The Garden of 1000 Buddhas in western Montana’s Jocko Valley, just north of Arlee, is being created through the visionary guidance of Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche, an incarnate Tibetan Buddhist lama. Nestled in a peaceful valley on land of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation, the Garden of 1000 Buddhas will align positive properties of the physical world in a sacred architectural arrangement based on the eight-spoked Dharma wheel. This symbol evokes the ‘turning’ or awakening of the enlightened qualities of altruism and wisdom. The purpose of the garden is to bring about positive transformation within those who visit, in response to the negativity that abounds in the world today. One thousand hand-cast Buddha statues will be arrayed around the central figure of Yum Chenmo, or the ‘Great Mother’ of perfect wisdom. Another 1000 stupas—representations of the enlightened mind—will enshrine 1000 images of the female Buddha Tara and line the outer circle. Elegantly adorned with native trees and flowers, it is hoped that the Garden of 1000 Buddhas will instill lasting impressions of peacefulness and compassion. Cinematographer: Wesley Harmon Buddha Makers: Alli & Mandela