Stupa

A stupa (Tib. chörten) is a Buddhist monument that symbolises the enlightened mind of the Buddha. The Tibetan tradition recognises eight basic types of stupa. Each is associated with an event in the life of the historical Buddha, such as his birth, enlightenment or passing. The stupa in Becske, a model of which you see here, symbolises the state of a buddha, which is complete enlightenment.

Stupas are built to precise proportions and contain Buddhist relics. By their very presence, they awaken our Buddha nature. The living power of stupas pervades beings and landscapes, encouraging growth, bringing prosperity and protecting their surroundings. When we are near them, we can make wishes or engage in Buddhist practice. Even if we approach a stupa without any particular intention, we may unexpectedly experience moments of clear awareness. Before a stupa, Buddhists make good wishes that extend beyond their own concerns, for the benefit of all sentient beings. As a sign of respect, they walk around it in a clockwise direction.

Stupas are found not only in Tibet and other traditionally Buddhist countries; they have also been present in the Western world for several decades. Special care is devoted to their construction and filling. Statues depicting buddhas, moulded clay forms, texts and relics are placed inside them. Filling a stupa correctly is of the utmost importance, which is why the entire process is supervised and guided by a highly qualified master.

“A stupa serves the whole world. The wind carries its blessing to all beings and frees us from what is negative. Whoever builds a stupa to honour the Buddha and his teachings will surely attain enlightenment. Taking part in building one is truly meritorious - everyone who does so sows the seeds of wisdom in their mind.”

THIS STUPA IS A MODEL OF THE ENLIGHTENMENT STUPA IN BECSKE, HUNGARY. IT WAS MADE BY OUR FRIENDS FROM MISKOLC.