Sunday Times 2
New Jersey Buddhist Vihara statue proclaimed a cultural landmark
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Sculpted by a Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka at the New Jersey temple grounds and unveiled in 2009, the statue is the largest Samadhi Buddha statue in the Western hemisphere.
NW JERSEY– The Buddha Statue at the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center was proclaimed a cultural landmark by the Township of Franklin, New Jersey. The Proclamation, on February 14, was made by Mayor Phillip Kramer and Councilman Rajiv Prasad and handed over to Rev. Hungampola Sirirathana Nayaka Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Vihara.
The Proclamation reads:
WHEREAS, Buddha believed that peace could be achieved only on the foundation of love, compassion, tolerance, co-existence and non-violence; and WHEREAS, peace and non-violence are the only choices in a violent world and Buddhism offers practical methods to deal with a violent world and to develop lasting peace; and WHEREAS, the Samadhi Buddha at the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara is a replica of Buddha that represents his image to the modern world and is the tallest and largest Samadhi Buddha statue in the western hemisphere; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, Councilman Rajiv Prasad and Mayor Phillip Kramer, on behalf of the Township Council of the Township of Franklin and its citizens, does hereby proclaim the Samadhi Buddha statue a Cultural Landmark in the Township of Franklin to further convey the message of Buddha to a peace loving nation
Also present were two other resident monks and members of the Vihara Board. Dr. Wije Kottahachi, President of the Vihara Board, speaking on behalf of the temple administration, thanked Mayor Kramer, Councilman Prasad, and the Township for this historic Proclamation.
He said the statue is the largest statue of the Buddha in Samadhi posture in the Western hemisphere. It was sculpted by a Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka at the temple grounds and unveiled in 2009. Since the unveiling seven years ago, the statue has attracted a large number of visitors who enjoy its serene nature especially during the summer months. In addition to the Statue, the 10-acre property contains a meditation trail and a meandering stream to enhance its serene atmosphere.
Buddha’s teaching of compassion & universal loving kindness is exemplified in this very serene statue. The temple welcomes visitors of all faiths and offers meditation instruction on a weekly basis. The temple is also a member of the interfaith council of Franklin comprised of many houses of worship. He concluded by offering an open invitation to the Mayor, Council, and members of the Public to visit the Statue and Meditation Trail.