Creating
a rupa or form of a Buddha is both a privilege
and responsibility. Every aspect of the Buddha’s form
is a teaching about the vast powers of the Buddha,
so one must not stray from the traditional proportions,
or the teachings therein will be lost. Also, it is
not auspicious to ever disparage even a representation
of a Buddha. Thus, the artist must take care not to
create a cause for anyone to make a careless remark
as to lack of beauty, etc. There are listings in the
training books for artisits of dire consequences of
any missteps. At the same time, much remains an artistic
challenge. How can the curve of the lip suggest compassion?
How can western design principles add to the genre?
As a practitioner, how can the work become meditation?
It
was quite a challenge to cast in a small cabin with
no running water, especially in mid-winter. Dry plaster
is mixed with water and built up in layers on top
of the sculpture. The mold is taken off and the clay
removed, becoming ordinary lumps in a pail again.
Then fresh plaster is poured into the mold, creating
new sculpture. This was shipped to the foundry in
a specially designed crate. We all liked the final
version so much that a second bronze was ordered for
the shrine room. The bronzes were filled with mantras
of Gampopa, precious stones and blessing pills.
A
lot of letting go is in the nature of making sculpture.
I certainly enjoyed using my skills, but the sculpture
is not my creation. It is a teaching vehicle. Gampopa
founded Kagyu monasticism when monasticism was waning.
He had perfect devotion to his teacher Milarepa. His
compassion for all beings carried through arduous
disciplines leading to enlightenment. Thus he wear’s
monk’s robes, has Mahamudra gaze and holds a wish
fulfilling jewel in his hands.
We
have few opportunities in life that we know are positive
and contribute to the Enlightenment of others. How wonderful
to have spent the year well. May this statue inspire all
who see it to follow in Gampopa’s footsteps to Enlightenment.
Article
Reproduced from The Lion's Roar- July, 2000
is not my creation. It is a teaching vehicle. Gampopa
founded Kagyu monasticism when monasticism was waning.
He had perfect devotion to his teacher Milarepa. His
compassion for all beings carried through arduous
disciplines leading to enlightenment. Thus he wear’s
monk’s robes, has Mahamudra gaze and holds a wish
fulfilling jewel in his hands.