The Temple Gate
When one enters through the gate of a temple, symbolically one is returning to the innermost sanctum, passing into the sacred mandala of the deities. – Tulku Orgyen P’huntsok Rinpoche
Entering through a gates of the temple symbolize passing out of the mundane or worldly existence and returning to the precious inner world, the sacred mandala of the deities. We are building a new gate at the entrance of Deden Tashi Choeling Temple, through which people will enter and leave the temple.
As with all temple gates, this new gate will have two decorative columns on which the names of major sponsors for the temple will be written, from top to bottom. Above the gate will be a traditionally-designed beam. The lower part of the beam will contain the script of the temple name, “Deden Tashi Choeling Temple,” in both Tibetan and English. The upper part of the beam is a hollow space, which will be filled with sacred objects such as texts for rendering blessings of all those who pass beneath the temple gate – even those who are only visiting.
The gate will be topped with traditional Tibetan Buddhist symbols of two deer – symbolizing Buddha’s first teaching at Deer Park (Sarnath, India), at which the profound power of Buddha’s peaceful energy compelled even the animals to come and listen – and the wheel, symbolizing the precious Wheel of Dharma perpetually turning at the temple. The gate will be built from concrete.
May all beings benefit!