The Buddha Walk in Shambhala Gardens offers a peaceful meandering pathway with shaded spots to reflect upon large hand-carved statues, read about and contemplate the life lessons they embody.
Discover tranquil nooks, giant statues, and monumental crystals in this gentle 650 metre path through lush gardens, terraced lawns, and a towering bamboo staircase. On the Buddha Walk you’ll find plenty of nooks and groves to enjoy quiet, unhurried time. Certain sections of the paths are accessible, accommodating prams, walkers and wheelchairs.
Adjacent to the giant Blessing Buddha in the lotus pond lies the Crystal Labyrinth. On the path you’ll also encounter magnificent statues of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig), the Buddha of Compassion; Ganesh, the Hindu god of success and remover of obstacles; and Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, prosperity, beauty, wisdom, and generosity.
On the Buddha Walk there’s many exquisite crystals in the gardens, both large and small – rose quartz, amethyst, smoky quartz, clear quartz, fuchsite and sodalite. Along the way, you’ll can touch the spectacular Crystal Guardians, see the Giant Treasure Chest, sit in the Love Garden, and marvel at the ancient Fossil Garden.
Feel like expanding your horizon and seeing far into the distance? Here you can enjoy spectacular panoramic vistas of the tree-lined escarpment. It’s an expansive backdrop to enjoy moments of reflection. The tranquil beauty of the tall trees, flowering bushes and hilly lawns offer a real opportunity to connect with nature.
Wondering about the creation of the Buddha Walk and the deeper spiritual meanings of the giant sacred statues of the Blessing Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, Ganesha, and Lakshmi?
We wanted to create a space that combined natural beauty with spiritual depth, drawing on Eastern traditions. Inspired by our family’s visit to Borobudur in Java and its profound spiritual presence, the idea of the Buddha Walk was born.
We chose to include Buddhist and Hindu statues to bring symbology from Eastern spiritual traditions into the gardens, creating an experience that encourages reflection, meditation, and connection with the deeper aspects of life.
In 2004, Naren and Sono King traveled to Bali in search of statues but eventually discovered extraordinary hand-carved masterpieces in Java, crafted by a master carver. These works, typically found in temples, perfectly matched our vision.
Transporting the statues was an adventure in itself. The Blessing Buddha, weighing nearly 14 tonnes, took 30 Javanese men and 30 hours to crate and load into a shipping container. At Brisbane docks, the process to unload took just two minutes!
Carved from volcanic rock from Java’s Mount Merapi, the Blessing Buddha embodies peace and protection with its raised hand in the Abhaya Mudra, a symbolic hand gesture in Buddhism and Hinduism that represents protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear. The term ‘Abhaya’ is Sanskrit for ‘fearlessness’, and the mudra signifies reassurance and safety.
Avalokiteshvara, or Chenrezig in Tibetan, is the Buddha of Compassion. Known for his boundless mercy, he appears in many forms to aid others. The Dalai Lama is considered to be his earthly manifestation.
Ganesha is the Hindu god of success and the remover of obstacles. He is also revered as the patron of wisdom, knowledge, and wealth, often honored before new ventures for prosperity and success.
Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of fortune, prosperity, and grace. She represents beauty, wisdom, and abundance, embodying charm and generosity.
You can sit in shaded spots to reflect, read about the statues, and contemplate the deeper meanings they represent. The serene atmosphere and stunning hinterland views make it an enriching and peaceful experience.
Buddhism teaches practical methods like meditation to transform one’s life, fostering wisdom, kindness, and compassion. The Buddha Walk provides a serene space to explore these teachings and their relevance to your life.
From a humble house with a barren dam to magnificent,
private botanic gardens filled with rare and giant crystals.
The extraordinary story of Crystal Castle!
