A Buddha for Santa Monica
Donate now!
Our goal is to commission a magnificent 6-foot gold-gilded Buddha statue for Santa Monica, and provide a path to dignity, cultural preservation, and freedom from poverty for families of skilled artisans in Patan, Kathmandu.
Target: $25,000
The Power of the Buddha
Sponsoring the creation of magnificent Buddha statues has long been considered one of the most meritorious acts a lay practitioner can undertake. In the Buddhist tradition, such an offering is a powerful white deed—an action that accumulates vast positive karma by supporting the Dharma and generating benefit for countless beings.
The Buddha taught that acts of generosity, particularly toward the Three Jewels (the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), are profound causes of future happiness, clarity of mind, and spiritual advancement. A statue of the Buddha is not just an object of beauty; it becomes a field of merit—inspiring devotion, supporting practice, and radiating blessings for generations.
Our aim is to commission the statue in 2025 and to install it in the Summer of 2026.
Supporting Rare Artisans
In the heart of the Patan district of Kathmandu, generations of Newar artisans have dedicated their lives to the sacred craft of Buddhist statue-making. These families trace their lineage back centuries, preserving intricate techniques passed down from master to apprentice within the household. Each statue is not merely an object of devotion but a labor of love, shaped by hands that have learned to blend precise metalwork with deep spiritual symbolism.
Today, these artisans continue their work amidst economic uncertainty, relying almost entirely on commissions from Buddhist temples and practitioners around the world. These sacred commissions provide more than just income — they offer a path to dignity, cultural preservation, and freedom from poverty for entire families.
