Our Guru Gampopa statue depicts the most trusted and foremost disciple of Guru Milarepa. As a result, he would eventually inherit the Kagyu lineage from Milarepa. However, it was fate that would initially drive Guru Gampopa to become an ordained monk.
Originally, he was a trained doctor just like his father. Guru Gampopa was married in his early twenties and had two children with his beloved wife. Unfortunately, his wife and children would be killed during an epidemic. As her dying wish his wife begged him not to remarry and to become a Buddhist monk. Gampopa took his uncle as a witness and swore the oath in front of her. Soon afterwards she would succumb to the sickness.
True to his word, Gampopa became an ordained monk soon after her death and began studying under the Tibetan master, Guru Milarepa. Guru Milarepa was so impressed with the dedication and talents of Gampopa that he selected him to receive the transmission of the Kagyu lineage. Guru Gampopa accepted this great responsibility from Milarepa and opened a monastery.
As a result of his growing reputation he would attract many disciples. 4 of these disciples would become the founders of the 4 primary Kagyu branches. Additionally, one of these disciples, Dusum Khyenpa would establish the Karma Kagyu branch and he would also become the first Karmapa lama.
Our Guru Gampopa statue was handcrafted in Patan, Nepal using the traditional lost wax sculpting method. The statue also features a gold painted face and gold gilded details.
