His Holiness the Dalai Lama has officially accepted Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche’s invitation to consecrate the Garden of 1,000 Buddhas in Arlee, Montana. The Garden is dedicated as a Peace Center, and pilgrimage site for people of all religions and walks of life. Already people have gathered with enthusiasm, gratitude and ideas for completing the Garden and hosting His Holiness.

Rinpoche will be inviting Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi (the reincarnation of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche), and other Tibetan Buddhist teachers and lineage holders to this important consecration. Rinpoche is specifically going to request Nyingma Dzogchen teachings, from H.H.D.L., for Buddhists in attendance who qualify.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and surrounding communities will be participants in the planning and sponsoring of events, from forum discussions to secular, public talks. Different topics and sites are being discussed. All levels of Montana’s governments will also be involved, as well as the Interfaith Community and Montana’s Buddhist sanghas.

Rinpoche reminds us, as we prepare for this truly grand event, that we must always keep the aspiration and pure intention of Bodhichitta alive, reminding us that harmony, listening and being inclusive is the key to this process. We must truly work with our own minds and be open and skillful. He continues to encourage us to work collaboratively, using many people’s energy and ideas. To host His Holiness is a great opportunity and honor. Rinpoche expresses that this blessing and consecration is the true beginning of the Garden of 1,000 Buddhas!

We will need many volunteers and financial resources to complete the Buddha Garden and host His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We give thanks for all of your help.