The Meaning and Importance of Stupas
The Omniscient Jigme Lingpa said:
All the round formations of stupas symbolize being free from complexities.
All the square shapes symbolize that realization and all its qualities are complete.
The gechu symbolizes the foundation of all merit.
The four levels symbolize (1) the four mindfulness concentrations, (2) the five things to be perfectly abandoned, (3) the four legs of miracles, and (4) the five powers.
The base of the bhumpa symbolizes the five abilities. The bhumpa itself symbolizes the seven limbs of enlightenment.
The squares above the bhumpa symbolize (1) the eight noble paths, (2) the ten powers, (3) the ten abilities, (4) the eighteen unequalled qualities, and (5) the three equanimities of mindfulness.
All the rings and central column symbolize the thirteen dharmachakras.
The umbrella symbolizes always being protected by compassion. The sun and moon symbolize dispelling the darkness of all sentient beings. The top knot symbolizes that this is incomparable.
Moreover, the best material for making a stupa is entirely out of precious stones or metals; the second best is medicinal and fragrant wood; and the last is earth and stones. A larger stupa can be miles wide, and a smaller stupa can be the size of a churura fruit. But whatever size it is, build it with joyful effort, without being stained by negativities. Install the mantras and blessed objects with consecration ceremonies. The merit of building this with joyful effort is widely mentioned in many sutras and tantras.
Jetavan Miracle Stupa
The reliquary stupa represents the dharmakaya mind of the Buddha. Symbolically the stupa embodies a complex range of iconographic meanings, with each of its components representing a specific aspect of the path to enlightenment. The base of the stupa is fashioned in the form of a many-stepped square throne or plinth, known as a “lion throne.” Above this ascend the stupa’s hemispherical dome; a square reliquary chamber, or harmika; an upper spire composed of up to 13 umbrella wheels, and a crowning finial of a lotus umbrella, crescent moon, sun disc and dissolving flame.
As is true for much of Buddhist art, the symbolism of this architectural image operates on several different levels simultaneously. A stupa incorporates five basic geometric shapes corresponding to the five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and space – out of which the world and all the atoms within it are composed. Furthermore, the overall shape of a stupa bears a close resemblance to the image of a seated Buddha. Merely by viewing such harmoniously balanced images we receive subtle benefit, experienced as a feeling of peace, well-being, and wholeness. Finally, it should be noted that the various levels of the stupa correspond to the various levels of the spiritual path culminating in full enlightenment.
To learn more about the Reliquary Stupa installed in the Dharmakaya shrine room of the Padma Samye Ling gonpa, or about stupas in general, read the article “New Home for Ancient Treasures” in Pema Mandala magazine Fall/Winter 2006.
Stupa of Peace and Joy at PSL
The benefits of building stupas were spoken of by the buddha in the Noble Amazing Sutra:
Ananda! Any devoted noble sons and daughters who fill this entire three-thousand-fold universe with the seven precious metals and make offerings to all the stream-enterers, once-returners, non-returners, and arhats—as well as all the sangha members in the four directions—do not accumulate as much merit as someone who makes a stupa to the Tathagata—the Subduer, the Perfectly Enlightened One, the One Who Entered Mahaparinirvana— that is even the size of a churura seed, with a central column the size of a needle, an umbrella the size of a juniper leaf, and filled with grain-sized statues and mustard seed-sized relics.
Small Stupas at Padma Samye Ling
Moreover, in the Analyzing Activity Sutra, the Buddha said to the brahmin son Netso:
Whoever builds the Stupa of the Tathagata will gain the eighteen benefits. These are: (1) to be born in a royal family, (2) with perfect features (3) and a beautiful body; (4) who everybody loves to see (5) and looks to as a leader; (6) with fame expanding in the ten directions, (7) beautiful cheering sounds, (8) and praised with beautiful verses; (9) very detached from the world (10) and honored by gods (11) and humans; (12) very wealthy, (13) with a long life (14) and as healthy and strong as a vajra; (15) possessing the major marks (16) and minor marks; (17) born in the upper realms; (18) and soon to enter the supreme enlightened state.
Khenchen Palden Sherab Stupa at Orgyen Samye Chokhor Ling
In the Noble Lotus Sutra, the Buddha said:
Whoever makes a stupa out of stones, agarwood, or sandalwood; or whoever makes a stupa with joy out of medicinal wood or even out of plain wood, earth, brick, and so on; or whoever makes a stupa by just using heaps of earth in some remote area while thinking of the Buddha; or even children who make a stupa while playing games with sand while thinking of the Victorious One; or whoever draws forms (of the Buddha)—they will all reach enlightenment.
Snow Lion detail from the central Stupa in the PSL Stupa Garden
Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche with Stupas in Kalmykia Russia
The Manjushrimitra Root Tantra states:
(Those who want) to purify their negativities should make a stupa with their own hands—it will cleanse even the worst five obscurations. If they make 100,000 stupas, they will become a universal monarch among all the vidyadharas. Whoever contacts such a stupa will develop great wisdom and long life, and even if they die, they will be reborn in the higher realms in a royal clan, and they will never go to the lower realms. When born, their intelligence will be like a blazing sun, their intellect will become stable, and they will remember past lives. Thus it is said.
Moreover, the Noble Stainless Beams of Light Sutra states:
Noble sons and daughters! Whoever circumambulates or make offerings to a stupa will be blessed by Tathagatas, move to the supreme enlightened state through a non-returning path, and purify all of their karmic obscurations. Even if the shadow of a stupa touches birds, animals, deer, or whomever, they will not be reborn in the lower realms.
Thus, in the sutras and tantras the Buddha taught extensively about the benefits of building stupas, as well as the benefits to those who support and make contact with stupas.