A Buddha Statue for Our New Uposatha Hall

The Buddha statue is the central symbol in a Buddhist temple hall. It does not represent a deity to be prayed to, but rather serves as a symbol and focal point for Buddhist practice. Specifically, the statue points to the historical Buddha—the great teacher who, after his own awakening, showed others the path to freedom from suffering. At the same time, it reminds us of the qualities the Buddha stands for, such as wisdom, mental purity, and boundless compassion for all living beings.  

When entering or leaving a temple hall, it is customary in the Buddhist tradition to bow three times to the Buddha statue. Bowing is an exercise in setting aside ego, self-righteousness, and self-centeredness, and instead making room for humility, gratitude, and care for others. Through this act, one acknowledges something greater than one’s own immediate desires and opinions. In this way, the Buddha statue finds its natural place in the temple hall: it provides us with a concrete and dignified focus for respect and reverence. In Buddhist practice, this is not just an outward gesture, but a method for cultivating inner qualities such as humility, gratitude, peace, and joy.  

The Buddha Comes to Vingrom

It is therefore with great joy that we can now present the plans for the statue that will adorn our new uposatha hall. The design is inspired by two historical Buddha statues from India:  

• Buddha-metta in Bodhgaya, the place where, according to tradition, the Buddha attained awakening under the Bodhi tree.  

• The Buddha statue in Sarnath, outside Varanasi, where the Buddha gave his first sermon and taught the Four Noble Truths.  

This is clearly evident in the hand gesture, where the Buddha counts the Four Noble Truths on his fingers while teaching. The statue will be a beautiful and significant addition to the monastery.  

Technical Details

• Height, including base: 2.5 meters  

• Weight: approx. 400 kg  

• Material: brass  

The statue will be cast in Thailand and finished there before being transported here to the monastery in Vingrom.  

Help Make the Project a Reality

The total costs for casting, shipping, and customs duties are estimated at approximately 500,000 NOK. This is a historic event for our monastery. We would therefore like to invite everyone who feels a connection to the monastery—whether as practicing Buddhists, supporters, friends, or sympathizers—to help make this project a reality. Together, we can welcome a unique and beautiful Buddha statue to Vingrom.  

All contributions, large or small, are important and received with great gratitude. 

Donations can be transferred to account 1506 04 30028 or via Vipps number 510458. Please mark the donation with «Buddha«.  

From abroad, the following account details can be used:  

• BIC/SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX

• IBAN: NO71 1506 0430 028

• Account Owner: Bodhibhumivana Buddhistsamfunn

• Address: Brekkenvegen 85, 2607 Vingrom, Norway

• Organization Number: 920427596