Bodhi eyes, Stupa Information Page

May every visitor here be inspired to learn more about stupas,
to sponsor, build, repair and maintain stupas throughout the world without the slightest bias

 

If you are considering building a stupa,
may you find inspiration and support here,
and may your project be accomplished without hindrance
for the benefit of all.
If you are after information on the symbolism of Buddhist stupas,
photos, plans, or where to find your nearest one, you've come to the right place!

 

What is a stupa?

The Tibetan word is Chorten, which means "the basis of offering".

It is a symbol of enlightened mind, (the awakened mind, universal divinity) and the path to its realisation.

If you had to use just two words, the best definition I have seen is "Spiritual Monument"

The stupa represents the Buddha's body, his speech and his mind, but most especially his mind and every part shows the path to Enlightenment

"The visual impact of the stupa on the observer brings a direct experience of inherent wakefulness and dignity. Stupas continue to be built because of their ability to liberate one simply upon seeing their structure" - Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche

Every stupa contains at the very least a life tree and holy relics:
"When a great teacher passes away, his body is no more, but to indicate that his mind is dwelling forever in an unchanging way in the dharmakaya, one will erect a stupa as a symbol of the mind of the buddhas" - HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

 

 

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About.com has pages about everything. At the end of the one about stupas, it says:

"Maybe the best online resource, the Stupa Information Page was a great help in the preparation of this article. You can find it all here"

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Best Spiritual Site
2005