Aug. 8, 2011: The Marble Pedestal

We are now at the phase of deciding about the marble pedestal that the Buddha will rest on. We have been working with a company in Wisconsin, and have received various quotes for white marble from different parts of the world. It is a lot more expensive than we anticipated!!!  Ironically, buying white marble from China is $20,000 LESS than buying white marble from the U.S.


Here is a nice illustration of the Buddha statue on a white marble pedestal, as envisioned by Lama Dawa Rinpoche and Lama Pema Dorje Rinpoche. According to their aspiration, the pedestal should be made of solid marble, with the tiered layers. In the middle section is a square cut into the stone to place relics and other sacred objects inside. It will weigh almost two tons! To buy the marble, ship it, shape it and install it will cost $49,000. Time for more fundraising!

August 2011: Our first retreat on the land!

In July we held our first retreat on the land. The Buddha House provided a wonderful place for Sangha to gather and enjoy the view during breaks. Students could also get respite from the heatwave by relaxing inside the air conditioned building.

July 2011: Exterior Paint and Interior Sheetrock

Exterior mesh is applied for the stucco.

Interior sheetrock around the timberframing.

Exterior painting completed.

Lama Dawa Rinpoche inspects the interior sheetrocking.

June 30, 2011: Windows and Electrical Installation

The electrical lines were dug underground from the main electrical station to the temple.

The windows are added.

The windows in the back.

Spray foam insulation inside.

Eventually, we want to have a custom stain glass window of a Dharma Wheel replace the round window.

May 6, 2011: Roof to the Temple is Complete!

The beautiful copper-colored roof for the Buddha Temple was completed today. The exterior has a gorgeous copper sheen. The ceiling is beautiful tongue and groove pine.

In this photo you can see the future Lama's residence in the background.

Roof complete

April 14, Timber frame construction complete!

Today Wild Rose Timberworks completed the assembly of the timber frame for the Buddha House. Today they put together the section for the porch. This was made of oak instead of the white pine, since it will be outdoors. The craftsmanship is just remarkable. Next, the side walls of the main section will be made, windows installed, and the roof constructed. 

 

 

April 12, 2011: Timberframe Construction for the Buddha House Begins!

Today was a beautiful and exciting spring day - perfect for the first day of the timber frame construction of the Buddha Temple! We hired Wild Rose Timberworks, from Decorah, Iowa, to hand-build the main structure of the Buddha Temple. Wild Rose Timberworks is a group of craftsmen who are expert in the traditional method of timber frame construction. The wooden beams are cut from local timber, and are hand planed, hand joined, and is assembled using hand split wooden pegs. Then they are brought to the site and lifted into place using a crane. The whole process was fascinating to and exciting to watch. Their craftsmanship is incredible.

Enjoy some photos and videos of Day 1 of the Timber-framing. To be continued in a few days....

Precut, hand planed logs arrive, ready to be assembled

Crane is used to lift them to the foundation

Beautiful assembly work

Kunzang is given the honor to drive in the first peg.

Hand split pegs are used to join the timbers together

Heart shaped cloud with rainbow ring appears

First roof rafter for the main section