A stupa is generally known as the most important architectural symbol in Buddhism, but few are aware of the fact that the structure pre-dates Buddhism itself. It has existed through pre-Buddhist times in India in some shape or form. The remains of the dead, mostly of someone important, were stored in a mound to pay homage and reverence to.
Also known as Peace Pagda or Peace Pagoda, the Shanti Stupa of Dhauli Giri is a one-of-a-kind stupa near Bhubaneswar in India.
Those who have traveled to countries in Southeast Asia must have come across the beautiful stupas at least once. The stupas are majestically gorgeous places that are used for sacred purposes and meditation. It is often designed to resemble the shape of a bell and is embellished with gold and gold paint, shiny adornments, and precious stones, etc. For Buddhists, stupas are the shrines of great significance and prestige.
Thirty six meters high and one of the largest stupas in Asia, the Bouddhanath Stupa was built around the 5th century. For centuries, the stupa has held an important place as a spiritual site for Tibetan and Nepali Buddhists.
White Tara (Sitatārā) is a Bodhisattva of compassion and action, associated with practices designed to lengthen one’s lifespan and to overcome life-threatening challenges. She is worshiped by practitioners of Vajrayana Buddhism to develop the qualities of compassion (karuṇā), loving-kindness (mettā) and emptiness (shunyata).
Chenrezig is a form of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, also known as 4 armed 6 Syllable Avalokitesvara, he embody the compassion of all Buddhas. Chenrezig is the white Buddha form which represents the enlightened mind’s loving kindness and compassion. His name literally means “One who looks with unwavering eye”.
The mantra of the historical Buddha named Siddhartha Gautama is known as the Sakyamuni mantra. The term “Sakyamuni” means the ‘sage of the Shakyan clan’. This is referred to the man who was born in the late Vedic era into the clan and later came to be known as the Buddha. The mantra stands for the pious heart of the Buddha and so the yogis who recite this mantra are believed to absorb the essence of the Buddha’s sacred heart. The mantra has also come to be known as the Heart Mantra of the Great Sage.
The ride from central Kathmandu in Nepal to the small but beautiful village in the mountains called Namo Buddha is 40 kilometers. Regardless of its size, the village is of huge importance and worth to Buddhists because of the ancient story of Namo Buddha (translated as ‘Homage to the Buddha’). The Namo Buddha is situated downhill from the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, which is another amazing site and point of interest. The monastery is home to approximately 250 monks.
From the early beginning of the Buddhist faith, construction and veneration to stupas took a unique place. Evidences for this can be found in the early Buddhist scriptures, also known as sutras, which some of them are presented here.
Regardless of whether you are visiting Sedona, Arizona for spiritual purposes or not, a visit to the striking Amitabha Stupa is strongly recommended. Those who have visited this destination say that there is something really special and unique about it; something that no other present-day locale or spiritual center has.
