Enlightenment Stupa
The Enlightenment Stupa, also known as the Stupa of Victory over All Obstacles, commemorates the night before Buddha Shakyamuni’s enlightenment, when he removed the final veils and obstacles from his mind.
The most important of all types of stupas is the Enlightenment Stupa. It symbolizes the goal of the Buddhist path — the recognition of one’s own mind and complete enlightenment. It represents liberation from all disturbing emotions and their underlying tendencies, and the full development of the mind’s qualities, especially the perfect wisdom of Buddhahood. It is therefore also a symbol of overcoming all obstacles and all veils of the mind.
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Stupa Design and Specifications
If you have the possibility to consult your teacher or lama, they can help you choose the most suitable type of stupa.
The dimensions and materials are identical for all stupa types.
Stupa Height
34.5cm
Stupa Width
18 cm
Height with Pedestal
43.5cm
Width with Pedestal
22 cm
Internal Volume
1 liter
Weight
approx. 4.4 kg
Material
Stupa body - ceramic compound (artificial stone),
Ornaments - epoxy and polyurethane resin
Stupa Specifications
+
Stupa Height
34.5cm
Stupa Width
18 cm
Height with Pedestal
43.5cm
Width with Pedestal
22 cm
Internal Volume
1 liter
Weight
4.4 kg
Material
Stupa body - ceramic compound (artificial stone), Ornaments - epoxy and polyurethane resin
Bodhgaya – Place Where the Buddha Reached Enlightenment
In all the world, only one place - the Vajrasana, the Diamond Throne, the only place firmly rooted to the core of our world-system - could withstand the energies relased through the transformative event of Buddha's enlightenment. Through the aeons this holy place had attracted a steady stream of sages and renunciates, who had drawn upon its power to illuminate their understanding. Here, seated on the Vajrasana and Shaded by the tree of enlightenment, the three previous Buddhas of our aeon had experienced their great transformation. Following in the footsteps of all the Buddhas before him and renewing the path for Buddhas to come, Gautama approached the Diamond Throne.
Accepting from a grasscutter a gift of kusa grass, the Bodhisattva Gautama took his place on the Vajrasana and entered a deep meditation. Rays of light came forth from his body, illuminating the cosmos throughout the ten directions and attracting even the gods to his side. Perceiving his power about to be broken, Mara, Lord of Illusion, rushed to distract Gautama from his purpose. The Bodhisattva touched the earth, calling it to witness the countless lifetimes of virtue that had led him to this place of enlightenment. When the earth shook, confirming the truth of Gautama's words, Mara unleashed his army of demons. In the epic battle that ensued, Gautama's intention prevailed; the power of his compassion transformed the demons' weapons into flowers, and Mara and his forces fled in disarrav. After the defeat of Mara, the Bodhisattva passed effortlessly through deeping levels of meditation, seeing clearly the arising, duration, and cessation of beings in all times, and places. He saw the patterns that rule human lives, limiting freedom and perpetuating suffering. Perceiving the causes of suffering, he also knew its cure; with this knowledge he opened the path to incomparable freedom. As his consciousness widened to encompass realities vast beyond comprehension, Gautama became a Buddha, a perfectly enlightened being. Through his consciousness, freed from all obscurations, flowed the Dharma-direct, unlimited knowledge of reality in all modes of existence.
The earth shook, resounding to this momentous event. Only the Vajrasana remained unmoved, supporting the Enlightenment One's adamantine concentration. In commemoration, this site became known as Bodhimanda, the Seat of Enlightenment. The region around Bodhimanda was named Bodh Gaya.
~ Holy places of the Buddha