and Australian carvers. The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace was taken on tour around the world beginning March 2009 with the aim to inspire peace for the world, peace in relationships, peace at work and home and peace in their mind. (source: www.jadebuddha.org.au)
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| An extract about Medicine Buddha from the exhibition (Photo courtesy of Jin Tatt) |
What is Sand Mandala?
For those with not so in-depth knowledge of Buddhism like me, Medicine Buddha sand Mandala is created by using coloured marble powder in the wide end of a long funnel shaped metal tube. The sand created on the lines with proper measurements as described in the sutra. After the sand Mandala is finished, the viewers and monks will pray for peace and harmony in the world.
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| The details on "How is a Sand Mandala Created?" (Photo courtesy of Jin Tatt) |
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| An extract of what next after the sand mandala is created (Photo courtesy of Jin Tatt) |
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