The Muli Maitreya Buddha Project

The Maitreya Buddha is the Buddha of loving kindness. The Muli project is to rebuild the 53-foot bronze statue that was destroyed during the Chinese Cultural Revolution.

Muli, located in southeasternTibet, is Lama Norbu's ancestral town. The statue was originally built with the Buddha facing west to signify the direction from which help would come in the future.

Lama Norbu had not seen the Maitreya statue himself but heard of it since his childhood from elder family members. After coming to the United States, he was able to find an article by explorer and missionary Joseph F. Rock, about the town of Muli. The article, which had been published in National Geographic magazine in 1924, included pictures of the Maitreya Buddha. Upon seeing these photos, Lama Norbu realized that it is his duty to rebuild the statue for the sake of his ancestral town and to benefit the world.

He sees this project as an opportunity to develop on-going economic stability in Muli and to create the social and spiritual renewal essential for the survival of the Tibetans and their rich spiritual heritage.

The cost of this project is $50,000 US. There is a detailed cost analysis that we will be happy to share with you at your request. Your kind generosity will help restore this important symbol of peace and lovingkindness.

Lama Norbu would like to have contributors to this project join with him at the dedication ceremony upon its accomplishment.

For more information or to donate, contact Lynda Perlman.