In May 2007, the Chinese People’s Armed Police destroyed a 30 ft. gold and copper plated statue of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the “precious master” who established Buddhism in Tibet in the eighth century. This statue was constructed using funds donated by Chinese Buddhists to Samye monastery in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and was only recently completed. Chinese authorities stated that the statue was removed because it violated regulations passed in January 2007. The photo was taken in February 2007 as the statue neared completion.