Hall of Wisdom

The Hall of Wisdom follows a soul’s journey to enlightenment, which begins in earnest during his or her inurnment. Each soul can rely on the guidance of Siddhartha Gautama, whose monument can be found on the facade of each niche. He’s depicted meditating on a lotus flower in full bloom, backdropped by an open-work Bodhi leaf.

Revered as the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha was a Nepalese prince who gave up the riches and pleasures his royal lineage afforded him for a frugal life dedicated to the pursuit of enlightenment. Meditating under a Bodhi tree, he eventually attained enlightenment and became known as Gautama Buddha.

His teachings today serve as a waypoint for the souls seeking wisdom and morality on their path to enlightenment. The lotus flower - which grows in muddy waters but rises above the surface to blossom as a pristine flower - signifies a will to break free from material attachments and impurities to achieve enlightenment, making it a key pillar of this symbolism.

On the interior of each niche, you will find an inscription of the Dharmachakra Mudra (mudra meaning hand gesture in Sanskrit). Symbolising Siddharta’s first sermon after he attained enlightenment - an event known as the ‘Turning of the Wheel of Dharma’, the Dharmachakra Mudra represents a fitting conclusion to each soul’s journey.

Overlooking the memorial hall is Amitābha Buddha. Unlike Gautama Buddha, Amitābha Buddha is not born from a historical figure who lived on Earth. Instead, he’s a celestial Buddha who presides over Sukhavati (the Western Pure Land), a realm that’s freed from suffering and pain. This makes Sukhavati more conducive to souls pursuing enlightenment.

Its essence is embodied in an octagonal tower that’s designed to be the centrepiece of the pavilion. Gleaming from the mosaic silver tiles that line its walls and mirror-finished frames, the tower is crowned by four identical Amitābha Buddha monuments that command a 360° view of the niches here.