มหาธรรมกายเจดีย์ / Dhammakaya Cetiya - The Symbol of World Peace

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Dhammakaya Cetiya

The Symbol of World Peace

The Dhammakaya Cetiya is a symbol of world peace through inner peace. Built entirely on international public contributions, it is also the embodiment of unity and love for mankind. The dome-shaped Cetiya (stupa) is the hallmark of what has become the largest venue for mass meditation and prayers for Buddhists and peace-loving people of the world.

Ven. Phrarajbhavanavisudh President of the Dhammakaya Foundation The Dhammakaya Foundation, under the leadership of Ven. Phrarajbhavanavisudh, better known as Luang Phor Dhammajayo, President of the Foundation, has set the goal to construct the Dhammakaya Cetiya in order to create world peace for all mankind by developing a peaceful mind in every individual. In fact, world peace is a result of a peaceful and purified mind of all. Therefore, we need a place to facilitate people in their search for spiritual fulfillment and the kind of happiness that is independent of material things and circumstances. Besides developing the mind power through meditation, we also cultivate moral conduct for interested people. Therefore, we will organize many activities beneficial to all mankind.

Each Buddha image on the Cetiya in a cross-legged position is an embodiment of purity, wisdom and enlightenment.  This is because the Lord Buddha had become enlightened through meditation, which purified the mind, resulting in inner peace and spiritual harmony. The inner peace of each individual can spread to those around, creating a happier family, more peaceful societies and regions in which people treat each other with compassion and respect.

Inner peace bridges differences and creates common goal of world peace.

The Dhammakaya Cetiya is located on the compound of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Pathumtani Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand. The Cetiya is approximately 16 kilometers from the former Bangkok International Airport.

The Dhammakaya Cetiya is built to last at least 1,000 years.

Luang Phor Dhammajayo desires to see the world having lasting peace through meditation. Since the Dhammakaya Cetiya serves as a symbol of peace through succeeding generations, it is architecturally designed to manifest world peace by their ancestors. The architects and engineers of the Dhammakaya Cetiya project did extensive research on construction materials for the Cetiya. Based on historical evidence of the constructions that have lasted over thousands of years, the final conclusion was that the structural material to use in the project would be ‘concrete’ and ‘iron.’  Why?  From the ancient Pyramid of Egypt, the Egyptians at that time used white lime as a seal between the stones of the Pyramids. At present, the white lime still exists together with the Pyramid. Therefore, we have found that ‘concrete’ would be the most durable substance to support the Cetiya to last for 1,000 years.

Finally, the special ‘concrete’ formula was sent to Denmark for laboratory tests in 1995, and the results of which proved it was one of the most durable concrete formulas.  Another research firm, the US-based CEPAC, also verified the durability of the concrete formula for the Dhammakaya Cetiya.  The parts that hold the 300,000 personal Buddha images on the hemispherical dome and its terraces of the Dhammakaya Cetiya are called ‘cladding.’  Both Buddha images and claddings were built from silicon bronze which is normally used in submarine’s propeller for its strength and chemical resistance.  From the knowledge of the world’s first Bronze Age civilization of Ban Chiang in Udon Thani, Thailand, archaeologists have unearthed Bronze images believed to be approximately 5,000 years old. Considering the climate of Thailand -- humid and tropical -- we decided to use a titanium and gold coating on the surface of the silicon bronze Buddha images to protect them and ensure that they last 1,000 years.  This technique is called ‘Titanium-Gold Ion Plating.’  making Buddha images on the Dhammakaya Cetiya shining gold.
The Dhammakaya Cetiya is designed to accommodate 1,000,000 personal Buddha images.
The structural construction of the Dhammakaya Cetiya was completed in late 1999.  The outer shell of the Cetiya is now decorated with 300,000 Buddha images, on the hemispherical dome and the spherical terrace.  The work-in-progress interior is being decorated with another 700,000 Buddha images, which have all yet been installed.  Several hundred thousands of these images already have specific owners who donate toward the making of these images while a few hundred thousands more are awaiting forthcoming owners. During the Asian economic collapse during 1998-2000 especially in Thailand, contributors residing here were facing an economic hardship altogether.  However, there were some who realized the importance of mind and spiritual development for individual happiness and world peace, and those people donated money from their savings to help the completion of the Dhammakaya Cetiya.
Witness of Mankind’s Effort to Create World Peace for Mankind
The size of the individual personal Buddha image is 15 by 15 centimeters, widening to a base of 18 centimeters.  Donation at any amount is appreciated.  Anyone donating a certain amount of money for building a complete Buddha image may have one’s name or the name of a beloved ‘inscribed’ on the base of a personal Buddha image.  In fact, world peace is shared and is the shared duty of everyone.  It cannot be created by a single person or a single religious group alone.  Hence, world peace needs everyone to make it happen.  As such, the personal Buddha images on the Dhammakaya Cetiya are a witness of mankind’s effort to help create world peace for mankind.
The Dhammakaya Cetiya covers 1 sq. km. and of 4 zones
Zone 1 : Buddha-Ratanam or the zone with all the personal Buddha images. This zone has 300,000 Buddha images 15 x 15 cm with 18 cm base width. Zone 2 : Dhamma-Ratanam  is connected to zone 1. It symbolizes the peacefulness and happiness that Dhamma (the teachings of the Lord Buddha) brings to every sentient being. It also represents the continuous teachings from the Lord Buddha to the Sangha (monks). Zone 3 : Sangha-Ratanam is used as seating for the monks who participate in or organize sacred ceremonies. Zone 4 : Meditation Ground that encircles the Sangha-Ratanam. It is big enough for one million people to meditate together at once.
Timeline of the Dhammakaya Cetiya
February 1994           Project initiation by Phrarajbhavanavisudh. September 1995        The first concrete pile (foundation) was settled. September 1996        Underground structure task began. April 1998                   The first Buddha image was affixed to the top of the hemispherical dome.
Over 200,000 people from around the world joined the three-day Millennium of Peace Celebration at the Dhammakaya Cetiya.

December 1999       The installation of 300,000 personal Buddha images on the outer shell of the Cetiya was completed in time for the Millennium of Peace Celebration, which began on the night of 31 December 1999.

Participants of various races, nationalities and faiths joined each other in prayers and meditation for a more peaceful and happier world of all.

Light of Peace

Buddhists and peace-lovers from various countries participated in the annual illumination ceremony on Maga Puja Day (the full-moon night of the third lunar month.)

Tens of thousands of people joined the annual New Year spiritual holiday to refresh themselves before sending happy messages and warm wishes to the loved ones.

World Peace Is Within Reach.

After the Dhammakaya Cetiya has been completed, it will continue throughout history to be a place where new generations will learn that there once was a group of people who treasured world peace through inner peace by establishing the wonderful Dhammakaya Cetiya for mankind. Be one of those who helps build a symbol for world peace. You will be so proud to have a role in establishing this greatest construction for our world.

Map & Directions to Wat Phra Dhammakaya (in English) Dhammakaya Foundation & Wat Phra Dhammakaya are located at : Khlong 3, Khlong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand Tel. (662) 524-0257 to 63   Transportation   By Car Driving from Bangkok takes approximately one hour. The Temple is about 20 km north of the Donmuang (old) Airport. See the below. Free bus Every Sunday and on Buddhist holidays, chartered buses depart from Sanam Luang (near the main gate of Thammasart University), from Jatujak Park (opposite the Northern Bus Terminal) and from the Victory Monument (in front of the TV 5 Building). Look for passengers dressed in white. Buses leave for the temple from 07.00-08.00 H. travelling direct. Buses return to Bangkok from the temple’s bus park between 18.30 H. For final confirmation, please phonecall the temple. Public Buses The following buses travel from Bangkok to Rangsit : Air-conditioned No.s 29, 39, 504, 510 ,522 Non-Air-conditioned No.s 29, 34, 39, 59, 95, 338, 356 From the western corner of Rangsit market take the 1008 service. Map to the temple Thanks for the Publish Sources : http://www.dhammakaya.net/en/docs/map-and-directions