First Hawaiian Bank Headquarters, Honolulu
There are many kinds of idols
On Saturday
I went to visit what some might call an idol.
"Better than a thousand hollow words,
is one word that brings peace."
Buddha
The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace & Happiness
was visiting Honolulu for two days this past weekend.
The giant bodhisattva (Sanskrit: बोधिसत्त्व)
stands at almost 9 feet tall and weighs around 4 tons.
It was carved from the world's largest jade gemstone known as the "Polar Jade" and is valued at $5 million.
"Just as treasures are uncovered
from the earth,
so virtue appears from good deeds,
and wisdom appears
from a pure and peaceful mind."
Buddha
I felt very polite and respectful.
This was a religious experience for some, after all.
"The way is not in the sky.
The way is in the heart."
Buddha
Buddha
But it was far from solemn.
It was more like a family reunion, said to bring
spiritual riches
for believer and non-believer alike
who came into the presence.
"Thousands of candles can be lit
from a single candle,
and the life of the candle will not be shortened.
Happiness never decreases by being shared."
Buddha
I came to see the Buddha,
but found myself EXPERIENCING something
on an energetic level.
These photos don't convey
the amazing scale of the object.
I felt very touched and uplifted.
A female Buddhist monk
came up to me and gave me the photo
I have reproduced above.
The orbs appearing around the statue
are said to be angels and such
celebrating
Universal Peace & Happiness!
><}}(°>
Wishing you all the best, cloudia
