Maitreya

 

I stare and wonder,

How we have chosen old for the new,

While here you are, Enlightened one,

Blessing just the handful few -

Those who care to come

To your doorstep here, at old Ghoom,

The rest of the wearied travellers

Ignorant of your gilded room

 

Do I hear Him whisper

In the chants that come and fade -

Are you worried who’ll enlighten you

In the days that come ahead?

Look within - the cycle of time stands true

Maitreya awaits from the past, already inside you…

 

12^th Feb’23

 

If you visit Darjeeling, you will most likely visit the new Ghoom Monastery, not far from the Batasia Loop. It figures on most tourist trails and features a brilliant statue of the Buddha. However, a bit farther from the city centre, lies the old – and the original – Ghoom monastery. It was built in 1850, making it one of the oldest monasteries in Darjeeling, and was heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, the head lamas originally having arrived to Darjeeling from Tibet. And this one is different, for unlike conventional monasteries, it houses a huge 15 ft statue of the Maitreya Buddha – the Buddha of the future who has not yet arrived (very much similar to Vishnu’s final avatar, Kalki who is yet to arrive). The statue is reputed to be the largest in Darjeeling, and is spectacular, with its brilliant crown, blue hair and eyes, and what is often referred to as a diamond as the third eye. Legend has it that the statue was made of clay brought from Tibet.

Nonetheless, irrespective of legends, Maitreya looks  resplendent, and different, while being flanked with statues of the Buddha, the thousand-armed Avalokiteshwara and other deities of the pantheon.

Sadly, it is often neglected as the newer monastery is easier to cover by most tour conductors and drivers. Not only is it difficult to park your vehicle, you further need to walk for 15 minutes to get to the old monastery. But if you make the effort, the visit is very fulfilling. Maitreya will arrive in the future, but here, he already awaits for us from many centuries in the past, as if symbolising that it all rests with us to realise the circularity of time…