One of the best parts about living in Montana is discovering all of its hidden gems and little-known spots. And even though our state is massive in size, for many Montanans, plenty of these offbeat attractions are well within the feasible distance for a day trip. If you've never been to the beautiful Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, we highly recommend making it your next day trip destination.
The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas is located in an unlikely place: Arlee.
Arlee is a tiny community in Lake County on the Flathead Indian Reservation.
A Native American reservation is not normally the place you might think a garden like this would exist, but that makes it even more special.
And this year-round destination has proven to be quite popular.
The Garden of 1,000 Buddhas is a a public park, botanical garden and Buddhist center in the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism.
The garden is meant to align positive properties of the physical world in a sacred architectural arrangement based on the eight-spoked Dharma wheel. This symbol evokes the awakening of the enlightened qualities of altruism and wisdom, which sounds pretty great to us.
The Tibetan Gift Store sells imported treasures from Nepal, Buddhist shrine items, and local crafts.
It's also meant to be an information center, and you can schedule a guided tour there.
Seated at the center point of the display sits the 24-foot tall figure of Yum Chenmo, meaning Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom.
She is depicted in feminine form because it is this perfect wisdom that gives birth to all of the Buddhas. Yum Chenmo represents the union of primordial wisdom and the skillful means of compassion.
The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas is meant to represent the 1,000 Buddhas that they believe will actually be born in our religious age.
Of course, you don't have to be Buddhist to visit. In fact, you'll be welcomed no matter what you believe, because this is a monument of peace and harmony.
Although this beautiful attraction is open all year long, hours vary by season.
Tours are available from April to October by appointment.
Have you ever been to this enchanting garden? For up-to-date hours and information, check out the website.
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