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OVERVIEW | HISTORY | MAIN TEMPLE | STUPA | VAJRA TEMPLE |
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The vajra represents the pristine diamond-like qualities of enlightenment and is one of the primary symbols of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. It evokes the indestructible wisdom actualized by the Buddha, the penetrating clarity that cuts through confusion and the forces of selfishness that limit enlightened activity. |
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The Vajra Temple is a four-tiered, eight-sided crystal palace made of glass blocks and red granite that stands 108 feet high on a lotus-shaped plaza. The temple houses 108,000 statues of Padmasambhava, founder of Buddhism in Tibet and is considered an engineering masterpiece. There is no internal structure to the building, holding it up in the center. Ceremonies are held at the Vajra Temple in accordance with the lunar calendar. About half of the Odiyan community members are lay-Buddhist practitioners and ceremony participants. While walking around the outside and inside of the Vajra Temple, the participants offer prayers on behalf of all beings, and those for whom the ceremony is sponsored. The blessings accumulated during a ceremony are considered very powerful. Ceremonies are sponsored for such things as: good health, recovery from illness or injury, assistance in the transition of death, welcoming births, birthdays, longevity, financial success, to find a new job, etc. Bell-ringing ceremonies are also offered during ceremonies at the Enlightenment Stupa. If you would like to sponsor a ceremony or a bell-ringing at the Vajra Temple for a specific person or cause, please contact bjclemmons@yahoo.com.
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Rising in the western direction of the Odiyan 