About Odiyana

The Motivation behind the Proposed Project

The stimulus calling for an immaculate and unparalled statue of Guru Nangsey Zilnon in Bhutan dates back to almost a century ago, when Sir Ugyen Wangchuk, the first hereditary King of Bhutan, was then the Penlop (Govenor) of Tongsa. Two luminaries of the 19th century Tibetan Rime (ree may or non-sectarian) movement, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820-1892) and Jamgon Kongtrul (1813-?), both accomplished Dzogchen masters and Tertons revealed that construction of a huge exposed Guru Nangsey Zilnon statue in Bhutan would be most beneficial for peace, prosperity and happiness in this world in general and in Bhutn in particular. Later, the late Lama Sonam Zangpo (1888-1984), a renowned practitioner of the Six Yogas of Naropa and the most famous yogi of Bhutan confided with Terton Samten Lignpa, a contemporary revealer of the cycyle of enlightenment now known as the "Yidam Gongdu or Tagsham Cycyle", a substantial portion of which were major findings about the life of Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal, that for peace, prosperity and happiness in this world, we need to reaffirm our refuge to Guru Rinpoche. As per the revelation of the great late Lama a physical edifice of a Guru Nangsey Zilnon measuring not less than 5 storeys should be built either in Bumthang or Kurtey in Bhutan.

Outline of the Project

Whilst the exterior would potray Guru Nangsey Zilnon in its symbolic radiant perfection, the interior structure would house a 3-storey repository representing the righteousness and the sanctity of paradise. This large statue intends to blend modern reinforced concrete structural framework draped over and within by traditional architectural splendor. The exterior edifice of Guru is envisaged to be built up of bronze over an RCC frame, with all the individual laminates exquisitely and laboriously hand-shaped and fixed into place. Although bronze will form the basic statue material, other precious elements such as gold and silver will also be needed to either guild, frame or form various statue components. This exterior structure calls for an intricate well-engineered structural framework.

The interior repository will be the representation of the history, culture, literature, life, and fine arts involving predominantly the teachings and practices of Buddhism. This is a means for people to defelop generous, peaceful, and clear minds so that they can earn merit, which is believed to be the source of a happy future.