Stupa Symbolism
A stupa is a complex iconographic symbol in Buddhism, with each of its parts representing a specific aspect of the path to enlightenment.
The base of a stupa is formed by a multi-tiered throne or pedestal known as the “lion throne.” Above it rises the hemispherical dome of the stupa. Resting on top of the dome is a square harmika (reliquary chamber), and the upper section consists of thirteen discs, crowned by a lotus parasol, a crescent moon, a sun disc, and a jewel.
Shortly after Buddha Shakyamuni attained parinirvana, sixteen stupas were erected. The first group is known as the stupas of the eight sacred places, commemorating the eight principal events in the life of the Buddha. The second group consists of eight great memorial stupas of the cities, which contained the physical relics of the Buddha remaining after his cremation. As Buddhism spread to other regions of Asia, new stylistic forms of stupas gradually developed.
In the Tibetan tradition, we encounter eight stupas symbolizing the eight most significant events in the life of the Buddha.
From an external perspective, the structure of a stupa symbolizes the five elements from which the world is composed: earth, water, fire, air, and space (ether).
The form of a stupa represents the body of the Buddha seated in meditation.
The individual levels symbolize the path to the full development of human potential.
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Jewel
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Represents the indestructible nature of mind and the union of all wishes with the clear light of mind.
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Sun
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Symbol of limitless compassion, shining like the sun, and of the fully enlightened mind.
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Moon
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Symbol of the relatively enlightened mind and the wisdom of the Buddha.
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Garlands
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Represent all the excellent qualities of the enlightened state.
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Parasol and its connecting element
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This parasol of honor, one of the eight auspicious symbols, represents the overcoming of all suffering.
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Thirteen rings
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Symbolize the ten powers – ten aspects of the Buddha’s wisdom – and the three essential recollections: awareness of past, present, and future. (Related to the path of no more learning.)
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'Tre' above the vase
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This part corresponds to the 2nd to 10th stages of bodhisattva realization. Tre represents the Noble Eightfold Path on the path of meditation: right view, right understanding, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right meditative concentration.
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Vase
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This level symbolizes the seven branches of awakening on the path of seeing: deep mindfulness, deep investigation of phenomena, deep diligence, deep joy, deep familiarity, deep meditation, and deep equanimity. In the Mahayana path this corresponds to attaining the first bodhisattva level.
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Life tree
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The central axis of the stupa (inside the stupa, not visible). The tree symbolizes ten types of transcendent awareness – different aspects of Buddha wisdom.
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Buddha chamber
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A niche called the 'Buddha chamber', where a consecrated statue of the Buddha or another meditation aspect is placed, often corresponding to the symbolic meaning of the specific stupa.
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Immovable base supporting the vase
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This level symbolizes the five powers on the path of connection, representing the full development of the five faculties cultivated in previous stages.
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Fourth level above the throne
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Represents the five faculties on the path of connection: faith, diligence, mindfulness, meditative concentration, and wisdom.
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Third level above the throne
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Symbolizes the great path of accumulation and consists of four great qualities: turning toward the Dharma, unwavering perseverance, single-pointed concentration, and precise investigation.
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Second level above the throne
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Symbolizes the middle path of accumulation. Here four types of renunciation are realized: abandoning negative actions, remembering this renunciation, performing positive actions, and continuously increasing positive actions.
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First level above the throne
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Represents the small path of accumulation. Shows the four foundations of mindfulness: mindfulness of body, feelings, mind, and external phenomena.
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Upper square throne platform
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Formed by a large square base. Its four corners symbolize the four immeasurables: immeasurable love, compassion, joy, and equanimity.
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Small and large lotus
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Above the inner square section are two levels representing the small and large lotus. These lotus petals represent the six liberating actions (paramitas): generosity, ethics, patience, effort, meditative concentration, and wisdom.
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Lion throne
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Above the three levels is a high square block representing the throne. Snow lions are often depicted on it. The lion throne symbolizes the invincibility of the Dharma and the four fearlessnesses of the Buddha.
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Three levels above the ground base
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These three levels symbolize the Three Jewels: refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
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Ground base
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The ground base symbolizes the ten positive actions of body, speech, and mind.
The five elements that make up the world
As pure elements, earth, water, fire, air, and ether (space) are represented by the following symbols:
Earth - a yellow square
Water - a blue circle
Fire - a red triangle
Air - a green semicircle or crescent
Space - a dissolving white "drop"
In three-dimensional representations, the earth element appears as stacked yellow cubes, water as a blue sphere, fire as a red conical pyramid, air as a green hemisphere, and ether as an evaporating drop.
In esoteric symbolism, the earth element is expressed by the yellow Sanskrit syllable lam, water by the blue syllable vam, fire by the red syllable ram, air by the green syllable yam, and space by the white syllable hum.
During life, these elements are associated with the structure of the body (earth), blood and bodily fluids (water), body heat and temperament (fire), breath (air), and bodily cavities or spaces (ether).
