Buddha Maitreya

Buddha Maitreya

A former monk spent 35 years building a Japanese garden in the UK.
Country: Great Britain

Content:
  1. A Monk's Labor of Love
  2. The Genesis of Serenity
  3. A Monk's Odyssey
  4. Sculpting a Paradise
  5. Harmony Emerges
  6. A Sanctuary for the Soul
  7. Enlightenment Through Meditation
  8. A Legacy of Tranquility

A Monk's Labor of Love

In the heart of East Midlands, England, a former monk has spent 35 arduous years transforming a barren wasteland into a breathtaking Japanese garden. Today, at 76 years of age, Buddha Maitreya's creation stands as a mystifying oasis nestled between an ordinary home and the bustling A1133 road.

Buddha Maitreya

The Genesis of Serenity

Maitreya's journey began with the spontaneous purchase of an overgrown field, once home to a pig farm. Guided by his instincts, he embarked on a mission to create an "island" of peace amidst the mundane. Mixing traditional Japanese aesthetics with English favorites, he meticulously crafted a sanctuary of tranquility, boasting cherry blossoms, towering bamboo, a pagoda, and a serene pond inhabited by graceful carp.

Buddha Maitreya

A Monk's Odyssey

Born into a wealthy pasta-making family in Nagoya, Japan, as Koji Takeuchi, Buddha Maitreya renounced his worldly life and embraced monasticism. His travels spanned Thailand, India, and Nepal, where he shared his knowledge of meditation. Eventually, an invitation from a friend brought him to Britain, where he acquired the dilapidated farm for a mere £13,000.

Buddha Maitreya

Sculpting a Paradise

Despite his lack of horticultural experience, Maitreya's unwavering determination fueled his ambition to recreate a piece of his homeland. Undeterred, he sourced plants from friends and fellow meditation students. Through trial and error, he discovered the botanical harmony that now defines the garden.

Buddha Maitreya

Harmony Emerges

"There was never a blueprint or intention to create the garden as it stands today," Maitreya reflects. "It was a happy accident, a collaboration between nature and my instincts."

Buddha Maitreya

A Sanctuary for the Soul

Maitreya's garden was initially conceived as a personal haven, a refuge from the stresses of modern life. Over time, it evolved into a popular tourist destination. Visitors from far and wide now flock to witness the beauty of this enchanting Japanese sanctuary in the heart of England.

Enlightenment Through Meditation

To this day, Maitreya conducts meditation classes and Japanese tea ceremonies in his garden. The serene ambiance of his creation continues to serve as a conduit for spiritual growth and reflection.

A Legacy of Tranquility

The Japanese garden in East Midlands stands as a testament to the transformative power of one man's dedication. It is a living masterpiece that invites visitors to experience the tranquility and beauty of the Far East in the heart of England.

© BIOGRAPHS