FILLING AND CONSECRATING STATUES
Filling and consecrating statues is one of the most enjoyable and virtuous practices the Abbey community participates in.
Many of the bronze and brass statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Chenresig, Manjushri and other holy beings are cast with hollow interiors. The interior of one of these statues is traditionally filled with small or large rolls of mantras with various mantras placed in particular locations in the body of the statue. The mantras are placed with incense, dried flowers or herbs, blessed objects, and items of value to individuals.
The statue is then filled and sealed and a monastic is then asked to consecrate the statue by invoking the qualities of that holy being the statues resembles. This can be very inspiring when we think of the wisdom, compassion and bodhicitta of all these holy beings.
The Abbey residents and guests recently filled a number of these precious objects. It is a wonderful practice in mindfulness, and concentration.
One of the offerings by the Abbey community is filling and consecrating statues. Here Venerable Chodron, Venerable Tarpa and Venerable Jampel begin the delicate, patient task of filling them. |

Venerable Chodron holds a statue securely while Venerable Tarpa fills the interior with mantras, incense, precious objects and personal items offered by friends and community members.

Besides the statues that are being filled, many holy objects such as thangkas, pictures, and tsa-tsas belonging to the Abbey residents as well as Dharma friends are also consecrated.
 Once the statue is filled, a double dorje is placed at the base just before the statue is closed.

Venerable Jampel and Venerable Lodru take on the important task of sealing the bases so that no moisture can enter.
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