I am a 35 metre tall statue of Maitreya Buddha. I stare down the Shyok river towards Pakistan from Diskit Gompa. This valley, where I sit, is situated just a couple of hours drive down from the world’s highest motorable pass, Khardung La (17,582ft). On the other side of this formidable pass lies Ladakh's Capital city, Leh. I am the fourth incarnation of the Buddha and, without my legs crossed, I sit in a western posture on a throne. Legend has it that I am yet to arrive on earth, but as a statue hoisted by an artificial platform, I can be seen from anywhere around the Shyok Valley. I reflect on the world around me... A plateau of cornfields surrounds my statue and Diskit village. Sand makes up the desert here rather than dust and
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