Garden of One Thousand Buddhas: What to Know Before Visiting

Spiritual sites can be found all over the United States, including Buddhist sites.

One Buddhist site located near Arlee, Montana, is open not just to those who practice Buddhism. It's actually a public park, which means everyone is welcome to visit.

Here's what you have to know about the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas.

Garden of One Thousand Buddhas: What to Know

Located within the Flathead Indian Reservation, the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas is intended to be a pilgrimage destination for different faiths.

Aside from the Buddhist center and public park, there is also a botanical garden and Tibetan gift shop in the premises.

According to Ewam International, the garden is meant "to bring about positive transformation within those who visit, in response to the negativity that abounds in the world today."

As its name suggests, the park contains one thousand Buddhas that are all hand-cast. These Buddhas are all arranged in eight spokes around a central figure.

There is also one thousand stupas, which are meant to represent the enlightened mind. These stupas line the outer circle.

Yum Chenmo

The central figure is a 24-foot-tall figure of Yum Chenmo, who is also known as Prajnaparamita or The Great Mother.

"She is depicted in feminine form because it is this perfect wisdom which gives birth to all of the Buddhas, as well as the bodhisattvas, those who are striving for enlightenment to benefit all beings," Ewam International explains.

Tourist Information

For those interested to visit the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas during their Montana trip, opening hours depend on the month. The schedule is as follows:

• January, February, November, and March - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• March, April, May, September, and October - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• June, July, and August - 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Visitors can take part in tours when available. Tours are usually scheduled from April to October.

Originally published on Travelers Today