A stupa (from
Sanskrit: m., स्तूप, stūpa, Sinhalese: ස්ථූපය, Pāli: थुप "thūpa", literally
meaning "heap") is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics,
typically the remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship. After
"stupa", "chorten" is the most commonly encountered English
term. The term "reliquary" is sometimes used, after a Christian
functional equivalent. Stupas are an ancient form of mandala.
The stupa is the
oldest Buddhist religious monument and was originally only a simple mound of
mud or clay to cover relics of the Buddha (cetiya). After the parinirvana of
the Buddha, his remains were cremated and the ashes divided and buried under
eight stupas with two further stupas encasing the urn and the embers. Little is
known about these early stupas, particularly since it has not been possible to
identify the original ten monuments. However, some later stupas, such as at
Sarnath and Sanchi, seem to be embellishments of earlier mounds.
Types of stupas
Built for a variety of
reasons, Buddhist stupas are classified based on form and function into five
types:
-
Relic
stupa - in which the relics or remains of the Buddha, his disciples and lay
saints are interred
-
Object
stupa - in which the items interred are objects belonged to the Buddha or his
disciples such as a begging bowl or robe, or important Buddhist scriptures
-
Commemorative
stupas - built to commemorate events in the lives of Buddha or his disciples
-
Symbolic
stupa- to symbolise aspects of Buddhist theology, for example, Borobuddur is
considered to be the symbol of "the Three Worlds (dhatu) and the spiritual
stges (bhumi) in a Mahayana bodhisattva's character"
-
Votive
stupas - constructed to commemorate visits or to gain spiritual benefits,
usually at the site of prominent stupas which are regularly visited
Features of a stupa
Harmika-It
is built on the top of the oval shaped stupa
Medhi-It
is an elevated circular path around the stupa used for Pradhikshina
Toran-It
is the Gateway to the stupa
Vedica-It
is a railing meant for the protection of the holy place
Symbolism
The shape of the stupa
represents the Buddha, crowned and sitting in meditation posture on a lion
throne. His crown is the top of the spire; his head is the square at the
spire's base; his body is the vase shape; his legs are the four steps of the
lower terrace; and the base is his throne.
Five purified elements
Although not described
in any Tibetan text on stupa symbolism, the stupa may represent the five
purified elements:
The
square base represents earth
The
hemispherical dome/vase represents water
The
conical spire represents fire
The
upper lotus parasol and the crescent moon represents air
The
sun and the dissolving point represents the element of space
Construction
To build a stupa,
transmissions and ceremonies from a Buddhist teacher is necessary. Which kind
of Stupa to be constructed in a certain area is decided together with the
teacher assisting in the construction. Sometimes the type of stupa chosen is
directly connected with events that have taken place in the area.
Treasury
All stupas contain a
treasury filled with various objects. Small offerings called Tsa-Tsas fill a
major part of the treasury. Creation of various types of Tsa-Tsas is a ceremony
itself. Mantras written on paper are rolled into thin rolls, and put into these
small clay stupas. Filling the treasury, one layer of Tsa-Tsas are placed, and
the empty space between is filled with dry sand. On the new surface appearing,
another layer is made, until the entire space of a treasury is full.
The number of Tsa-Tsas
are dependent on the size of both the treasury and Tsa-Tsa, since it should be
completely filled. For example, the Kalachakra stupa in southern Spain has
approximately 14 000 Tsa-Tsas within.
Jewellery and other
"precious" objects are also placed in the treasury. It is not
necessary that the jewellery be expensive, since it is the symbolic value that
is important, not the market price. It is believed that the more objects placed
into the stupa, the stronger the energy of the Stupa will be.
Tree of Life
A very important
element in every Stupa is the Tree of Life. It is a wooden pole covered with
gems and thousands of mantras, and placed in the central channel of the stupa.
It is placed here during a ceremony or initiation, where the participants hold
colorful ribbons connected to the Tree of Life. Together the participants make
their most positive and powerful wishes, which are stored in the Tree of Life.
In this way the stupa is charged up, and will start to function.
Benefits
Building a stupa is
considered extremely beneficial, leaving very positive karmic imprints in the
mind. Future benefits from this action will result in fortunate rebirths.
Fortunate worldly benefits will be the result, such as being born into a rich
family, having a beautiful body, a nice voice, and being attractive and
bringing joy to others and having a long and happy life, in which one's wishes
are fulfilled quickly. On the absolute level, one will also be able to reach
enlightenment, the goal of Buddhism, quickly.
Destroying a stupa on
the other hand, is considered an extremely negative deed, similar to killing. Such
an action is explained to create massive negative karmic imprints, leading to
massive future problems. It is said this action will leave the mind in a state
of paranoia after death has occurred, leading to totally unfortunate rebirths.
The Eight Great Stupas
There are eight
different kinds of stupas in Tibetan Buddhism, each referring to major events
in the Buddha's life.
Lotus Blossom Stupa
Also known as Stupa of
Heaped Lotuses or Birth of the Sugata Stupa, this stupa refers to the birth of
the Buddha. "At birth Buddha took seven steps in each of the four
directions" (East, South, West and North). In each direction lotuses
sprang, symbolizing the Four Immeasurables: love, compassion, joy and
equanimity. The four steps of the basis of this stupa is circular, and it is
decorated with lotus-petal designs. Occasionally, seven heaped lotus steps are
constructed. These refer to the seven first steps of the Buddha.
Enlightenment Stupa
Also known as the
Stupa of the Conquest of Mara. This stupa symbolizes the 35-year-old Buddha's
attainment of enlightenment under the bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, where he
conquered worldly temptations and attacks manifesting in the form of Mara.
Stupa of Many Doors
Also known as the Stupa
of Many Gates. After reaching enlightenment, the Buddha taught his first
students in a deer-park near Sarnath. The series of doors on each side of the
steps represent the first teachings: the Four Noble Truths, the Six
Perfections, the Noble Eightfold Path and the Twelve Links in the Chain of
Dependent Origination.
Stupa of Descent from
the God Realm
At 42 years old,
Buddha spent a summer retreat in Tushita Heaven, where his mother had taken
rebirth. In order to repay her kindness he taught the dharma to her
reincarnation. Local inhabitants built a stupa like this in Sankasya in order
to commemorate this event. This stupa is characterized by having a central
projection at each side containing a triple ladder or steps.
Stupa of Great
Miracles
Also known as Stupa of
Conquest of the Tirthikas. This stupa refers to various miracles performed by
the Buddha when he was 50 years old. Legend claims that he overpowered maras
and heretics by engaging them in intellectual arguments and also by performing
miracles. This stupa was raised by the Lichavi kingdom to commemorate the event.
Stupa of
Reconciliation
This stupa
commemorates the Buddha's resolution of a dispute among the sangha. A stupa in
this design was built in the kingdom of Magadha, where the reconciliation
occurred. It has four octagonal steps with equal sides.
Stupa of Complete
Victory
This stupa
commemorates Buddha's successful prolonging of his life by three months. It has
only three steps, which are circular and unadorned.
Stupa of Nirvana
This stupa refers to
the death of the Buddha, when he was 80 years old. It symbolizes the Buddha's
complete absorption into the highest state of mind. It is bell-shaped and
usually not ornamented.
Kalachakra stupa
A 9th kind of stupa
exists; the Kalachakra stupa. Its symbolism is not connected to events in the
Buddha's life, but instead to the symbolism of the Kalachakra Tantra, created
to protect against negative energies.
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