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Choosing the Type of Stupa

Tibetan stupas most commonly appear in eight principal forms, associated with the places where the Buddha first taught the Dharma.

 

Most of these forms are connected to the deeds and life events of the fourth historical Buddha, Shakyamuni.

Three Types of Tibetan Buddhist Stupas

The Stupa of Enlightenment is the most important of all eight forms, as it symbolizes the goal of the Buddhist path — the realization of one’s true nature of mind, or full enlightenment.

 

The handcrafted production of a stupa typically takes approximately 1–2 months, depending on the selected finish. The production time is approximate and may vary.

Lotus Buddhist Stupa – Symbol of the Buddha’s Birth

Lotus Stupa

birth of Buddha

 

The main body of the stupa is characterized by the shape of the lotus

and symbolizes Buddha's birth in the grove of Lumbini.

Buddhist Stupa of Many Doors – Symbol of the First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma

Stupa of Many Doors

first teachings

 

The stupa of many doors was built in Sarnath (Varanasi), where for the first time the Buddha gave the teachings of a small way about the Four Noble Truths.

Buddhist Stupa of Descent from Heaven – Symbol of the Buddha’s Return from the Celestial Realms

Descent from Heaven Stupa

descent from heaven Tushita after teaching to his mother

 

It commemorates the day when Buddha Sakyamuni descended from the realm of the thirty-three gods, where he went to teach.

Buddhist Stupa of Victory – Symbol of Overcoming Obstacles and the Victory of the Dharma

Victory Stupa

extending life for his students request

 

It reminds the time when the Buddha in Vaishali, at the request of his disciples, extended his life by three months.

Buddhist Enlightenment Stupa – Symbol of the Buddha’s Awakening

Enlightenment Stupa

attaining enlightenment

 

It is a memory of the night before the enlightenment of Buddha Sakyamuni, when he removed the last veils and obstacles from his mind.

Buddhist Stupa of Miracles – Symbol of Turning Beings Toward Right View

Stupa

of Miracles

turning opponents to the right view by miracles

 

It is a memory of how the miracles of the Buddha have persuaded advocates of bad opinions.

Buddhist Stupa of Reconciliation – Symbol of Harmony and Unity of the Sangha

Stupa

of Reconciliation

averting divide in sangha

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The stupa of reconciliation or the stupa of unification are related

with disrupt in Sanga.

A stupa was built in honor of reconciliation in the community

in Rajgriha.

Buddhist Stupa of Parinirvana – Symbol of the Buddha’s Passing into Parinirvana

Parinirvana Stupa

leaving to Nirvana, complete realization

 

It symbolizes the state of mind that the Buddha entered after his death in Kusinagara. The main body of this stupa is bell-shaped and is a symbol of Buddha's perfect wisdom.

If possible, we recommend consulting the choice of stupa type with your teacher or lama. If this is not possible, you are also welcome to contact us — we will be happy to help.

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Stupas are, in the Buddhist tradition, a symbol of awakened mind, compassion, and wisdom.

Thank you for helping to keep this tradition alive.

 

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