Overview of Maitreya Project's Sacred Art

"Regardless of faith, the object also has power. The power of the statue [and other holy objects] arises from Buddha's mind. It comes from the inconceivable qualities of the Buddha; from so many prayers that Buddha made in the past."
— Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of Maitreya Project

Buddhists do not worship statues and religious artifacts. A Buddhist image is used as an inspiration for creating and spreading positive human qualities like loving-kindness and peace. According to Buddhist tradition, sacred objects — for example, statues and relics — provide a uniquely powerful means by which we can bring to mind the positive attitudes that are essential to the development of loving-kindness.

500ft / 152m Maitreya Buddha Statue

Buddhist artists Denise Griffin and Peter Griffin have created the life-sized prototype statue of Maitreya Buddha under the guidance of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and other master sculptors. Great care has been taken to retain the traditional proportions which have been handed down by generations of Buddhist artists over the centuries.
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The Throne Building and Park

The statue of Maitreya Buddha will be seated on a traditional throne which will form a public building equivalent in height to 17 storeys. The throne building will contain temples, meditation halls, teaching facilities and exhibition spaces.
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Other Sacred Art

In addition to the 500ft / 152m Maitreya statue, the buildings and grounds of the Maitreya Project will contain religious art and holy objects. From the entrance gate to the inspiring Maitreya Temple within the throne building, and upwards into the body of the statue itself, there will be paintings, statues, relief carvings, mosaics, and other traditional forms of Buddhist art.

The very finest artists and artisans from each field are being commissioned to produce the artworks to serve as sources of inspiration and focus for everyone who visits the Project.

The artworks of Maitreya Project will help to make the visitor's experience educational, contemplative, and inspiring. They will create an atmosphere in which to fully appreciate all aspects of the Project, as well as serving as a visual reminder of the ideals of peace and loving-kindness which are the central themes of all the Buddhas' teachings.

Sponsor Sacred Art

Maitreya Project's main public fundraising method is the Sacred Art Sponsorship Programme. It is designed to enable everyone to contribute to the building of the Maitreya Buddha statue – to become a part of making the Maitreya Project a reality.

Through the programme you can sponsor any of the sacred artworks to be installed within the 500ft / 152m statue, throne building and park. Read more...

Click Here to Sponsor Sacred Art...