The Maitreya Buddha statue adorns the main hall of the Maitreya Center, the site of the upcoming 2016 North American Kagyu Monlam. The throne upon which the Maitreya Buddha statue is seated is backed by an arched frame sculpted with images known as the Six Ornaments. These include elephants, snow lions, boys riding horses and holding conch shells (representing the pervasive sound of the dharma), makaras (water beings who serve as special guardians for thrones and throne rooms), and nagas. The arch is crowned by a garuda holding a snake in its beak. The Six Ornaments represent the six paramitas—the essential qualities to be perfected on the Mahayana path to liberation: generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom.

For more information about KTC Monastery, please visit www.kagyu.com, and to learn more about KTC’s Maitreya Center, please visit www.maitreyacenter.com.