This is not the nicest Buddha we have ever seen. But Buddhism is the great garden religion and no historical figure is more deserving of a place in gardens. The Buddha was born in a garden. Then he lived in a garden. Then he spent his life teaching in parks and gardens. He spent most monsoon seasons in gardens. Then the Buddha died in a garden. Buddhism is the religion of peace.

Om mane padhme hum. ‘Hail oh jewel in the flower of the lotus’.

Download photograph of garden Buddha.