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I attended the Land of the Medicine Buddha retreat center in Soquel CA for a couple days before realizing there was an incredible jewel of a temple up the hill. When I checked in, they said the temple was locked and that I would need to check out a key, so I figured whenever I got around to it, I might go. Well, I had befriended Samten la, the resident Tibetan monk and he invited me to join him one day as he needed to change the water offering bowls and do some cleaning at the temple. Let me suggest that if you visit LMB, do not miss this opportunity to visit the Wish Fulfilling Temple!!
At the Wish Fulfilling Temple are many murals – including a depiction of all of the 12 Deeds from the Buddha’s life. The one seen here is his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree (or it may be another as they were not in order). I have pictures of all 12 if you would like to see them. Also, there is a large seated Maitreya statue – it is at least 25 ft tall! Very inspiring and it is painted with gold.
This is Samten la standing in front of the statue. Note how the statue dwarfs him. You will notice the murals of the Buddha’s life story in the background.
This is the seated Maitreya statue. Behind him are the 7 Medicine Buddhas along with Shakyamuni Buddha (the mural behind his head). Not pictured, there is a mandala of the Medicine Buddha above the statue (on the ceiling). Very cool!
The top murals include the aforementioned Medicine Buddhas, pictured here are the 21 Taras. Below them are offering goddesses. Another mural at top was of the 35 confessional Buddhas. The offering goddesses go all around the statue.
These are the 35 confessional Buddhas mentioned above. The last mural (not pictured) is of the Nyung Ne lineage which includes the Dalai Lama and others lineage masters. Again, if you get the chance to visit this temple, you will not be disappointed! It is beautiful, surrounded by well-landscaped gardens. And it is up the hill aways from the main building, so it feels like going on a short pilgrimage to get there. Thanks for reading!
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