The Jowo has Arrived

An unprecedented cultural phenomenon is taking place in the United States: A full-size replica of Tibet’s most revered statue, the Jowo Rinpoche, has been installed at the Jokhang Institute, a Tibetan Buddhist organization in Arlington, Massachusetts.  This arrival is the first stage in resident teacher Lama Konchok Sonam’s vision of creating a US Buddhist pilgrimage site in which seekers of all traditions can benefit from the rich spiritual, cultural and artistic heritage of Tibet.  

What is the Jowo Rinpoche Statue?
The Jowo Rinpoche Statue is one of Tibet’s most significant religious icons.  In the seventh century, the original statue in Lhasa was brought to Tibet by King Songtsen Gampo’s Chinese wife, Princess Wencheng. The statue, a life size image of Buddha Shakyamuni, is especially revered since according to legend, it was built during Buddha’s life. The statue has resided for hundreds of years in its own temple in Lhasa. To millions of Tibetan Buddhists, the Jowo Rinpoche statue is a source of profound blessings, considered to bestow freedom from fear and suffering on those who view it with devotion.  It’s been called the Wish Fulfilling Jewel, for its ability to grant those who pray to it their deepest wishes.  Traditionally Tibetans make pilgrimages to Lhasa in order to view the statue once in their lifetime, to receive the benefits of viewing an image said to quicken the seekers path to Enlightenment.