In Tibetan, a sancturay is called Lhakang, which means “Palace of the Deities”. This
indicates that representations of enlightened beings are present. In a Buddhist temple,
three things are essential: the representations of the Body, Speech, and Mind of the
Buddha, which are present in the humble Pendê Ling temple:
1. Relics or images of the Buddha. These are not for worship. Instead, statues,
relics, and images provide us with the inspiration to what we can achieve by
following the teachings of the Buddha. They also serve as a support, a base, of
our respect and devotion to the teachings.
2. Representations of the Dharma. These consist in the Kangyur, the teachings
of the historical Buddha, recorded by two of his chief disciples, who had
memorized the teachings; and the Tangyur, the comments to the Teachings of
the Buddha, written by scholars and accomplished masters. These are known
as “the Buddhist Canon” and they are respectfully placed on the altar of our
temple. The Kangyur is written on Tibetan papyrus and is wrapped in a yellow cloth
cover; the Tangyur is enclosed in red covers. Both surround the representations
of the Buddhas in our altar, as well as other precious texts of the Teachings.
3. Representatives of the Sangha, the followers of the Buddhist teachings. The
Sangha is represented here by statues of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, as well as
by the images of the Lineage Spiritual Masters. Our Temple is also blessed with
the relics from two great spiritual masters, Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro and
the Kyabje Mindrolling Rinpoche, Trichen Jurme Kunzang Wangyal.
With these features, the sanctuary is a privileged place to practice the Buddhist Spiritual
Path and a wave of positive influence for the entire neighbourhood.
