Maitreya

 

 

Inside Tikse Monastery is a modern two-storied statue of Maitreya with compassionate, hypnotic eyes. Maitreya, the benevolent Bodhisattva of compassion, awaits his rebirth as the next Buddha. The large statue covered with gold leaf has a conch shell placed at the highest chakra point--centered on the forehead-symbolizing his ‘third eye.’ The incorporation of a conch shell, considered sacred-its spiraling rings symbolizing the origin of existence--is especially appropriate. The sacred syllable “Om” is produced when the conch is blown on ritual occasions. For Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, “Om” represents the voice of the Almighty.

Tikse, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

 

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