Stupas
An ancient and important sacred structure found in all Buddhist cultures, the stupa is the quintessential symbol of enlightenment. It is believed that, by communicating to subtle levels of consciousness, stupas call forth the potential for awakening that all beings have within them.
“Stupa” is a Sanskrit word meaning “pile” or “heap.” Constructed according to descriptions given in sacred texts, a stupa’s central form includes a base and three steps, the rounded dome, and the surmounting parasol. Often, many additional elements are added, such as gateways, paths, and additional bases, but “stupa” generally refers only to the central form.
Most stupas contain relics of the Buddha or other holy beings, while others may hold statues, paintings, mantras, or prayers that represent the body, speech, and heart of the Buddha. These sacred objects empower the stupa with the enlightened compassion of the Buddha and other great teachers.
The mandala serves as a blueprint for a stupa’s foundation, symmetry, and orientation, forging a connection between the inner realm of experience and the outer physical cosmos.
“Focused by the stupa, the mandala’s universal principles of harmony and balance attract the heart and mind of living beings and bring them home to the quiet center from which flows all enlightened qualities.”
For more information about stupas, please contact Dharma Publishing and reference:
Tulku, Tarthang, and Elizabeth Cook. “The Stupa: Sacred Symbol of Enlightenment.” Crystal Mirror Series, Vol. 12, Dharma Publishing, 1997.