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 :)
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 :)
You may watch Guruji unveling the Buddha's statue here
4 comments:
Dear Sabrina,
Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog www.buddhistbugs.blogspot.com I really appreciate it.
Frankly, I don't know much abt Buddhist history in Mumbai. The time when I was in Mumbai in Jan 2009, I had a little time in my hands and thus I thought I check out some Buddhist temple and try to see if I can be educated abt Buddhism in Mumbai.
I asked the hotel staffs and they pointed me to that Japanese temple. I didn't see other Buddhist temple except this one.
But, on my return when I meet a few more Buddhist friends. I realized that there is actually a large present of Buddhist in Mumbai. I was informed that most of them are Dallit (untouchable) and lived in slumps in Mumbai.
I guess, that's must be the reason why the hotel staffs did not mention abt this to me.
Well, I really don't mind going to such places if I was informed on that day while I was in Mumbai. I would like to see the real living conditions. That will give me the net value of Buddhist in India.
There is nothing to be a shame of. Buddhism is for all human being.
Dr. Ambekar did the right thing in the 60s when he converted hundreds of ppl in Buddhism. This elevate the suffering which are imposed unnecessary on fellow human.
I can be contact via my email bugstan@gmail.com Pls do write to me if you have the time.
Mettacittena
Bugs Tan
Hello Friends,
please vote to Vipassana pagoda, Gorai for 7 wonders of Mumbai
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?page=article§id=188&contentid=2010120920101209174106548d35dad62&title=Vipassana-pagoda-Gorai-
Hi All,
When i first saw Global Pagoda i was stunned by the beauty and structure. I m follow buddhism.
Sincere Regards,
Pradeep
Thanks for stopping by Pradeep,
yes, I know the Global Pagoda is stunning isn't it?
every time I see it while I'm on the ferry, it seems as if I'm looking back in time, as if a glorious age of the dhamma has begun...
may you keep walking on the path and reach the final goal!
metta
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