Buddha Purnima, May 27th, 2010 at the Global Vipassana Pagoda

We had our first showers yesterday and it was wonderful to feel the cool breeze and see children playing in the rain. The weather has much improved since the auspicious day of May 27th, Buddha Purnima Day, weather department said it was the hottest day in May in the last 5 years!

I remember everyone in the Pagoda fanning themselves with whatever piece of paper they had with them, but spiritually, the day was wonderful! Thousands of meditators gathered at the Global Vipassana Pagoda, Gorai. One could truly feel the pure vibrations of dhamma in the air :) (dharma, Pali)

On this day Guruji Goenka unveiled a 21 feet high statue of Gautama Buddha, a gift from the Government of Myanmar (Burma). The Buddha's golden robes shone brightfully in the sunlight and the extreme humidity was made bearable by Goenkaji's teaching on the dhamma.

Here are a few pictures from that day :)

From a distance the Pagoda ressembles a golden bell placed on the horizon :) To reach the island of Gorai on which the Pagoda is built one needs to take a ferry either from Malad-Marve Beach or Gorai Jetty (Borivali).

The interior of the dome is purely functional, serving only as a hall for meditation. While being seated I like the sight of a few pigeons who have managed to get in, as they fly across from one niche to another under the great dome. I also like the Dhamma wheel depicted in gold, the only adornment at the top-centre of the dome.

The Large entrances have a beautiful slanted arching shape. Due to the sheer scale, if you happen to go out and then return, it takes a good deal of looking around to find your seat !! :)

The Pagoda is still not fully complete and each time I visit, I'm delighted to see some new developments. I liked this juxtapositioning of an unfinished part and the rich gold-yellow of the Pagoda.

The Pagoda glowing in the intense evening sun.

The 21 ft high statue of Gautama Buddha, gifted by the government of Myanmar (Burma). People were really happy with the smiling presence of the Buddha :)

An elderly monk descending towards the jetty at the end of the day.

You may watch Guruji unveling the Buddha's statue here

If you wish to visit the Pagoda, or if you are visiting Esselworld do drop by as it is on the same island. You can get more information at their website.

Wishing you a good week :)

and good rains!!!

Love + light!