The Ultimate Guide to the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas

During our road trip from western Montana to Florida, Daniel and I made a stop at the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas. We took our time strolling through the garden, relishing the peaceful atmosphere and reflecting on the journey ahead. Although it may not be a popular tourist destination, this sacred place holds significance, as it was visited by the Dalai Lama during its opening ceremony.

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Everything you need to know about visiting the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas

If you are planning a trip to the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, here is some important information to keep in mind.

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Map of the Garden of 1000 Buddhas

What you need to know about the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas

Located in Western Montana’s Jocko Valley, just north of Missoula and Arlee, the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas is a public park, botanical garden, and Buddhist center. This peaceful sanctuary is situated on the land of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation, and it’s conveniently located near Glacier National Park and Missoula. It was discovered by Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche, a master and central figure of Tibetan Buddhism, while he was visiting Montana to teach the dharma.

The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas is designed according to the eight spokes of the Dharma wheel and utilizes a sacred architectural arrangement to align positive properties of the physical world, based on the awakening of the enlightened qualities of wisdom and altruism.

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In 2012, the 750 square feet monument portion of the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas was under construction, while the surrounding garden spans over 10 acres of land. The garden boasts over one thousand identical white Buddha statues, arranged symmetrically with closed eyes and a slight grin on their lips.

The circular main section of the Garden is designed with rows extending from the center in a spoke-like pattern, representing the eight-spoked Dharma wheel. Each row comprises 125 Buddha statues, seated in a traditional pose with crossed legs and the right hand hanging over the knee.

At the heart of the Garden lies Yum Chenmo, the Great Mother of Transcendent Wisdom. This 24-foot-tall statue is the most vibrant and colorful of all the statues in the Garden, serving as its centerpiece.

Visitors to the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas can explore beyond the Buddha statues and discover a small pond with several statues situated around its edges. The site also features one thousand stupas, tall stone structures, each containing an image of the female deity Tara.

For those seeking lodging, the nearest option is the Jocko Hollow Campground in Arlee. Alternatively, there are Motel 6 and Days Inn on I-90, located 20 miles from the Garden. The Garden’s physical address is 34574 White Coyote Road, Arlee, MT 59821, and it’s easily accessible via Interstate 90, which is located 20 miles north of the site off Highway 93.

However, since the Garden is not too far from Missoula, you might want to consider some Missoula hotels or camping in Missoula for your visit. That way you also have access to Missoula restaurants when you are done for the day, as well.

The Garden provides a parking lot for visitors to park their vehicles free of charge while enjoying the site.

Garden of One Thousand Buddhas hours and ticket prices

The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas is open year-round, starting at 9:00 am, with closing times that vary depending on the season. Pets are not allowed on the grounds. Admission to the Garden is free, although visitors are encouraged to make a suggested donation of $5-10, which can be made at donation boxes located near the central statue, the pond, and the gift shop. The facility can also be contacted for weddings and events, and guided tours are available from April through October.

The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas welcomes people of all faiths in the Western hemisphere. Visitors can spend about an hour exploring the site and admiring all the statues, free of charge.

How to get to the Buddha Garden

Despite its rural Montana location, the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas is easily accessible, only 30 minutes off Route 90, and not far from Missoula. Visitors can add it to their list of the best things to do in Missoula since it’s fairly close and can be a fun afternoon activity. The garden’s serene atmosphere and unique design make it an interesting roadside attraction for those with an adventurous spirit.

The history of the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas

The Garden of 1000 Buddhas was founded in 2000 by Tibetan Buddhist lama Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche, who purchased the Arlee property. After years of planning, work began in earnest on casting the statues in 2011, and the work was completed five years later.

The mission of the Garden of 1000 Buddhas

The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, operated by the non-profit organization Ewam International, aims to inspire positive transformation within visitors in response to the negativity present in the world today. In addition to hosting Tibetan Buddhist studies, the site provides a peaceful place for quiet reflection.

Yum Chemno and Tibetan Buddhism

The Great Mother, or Yum Chenmo, is the cornerstone of the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, representing the garden’s commitment to promoting wisdom and understanding through the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Yum Chenmo is often depicted holding a book, symbolizing knowledge and wisdom. In the Buddhist tradition, the study and contemplation of Buddhist texts are considered important aspects of spiritual practice, and Yum Chenmo serves as a reminder of this.

Visitors to the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas can spin the prayer wheels surrounding the statue of Yum Chenmo to accumulate merit and positive karma. In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, spinning prayer wheels is believed to purify the mind and intentions, as well as generate positive energy and blessings for oneself and others.

Tibetan Buddhist studies at the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas

The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas provides a unique opportunity for Tibetan Buddhist studies. Visitors can learn about Tibetan Buddhist teachings and spiritual practices, attend meditation classes and retreats, and explore the beautiful artwork and architecture of the garden. The Ewam Sangha website has a full list of activities for the year.

Festival of Peace

The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas is home to the annual Festival of Peace, a free event organized by The Ewam Sangha for the past 16 years. The festival attracts thousands of visitors and features a variety of activities centered around peace and unity. Attendees can enjoy Tibetan dances, musical performances, and inspiring talks on peace and perseverance. Through its focus on promoting compassion, unity, and understanding, the festival serves as a platform to unite people from all backgrounds for a more peaceful world.

Have any questions about visiting the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas? Let me know in the comments!

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