The Stupa

   It is primarily a building for the encasement of the Dharma's teachings that enables one to unfold from within to the full awakened qualities inherent in each of us. The Stupa functions therefore also as a constant reminder of the once inherent goodness, attuning to the compassionate view, and directing ones energies to positive actions.

   Stupas are build for various reasons: for an important event, passings of realised masters, or as a 'votive' type of Stupa. Stupa's predate Buddhism, or at least some early form of it. These came from the old lands of Persia. The word Stupa means 'to heap', or 'top knot', or even referring to hay stacks. In greater Asia one can find many different shapes,sizes,and locations of Stupa's. In North America it seems the Tibetan style Stupa, [Choten i.e. 'support for offerings'], has taken hold, I estimate there are about one hundred that have been built now.

   This style of Stupa, [ late 1700] is an relative new comer on the block of archeology. What remains as a constant with the Stupa's the world over is the presence of the 'central-pole' or 'life-post'. This post forms the axis mundi of the 'madala', which is the Stupa as seen from above.

   Stupa building is a very dynamic and an ever changing subject, despite the often emphasized 'traditional-this-and-that's'. Each country adapted Stupa's to their aesthetic appeals, their skill level, material choice, and geographic setting.

   Stupa's are build out of any conceiveable material; the West tends to go with concrete, or in combinations with other building methods. Stupa building is very much a community undertaking, mostly on a volunteer basis, however using paid workers is not uncommon.

   There is something about stepping into a project like Stupa building done for the larger good, -- peace and happiness for your locale, and for the world at large. It is interesting to note that Stupa's the world over are very accessable; they are just 'there', along the road, in big cities, in very remote places, or in public monastic court yards. Stupa's stop you in your tracks; it says 'slow-down'; it invokes introspection; it inspires you wanting to be awake; and to be carefull with your actions.

   The Stupa is an architectual representation of the entire Buddhist Path. A Stupa's 'presence' is directly related to the attention/caring it get's by people, there is an reciprocal notion, what is given and offfered in unattached ways also come's back in return.

   The practice of walking around it ,clock wise direction, in a mindfull way with inner reflection generating goodwill to all is a powerfull expression and an antidote to current affairs of the world. The meaning and the practice of constructing Stupa's remains to this day alive and vibrant, and is taking place on a world wide scale not seen before in history.

   It is remarkable that for so many thousands of years this architectual form has endured and has provided a focus for people, no matter where they live, no matter what skin color, ethnic back ground, or geographic region. And yes, even though one builds Stupa's to last for many years, eventually they fall also to impermanent demise, whether through politics, or elemental calamities, or simple neglect. Some get resurrected, and completely 'built-over'; this may happen in some instances in three layers.

   In this column I like to express and share all kinds of notions and experiences on the subject of Stupa's other then the typical information that one may glean from books. I hope it will help some, inspire some, and 'stir' some.

Contact me if you like at ,--pablo@amigo.net -- - Paul C Kloppenburg 719 256-4677