The Stupa represents Buddha's holy mind, Dharmakaya, and each part of the Stupa shows the path to Enlightenment. Its aspects symbolized the ten wholesome actions, great compassion, the ability to help all sentient beings, etc. it is said that building a Stupa is extremely powerful for those who wishes to purify negative karma and obscurations, and brings happiness to those who make connection to it with pure mind. The positivities generated are impossible to measure. Liberation is said to be given by merely hearing about a Stupa, by building it, by giving donations to help the Stupa project, by giving maintenance or necessary repairs, by touching it, by seeing it, by praying to it, by circumambulating it, by offering foods, prayers, Mantras, white silk scarf (Tibetan known as Katha), light, flowers, etc. by eating the offerings that are made to it! All valuable teachings of Stupa were clearly taught by Lord Buddha 2,500 years ago, and the commentaries were later explained by various great masters.

Many fortunate ones today understand and appreciate the quality of Three Jewels. They eagerly hope to receive the fruition of State of Eternal Bliss. Lama Sherab Jungney, the resident lama of Philippine Karma Kagyu Buddhist Society, Inc. (short for PKKBSI), in his teaching on September 24, 1999 said that "We are Mahayana practitioner. Our main aim is to benefit all sentient without exception." Being a mahayanist first should generate Bodhicitta and practice the activities of Bodhisattva like giving generosity to those needy, and help them be freed from sufferings like hunger, poverty, ignorance, danger, and specially helping them to see the true nature of this world and to achieve the ultimate realization. So it is our responsibility to let the light of Buddha's compassion radiates on them and help them to actually experience the effect of what they have learned and to enjoy what they have practiced. Since Buddhadharma provides the most effective way in acquiring great bliss. It is true that there are many distracting activities in present time which prevent us from practicing Dharma. That's why Lord Buddha -- the Tathagata (Thus Come One) with boundless wisdom imparted the teachings on important of accumulation of merits through Stupa. Considering the benefits of Stupa emanates far and wide and is said to go for Aeons! His Holiness the Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa -- Rangjung Rigpe Dorje said "it is the responsibility of every Dharma practitioner to pass the teachings on those who are ready for them."

In order to guide the people of Philippines to gain the righteous understandings toward the Dharma of Stupa, PKKBSI already compiled, arranged and published these teachings in the booklets entitled "CHÖ-TEN KAR-CHHUNG -- The Little White Stupa" and "Some Teachings on Stupa". Our kind Lama -- Lama Sherab Jungney, whose compassionate mind wishes to help more beings to gain happiness and free from sufferings, asked me to compile this book about the historical records of Tibetan style Stupa in the Philippines from Year 1998 to 1999, hoping it will be extending the encouragement to both Buddhist and Non-buddhist to participate in virtuous activities of Stupa project.

Hoping to supply clear information to the readers, I included some related Dharma teachings which imparted to me by my teachers. I also do my research on internet and use the teachings of different Dharma masters as reference. I extend my appreciation to the kindness of my Lamas for giving me such valuable teachings and affectionate guidance. Without the help of these great teachers and kind Dharma brothers and sisters, I would have been unable to accomplish this work. Due to my little knowledge and low intelligence, this text may not perfectly fathom the profound Buddha Dharma. Similarly my literary style may not satisfy the scholars. So I make my confession to the Sublime Ones for those contradictions, incoherence, and unrelatedness in the text and requesting them to forgive my accumulated faults. Whatever merit has been accrued through composing and publishing this book is dedicated to the happiness of all mother-like beings.

One Sunday afternoon on the month of February year 1998, Vincent Gabriel, a devotee of Dharma practice, shown an architectural plan of Stupa and a book entitled "Legend of the Great Stupa" to us after receiving the "NGONDRO -- Four Foundations Practice" teachings from Lama Sherab Jungney. After sharing his knowledge about the benefits of building a Stupa, everyone was overwhelmed by the happiness with such great compassionate activities of Buddhas. So we decided to build one here in our Dharma center. Thus, this will be the first Tibetan style Stupa in Philippines.

Remembered during the visit of His Eminence the third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche here in Philippines several years ago, he suggested that we should build a Stupa for invoking the blessings from Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and for subduing the instability of society in the Philippines due to conflicts of political parties, serious crimes and others. Some members suggested the size of the said Stupa ideally should be 108-feet. Because of unfavorable circumstances, PKKBSI were not able to execute this meritorious plan. Through everybody's joined efforts for all these years, PKKBSI finally owned our property and established our own Dharma Center on it. So we are ready for this auspicious project.

On the February 22 1998, Lama Sherab, to answer the request of our members, imparted the some teachings about Stupa after our regular "CHI-LÜ (Removing of Obstacle)" Puja. He told us the immeasurable benefits in constructing a Stupa and the Story of Guru Padmasambhava's former life at Jarungkhasor Stupa. (soon the detail of the said teachings and other information of Stupa were compiled into the booklet "CHÖ-TEN KAR-CHHUNG -- The Little White Stupa" during our four consecutive days of SO JONG Retreat on March). The essence of Lama Sherab's teaching shown that Stupa is the symbol of Buddhahood. It enshrines the teachers remain and it is at once a reminder of the teacher and embodiment of the pure and pervasive aspect of awakened state. It bears the great blessing from the Three Jewels and Three Roots for it is the Dharmakaya of Buddha of three times and ten directions. It enables to promote harmony, longevity, good health, peace, and freedom from ignorance for those who have made connection with the Stupa. It is great merit for those who can build, repair & maintain, circumambulate, or make offerings of prayers, eat the food offered make to the Stupa, reciting Mantras, foods, flowers, light, and so on to the Stupa. It is said in the Sutras that if one who respect these representations of Buddha is same as respecting Lord Buddha himself and will have their blessings too. The true merit of the Stupa however is relying on one's motivation and attitude with which the action is undertaken. Before the end of Puja, Lama Sherab was calling the members to make connection to this compassionate activity of Buddha so everyone can receive the blessing of harmony, prosperity and happiness. Buddha's compassionate mind which without having a slightest distinction, Stupa project is one of Buddha's activities for helping beings even they do not have any faith to Buddhadharma. So, it is very good to be involved in this meritorious project. It is said that after the teachings given by Lama Sherab, there were participants immediately made donations to support the Stupa project.

On the month of April 1998, Lama Tenzin Dorje (who is the Secretary General of Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche), and Lama Shiri, (who is the former resident lama of PKKBSI), visited Philippine for a short stay. After knowing our plan about Stupa project, Lama Tenzin Dorje suggested us to build a 23-feet Stupa of Victory Over Maras because of the limitation of land property. Lama Tenzin Dorje said that in Buddhist tradition there are eight types of Stupa that commemorate the eight major event of Shakyamuni Buddha, that of his birth, enlightenment, turning wheels of Dharma, descent from heaven realm (Tibetan: Gaden), performing miraculous powers, reconciling the splitting Sangha Assembly at Bamboo Grove, voluntary prolonging his life at Vaishali, and his passing into Nirvana at Kusinagar. The Stupa of Victory Over Maras (or known as Stupa of Enlightenment) will be better for the people in the Philippines. Lama Tenzin Dorje added that a committee to manage this project is necessary. After a short discussion over the officers and members, the Stupa Committee was formally formed on the 4th day of the same month. This committee is solely for the construction of said Stupa; it will serve the purpose of coordinating in accounting, Dharma affairs promotion, supervision upon construction, etc. The chosen officers of the said committee were headed by Mr. James Tong Chun-Chong, with other officers and advisers like Mr. Elvin Chan, Mr. Lorenzo Chung, Mrs. Maria Dy (president of PKKBSI), Mr. Vincent Gabriel, Mr. John Kaw, Mr. George Lim, Mrs. Hunni Yu Tan, Mrs. Josephine Lee Tan, Mrs. Tee Lau Shiok Bee, and including myself (these officers and advisers mentioned are arranged in alphabetical order according to their family name). Before the meeting adjourned, our Lamas decided to build the Stupa in front of our center's office.

Once a site for a Stupa has been chosen, Pujas (prayers) are said and the earth deities addressed to seek a blessing for the site and to remove any obstacles to the successful building of the Stupa. All those involved in the work must be sure to have the right motivation so that every aspect of the Stupa emanates the pure mind of Buddha. In the morning of the 6th day of same month, this is said to the auspicious day of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Lama Tenzin Dorje, together with Lama Sherab Jungney and Lama Shiri, performed a Puja and conducted a ground-breaking ceremony. These kind Lamas blessed the site to be used for our Stupa.

Before Lama Tenzin Dorje left Philippines, he promised to ask someone who is expertise in building Stupa to help us in this project. And he requested Lama Phuntsok of Karma Lekshey Ling of Katmandu, Nepal on the behalf of PKKBSI.

People might wonder who is Lama Phuntsok? Why he is highly recommended by many Rinpoches and Lamas in terms of building Stupa? In order to let people know him better, hereby is the brief biography of Lama Phuntsok which given to me on the 12th day of October, 1999:

Lama Phuntsok was born in the year 1951 on Manang Village located at Himalayan Region of Nepal. He became a monk at the age of 13, and took the Sramanera and Bikshiu Vow at the presence of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, at the age of 19. Because there was still no Kagyu Shedra (school) during early time in Nepal, so he studied Buddha's scriptures and rituals with many qualified masters. One of his main teacher is Lama Pegyam (Pema Gyaltsen) who taught him Tibetan Grammar and Skill of Building Stupa. At the age of 37, he completed his three years retreat under the guidance of Venerable Dabzang Rinpoche, and received the title of Lama. At the age of 39, Lama Phuntsok started to involve himself in charitable works. He was helping children (Some of them are even homeless and have no parents.) from Buddhist villages in Himalayan Region by providing them free education, food, clothing, medical care and the entire welfare. So, he founded Karma Lekshey Ling, which is a school particularly disseminates the teachings of Karma Kagyu Lineage, and became principal of the said school. On the 23rd of July 1990, Lama Phuntsok received His Venerable the Third Jamgon Rinpoche's certification as an ordained Sangha's member of the Karma Kagyu Order and supported his meritorious works. Lama Phuntsok's school started with only 30 students in year 1990. Many of them were brought to the school by those compassionate strangers who saw them wandering around and suffered the cold and hunger. Each year the number of students in Karma Lekshey Ling keep increasing. They are trained from Class 1 to Class 8 with Nepali, English, Tibetan, Mathematics combined with the Study of Tibetan grammar and classical Buddhist texts on philosophy and logic. Today there are 200 students in this school. They are having a target enrollment of 300 students in year 1999. Wishing through the help of the public, specially the donation from benefactors, can keep these charitable works going on and successfully educate these students. And then develop to be capable Buddhist teachers for the benefit of sentient beings in general and the spreading of the Dharma in particular. That's why those who feel likewise and wish to support this meritorious project are being welcome. Lama Phuntsok, with his excellent skills in building Stupa, is often invited by many Dharma centers around the world to help in Stupa project. He has build Stupas according to the text of great Kagyu master Lodro Thaye -- The First Jamgom Kongtrul Rinpoche. Nowadays, His masterpieces (Stupas) are more than sixty of different sizes dotted on Canada, Hawaii, Nepal, Philippines, Scotland, and other countries. The beings of Philippines are very lucky for having Lama Phuntsok's help in this project. So, the Stupa construction was formally started on April 15, 1998, which is said to be the special day for His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa.

On the 29th of April, Mrs. Hunni Yu Tan, with Mr. Elvin Chan and Lama Sherab Jungney, went to Baguio City -- the Summer Capital of the Philippines to get some pine woods to be used as "Life Force Stick" (Tibetan: Srog-shing) at the central axis of Stupa. When the life force tree is chosen, Lama Sherab put a mark on surface of the wood that facing the east direction; and prayer and offerings are made to Earth spirits for permission to use it by the Lamas here at PKKBSI. Although many obscurations have been encountered during this trip. Through the blessing of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, with all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the three times and ten directions, all hindrances were overcame.

During the construction of Stupa, Philippines like other countries in Southeast Asia also suffered from "El Niño" -- a serious drought season. This unbearable heat of the sun caused dryness and inconveniences to everyone. During this time, many necessary preparations like printings and wrappings of Dharma Texts, pacification and scrolling of papers of Mantras, making the clay mould -- "Tsa-tsa", filling of Dzambhala Vase, and others like the holy relics, etc. should be done according to schedules. Lots of PKKBSI member devoted themselves to this auspicious project. Most of them they brought along their family to come and help in some preparations mentioned above. Even they always sweated a lot and felt very much uncomfortable to their body due to the extreme heat. There were always tiresome and messy works involved. Because of good team works with confidence and determination in doing such virtue action did make good progress. The participants started their helps from morning and end up around 10 to 11 o'clock in the evening. Those who took part in this auspicious project did often feel a great air of cheerfulness pervading the work. Rhythmic recitation of prayers and mantras can be heard most of the time while working. Such gaiety atmosphere did dissipate fatigue and keep the mind in cheerful state. This is a wonderful blessing instantly bestows to us from the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

A Stupa is a sealed shrine containing four types of precious relics constructed in a geometric configuration that symbolizes all aspects of the Enlightened State: the Enlightened Body, Speech and Mind of the Buddha; the harmonious Mandala of the five elements; the stages on the path to liberation. These relics are known as:

With the power generating from these relics, the Stupa will have the same capacity comparing to those build in the past. If these relics are existing in Stupa, no matter when or where that Stupa is made will definitely benefit others.

Several Mantras such as of Amitabha, Guru Rinpoche, Manjusri, Chenrezig, Vajrapani, Mahakala, Green Tara and others were putted inside the Stupa. But there are five Great Mantras must be completed.
These Mantras are:
(1) TSUG-TOR-DRI-MED;
(2) OD-SER-DRI-MED;
(3) TSUG-TOR-NAM-GYAL;
(4) JANG-CHHUB-GYEN-BUM; and
(5) TEN-DREL-NYING-PO.
After sheets of Mantras were glued together by hand, they were rolled onto spools and wrapped it with a yellow-gold colored cloth. Some of it tied together with the Life Force Stick, and some were placed inside the Bumpa of Stupa. Mantras plays a special role here in Vajrayana Buddhism, it has strong power that brings the blessing from the Enlightened Ones.

Aside from the Mantras, the three major Sutras and five major prayers are used in Stupa. These Sutras are:
(1) "ARYA VAJRA TSEDAKA PRAJNA PARAMITA MAHAYANA SUTRA" (Tibetan: DORJE CHHÖD PA; commonly known as "Diamond Sutra" in Chinese);
(2) "ARYA MANJUSRI NAMA SANG GYI TI" (Tibetan : JAMPAL TSEN CHHÖD); and
(3) "ARYA APARAMITA AYUR GHYANA MAHAYANA SUTRA" (Tibetan : TSE PA MED GYI DO; translated in English as "Sutra of Buddha with Immeasurable Life).

And the prayers are :
(1) SANG CHHÖ MÖN LAM (King of Aspiration Prayer);
(2) JAM PEI MÖN LAM (Aspiration Prayer to Maitreya);
(3) JANG CHHUB CHHÖ PEI MÖN LAM (Aspiration Prayer of Bodhicaryavatara);
(4) DEWACHEN MÖN LAM (Aspiration Prayer to be reborn to Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha); and
(5) CHHAK CHEN MÖN LAM (Mahamudra Prayer).

These relics of Mantra are the essence of Buddha's 84,000 teachings. Most were taught by the World Honored One -- Shakyamuni Buddha himself, and the sutras and prayers, as teachings compiled by the main disciples of Lord Buddha, and the commentary text and prayers were written by those Mahasiddhas -- the highly realized master whose mind is indifferent with Buddhas. They bear the blessings of Speech from Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of three times and ten directions that will develop one's wisdom.

Various Mantras, specially the Mantra of "TEN-DREL-NYING-PO", were written on Life Force Stick by Lama Sherab. The Life force Stick was then wrapped around with color cloth and coloured strings. Many of the precious relics and Dharma pills are embedded inside the Life Force Stick, such as
(1) 300 Long Life Medicines of Sure and Unsullied Sarma, Nyingma, Kama, and Terma Origin made during the 7 Days Pujas;
(2) 4 different colors of Buddha's relics;
(3) Pill of Quintessential Life Essence (collection of precious relics together with the Samaya substance Dharma medicine nectar which brings liberation by tasting blessed by the Great Compassionate and many others Vajrayana Mandalas);
(4) Combined Precious Holy Pills;
(5) White Pills;
(6) Purifying Pills (relics of early times to destroy contamination and negative influence);
(7) Mother Pills of Karmapa Multiplying;
(8) Precious Black Pills (which when eaten brings help for liberation and a mother pills made by His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa himself);
(9) Pills of Indestructible Life (Glorious and excellent treasure of immortality when eaten brings help for liberation);
(10) Nectar of Dharma Medicine;
(11) Pills made out of Lodro Thaye's Brain (Lodro Thaye is Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche the Great);
(12) Relics from Situ Chokyi Jungney's flesh and bone;
(13) relic from Gampopa's small pieces of heart, tongue, and eye;
(14) 3rd Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche's Robe;
(15) Combined Pills of Chatra Retreat;
(16) Tsurphu Relics; and
(17) Buddha Statue of H.H. the 16th Karmapa.
The Stupa is then filled with relics which symbolically pertain to utmost purity of mind. It is said that if the Stupa itself is the representation of Buddhas' body then the Relics are the life force which flows through it and, as such, are more vital than its outer form.

These relics of the Guru, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are from those Mahasiddhas of tenth level (Sanskrit: Bhumis) in the past. In other dimensions could be considered being a precipitation of bliss arising from the central nervous system of highly realized master and the activity of Bodhisattvas. These precious "Ringsels" (as they are known in Tibetan) exude a powerful blessing, as they are form the very body of the Buddha and Karmapas. These relics of Gurus, Buddhas, and Bodhisattvas bears the blessing of mind from the highly realized ones who passed in Parinirvana.

One important aspect of the Karmapa's enlightened activity is to make and bless a very special substance, given in the form of small black pills, called "Rilnag." Sometime people called it Dharma Medicines or Dharma Pills. They are believed to bring extraordinary blessing, through the power of interdependence, from the Karmapa to the people who wear them or, in the face of danger circumstances, eat them. They are usually carried a blessing and protection, often in a relic box worn around the neck or on the body. If ingested at the time of death, they are believed to aid liberation, by the power of connection with Karmapa, causing one to meet him in the form of Avalokiteshvara and be guided by him to a better condition.

In addition, there are the precious substances of the great black pills (Rillag) that liberate through experience. These precious pills, also known as the Karmapa pills, are made by His Holiness by using special ingredients that combines all the precious substance in the Tshurpu.

These relics of Dharma pills or relics of Guru, Buddhas, and Bodhisattvas were provided to Philippine Karma Kagyu Buddhist Society by Lama Phuntsok and Lama Tenzin Dorje of Nepal Phullahari Monastery. So, officers and members of this our Dharma center would like to express our thankfulness for their kindness and compassion.

Lama Phuntsok with Lama Sherab and the monks performed many Pujas according to its procedures. They preformed the Dzambhala Pujas, specially to invoke bless into Dzambhala vase, and Pujas for the two Mandalas ("TSOG-TOR-DRI-MED" and "ÖD-SER-DRI-MED"). The said Mandalas were to be placed inside the Stupa as support to the Life Force Stick. Lamas summoned and requested gods or goddesses of wealth to be presented inside the Stupa in order to energize them. Such blessing from the Three Jewels will be good for the people, land, crops, and for timely rainfall, etc. Each Puja as consecration rituals lasted for three days.

Dzambhala is the Sanskrit term for god or goddess of wealth. They are the emanation of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of Tenth Bhumis (i.e. Buddha Ratnasambhava) to help people be relieved from suffering of poverty from six realms, to increase merits, life force, wisdom, and everything for spiritual and material enjoyments. So, Dzambhala Puja is said to be very auspicious because it helps Dharma practitioners and benefactors (provided they already generated the purest Bodhicitta for benefits of others) be free from worries of living, specially while practicing Dharma. Although the aim of practicing Dharma is to tame our mind by cutting off the attachment to the worldly enjoyments like good foods, wealth and so forth. When one obtained the precious human rebirth, should use it wisely by practicing Dharma in order to liberate from this Samsara. It doesn't mean that if we practice Dharma, we should give our self a miserable life. The essence of Buddhadharma is on the middle path. So, one do also need moneys to acquire the necessities for practicing Dharma, likewise in promoting Buddhadharma to the publics. That's why that His Venerable the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche once mentioned in his teaching said that the relative world is the path to realize ultimate mind. The blessing of Dzambhala that bestowed to us can also use it to help those poor ones by practicing the perfection of generosity. It benefits both oneself and others at the same time. So, the blessings of compassionate Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the form of Dzambhala, as well as through the Stupas, will bring immediate benefit to the people.

One of the holy relics to be placed inside the Stupa is tza-tza -- votive clay tablets. The said votive clay tablets are empowered by inserting a roll of Mantras at the base. Thereafter the tsa-tsa is treated no differently from other sacred images. Through auspicious action ordinarily clay transformed into a receptacle for sacred power. These tsa-tsa are then deposited as offerings inside the Stupa. Here we can see the important use of the tsa-tsa is in the empowerment of Stupa. Generally Stupas are built as receptacles to enshrine relics of great teacher, sacred scriptures, or anything radiating sacred power; they function as reminders of liberated state. One of the easiest ways of filling a large Stupa with sacred is through the production of tsa-tsa. So, one way to speed the production of tsa-tsa is by the use of metal mould.

On May 12, 1998, Lama Phuntsok proceeded to construct the image of Lord Buddha for this Stupa. After finishing his sketch plan, he started to carve the image with a knife. It didn't take long to produce such magnificent art work. Lama Phuntsok humbly said that this is nothing but just an extra amount of patient and practice with one-pointed concentration to the works only. The said Sakyamuni Buddha rupa (statue) was placed in the decorative door -- Bumgo (translated as gate of "Bumpa", or gate of the treasures vase.) after the TSUG-TOR-DRI-MED and OD-SEL-DRI-MED Puja on the 22nd day of May. As Lord Buddha said: "Both the Stupa and the statue represent the Buddha's mind and body, since Buddha has limitless qualities, any worship, any offering made to these two miniatures would be more beneficial." from here we can see why these representation of Buddha do contain strong blessings.

On May 17, 1998, Lama Phuntsok and Lama Sherab conducted a short prayer on top of Lion Seat (throne) of Stupa for the installation of Life Force Stick (Srog Shing). With everyone's joined efforts, the members were able to carry the heavy log to the top. It was place above the two said Mandalas. Many previously prepared relics like spools of Mantra, Dharma texts and prayers, relics of Sublime Ones, tsa-tsa, and other holy things were also surrounded to bracket the Srog Shing; While installation process going on, all participants were chanting Mantra for several hours. After the Life Force Stick was erected on the Lion Seat, a spire comprised of thirteen gold painted rings was covered to the Life Force Stick.

Following is the installation of the honorific parasol, moon, sun and Jewel (Tibetan: Norbu). The parasol is the representation of Three Jewels -- Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. It signified the compassion and the supremacy of whole structure; with the moon, sun and jewel, which signify the heart of awakening, wisdom and enlightenment. These are the symbol of clarity and purity; priceless and highest above all. The whole Stupa appeared in front of everyone.

Finally, finishing touch and painting to the Stupa was completed on the month of August 1998. Upon here, this first Tibetan style Stupa of Philippines was totally completed. To those who understand Dharma could see the Stupa is indifference to Buddha himself for it bears the body blessing of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Guru. Noticing the homology of the Stupa and the body of the Buddha is expressed quite literally in Tibetan Stupa (Choten). The axis of the Stupa was identified with the Buddha's spinal column and the supporting base with his legs and thighs. The harmika was his head. How wonderful is this Dharmakaya of Buddha!

In the month of August 1998, the Stupa was finally completed. After the completion of Stupa, blessing ceremony takes place. PKKBSI is very fortunate to have His Venerable Bokar Rinpoche to come to the Philippines and bless the Stupa.

The Very Venerable Bokar Rinpoche was born to a nomadic family in Western Tibet in 1940. Recognized as reincarnation of former Bokar Rinpoche at the age of four by Sixteenth Karmapa, he studied at Bokar and Tsurphu Monasteries. He left Tibet at twenty and completed two three-year retreats under the guidance of great Tibetan Master, His Very Venerable Kalu Rinpoche. Because of his remarkable qualities and deep realization, he succeeded Kalu Rinpoche as head of the Shangpa Kagyu Lineage. Through his profound wisdom and clarity of his teaching, he helps anyone who wants to engage on the path of meditation. He teaches advanced Vajrayana practice at the monasteries and Buddhist center throughout the world.

On September 6, 1998 morning, His Venrable Bokar Rinpoche with Khenpo and attending Lamas began conducting a specially Puja to inaugurate the Stupa then bestow the blessing to it. Prayer flags (Tibetan: LUNG THA, translated as wind horse) were hung up. When Rinpoche thrown a Katha (Tibetan White Silken Scarf) toward to the Stupa as offering, it dropped right in front the image of Lord Buddha (Sanskrit: Rupa, means the statue of Buddha). In fact, many of the participants on that day were trying to do the same, but none of them succeeded. So this is said to be an auspicious sign of great blessings from Lord Buddha. His Venerable Bokar Rinpoche on his speech said that he is very happy for the good works of PKKBSI. Rinpoche is urging every Dharma brothers and sisters to coordinate with each other and be more diligence in promoting the virtue activities.

In the afternoon of the same day, His Venerable Bokar Rinpoche with Lamas and monks performs a Fire Puja called "PHÜ-RAB-CHHÖ-GA" to remove obstacles for all beings. Rinpoche, through prayers, again bestows power to the Stupa and blessings specially for those sponsored and helped in the Stupa project. The immense power of Buddha's compassion through these activities were felt by people of very background and brings benefit to all beings. This auspicious project do made everybody very happy.

After this auspicious Stupa project, many members asked if it is suitable to build a Stupa at their residence? Is the merits to be accumulated is same as the big one? Lama Sherab said: "The answer is yes!" Stupas can be of any size and can be made of any suitable material. Relics, other than the four described above, such as statues, clothes or scriptures are also acceptable. And he give the details on the booklet entitled "SOME TEACHINGS ON STUPA." Lama pointed out that it is more beneficial if we "invest" our wealth to a "business" which will bring us the eternal bliss as profit return. His Holiness the Sixteen Gyalwa Karmapa said "In a simple mundane life situation, in the field of 'business' we know that the businessman develops a plan for a project, he knows what it will cost him, perhaps one million dollars, and every detail of the project is regarded with the utmost care. Absolute importance is attached to such a project in the business world, and a great deal of energy is put into bringing it to a successful conclusion. The point is if one is going to expend such effort for a result of such a temporary nature, why not put at least as much effort into a project that is going to cause one's temporary as well as ultimate benefit?" Since making of Stupa containing great merit. It can benefit both human and non-human either intentionally or unintentionally. Therefore, officers and members of PKKBSI decided to continue doing this "profitable business".

Once more, they requested Lama Phuntsok to come over to Philippines and to help in the project of making of small Stupas. The size of Stupa will be only 3 feet height. It is made for the comfortability of Dharma practitioners who wishes to accumulate merit through it. These Stupas are movable, only very simple maintenance needed. One can put this Stupa at living room, garden, penthouse, prayer room, factory, top of the roof (provided if it is strong enough to carry this Stupa), public places, etc. So when his relatives and friends, or even some one we don't known, will received the Dharma seed upon visiting us. Indeed if one who do not have faith in Buddha's teachings, but through the compassion and loving kindness of Buddha activity can receive blessing too. Many adore this new Stupa project. The initial target on the number of Stupas to be produced is sixty pieces, but the order recently increases to one hundred eight pieces. These Stupas will be distributed around Metro Manila in order to let different people both Buddhist and Non-buddhist, including the formless beings, having the chance to make connection to it through seeing, touching, prostrating, making offerings, etc. This will help the Buddhist as what Lama Govinda once said: "Stupa reminds later generations of the great pioneers of humanity and inspire them to follow their example, to encourage them in their own struggle for liberation from suffering."

So Lama Phuntsok and his students accepted our invitation and came to the Philippines on September 19, 1999. Before their arrival, Lama Phuntsok first fabricated the mould in making the Three Feet Stupa in Taiwan and later send to our center. Special type of cement is used to produce the said Stupa. likewise all the relics and life force are prepared before the actual production take place. Same Pujas are performed while putting the holy things into these Stupas. Until now the progress is going smooth. The said Stupas is aimed to be completed on the month of December, 1999. May the good merits bring peace and happiness to everyone.

(1) Bokar Rinpoche. 1998, Karma Triyana Dharmachakra. Website address:

http://www.kagyu.org/karmapa/tea/tea13.html

(2) Sacred Rilecs at the website of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Urgyen Thrinley Dorje:

http://www.maui.net/~tsurphu/karmapa/relics.html

(3) Images of Earth and Water: The Tsa-Tsa Votive Tablets of Tibet by Juan Li at the website address:

http://www.asianart.com/li/tsatsa.html#clay

(4) Advice on Spiritual Practice by H.H. the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, a public talk give at Universities of Colorado in 1980. Website address:

http://www.kagyu.org/buddhism/tra/tra01.html

(5) Some Teachings on Stupa, given by Lama Sherab Jungney at Philippine Karma Kagyu Buddhist Society, Inc. on September 23, 1999. Arranged and published by PKKBSI.

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