Stupa(Chorten
in Tibetan) is an important religious monument in Tibet. This unique
religious architectural form expresses significant religious symbolism
and presents Buddha's physical presence. It generally consists of
three parts; a whitewashed base, a whitewashed cylinder and a crowning
steeple or shaft. The square base foundation, representing the Buddha's
lotus throne, symbolizes earth, the state of solidity and five forces
(faith, concentration, mindfulness, perseverance and wisdom. The
four stepped base may or may not have openings. Above the base is
a square or hexagon four stepped pedestal which represents The Buddha's
crossed legs. Seated on the base is the cylinder, representing his
torso. This symbolizes water, the state of fluidity and seven essential
conditions of enlightenment: concentration, effort, equanimity,
flexibility, mindfulness, joy and wisdom. Sometimes a stupa has
a shield like grillwork in one face. This allows relics of
high lamas, statues and other items to be put inside. Between the
cylinder and the crowning steeple, there is a square box, called
Harmika, which represents the Buddha's eyes. It is considered to
be the residence of the gods, symbolizing the eightfold noble path.
The crowning steeple, the Buddha's crown, is usually hand-made of
brass and/or covered with gold leaf. It is segmented into 13 tapering
rings, a parasol and a twin symbol of the sun and the moon. Those
rings, representing fire and the thirteen steps of enlightenment,
successively symbolize ten powers of the Buddha and three close
contemplations. The stylized parasol, representing wind, wards off
all evil. At the top of the steeple is the twin symbol of the sun
and the moon, which represent wisdom and method respectively. A
flaming jewel may be found atop the twin symbol, symbolizing the
highest enlightenment.
Stupas always house items that Buddhists hold sacred.
Sutra scripts, Buddha statues, Tsa-Tsas, hair clippings, fingernails,
relics and cremation ashes of saints are usually enshrined in stupas
along with jewels, herbs and other objects. They are sometimes used
as tombs in which mummified bodies of high lamas are buried.
Stupas
may also be built in commemoration of high Lamas as a sign of merit
accumulation, or for their funerals. Building a stupa and any other
work done on it are considered of work of the highest purity and
merit. Buddhists always show their devotion by circling the stupa
clockwise. Doing this can also accumulate merit. The size and style
of stupa may vary, from the large stupas commonly seen in monasteries
and on road passes, to portable ones many Tibetan people carry with
them as sacred objects and amulets.
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Stupa(Chorten
in Tibetan) is an important religious monument in Tibet. This unique
religious architectural form expresses significant religious symbolism
and presents Buddha's physical presence. It generally consists of
three parts; a whitewashed base, a whitewashed cylinder and a crowning
steeple or shaft. The square base foundation, representing the Buddha's
lotus throne, symbolizes earth, the state of solidity and five forces
(faith, concentration, mindfulness, perseverance and wisdom. The
four stepped base may or may not have openings. Above the base is
a square or hexagon four stepped pedestal which represents The Buddha's
crossed legs. Seated on the base is the cylinder, representing his
torso. This symbolizes water, the state of fluidity and seven essential
conditions of enlightenment: concentration, effort, equanimity,
flexibility, mindfulness, joy and wisdom. Sometimes a stupa has
a shield like grillwork in one face. This allows relics 
of
high lamas, statues and other items to be put inside. Between the
cylinder and the crowning steeple, there is a square box, called
Harmika, which represents the Buddha's eyes. It is considered to
be the residence of the gods, symbolizing the eightfold noble path.
The crowning steeple, the Buddha's crown, is usually hand-made of
brass and/or covered with gold leaf. It is segmented into 13 tapering
rings, a parasol and a twin symbol of the sun and the moon. Those
rings, representing fire and the thirteen steps of enlightenment,
successively symbolize ten powers of the Buddha and three close
contemplations. The stylized parasol, representing wind, wards off
all evil. At the top of the steeple is the twin symbol of the sun
and the moon, which represent wisdom and method respectively. A
flaming jewel may be found atop the twin symbol, symbolizing the
highest enlightenment.
Stupas
may also be built in commemoration of high Lamas as a sign of merit
accumulation, or for their funerals. Building a stupa and any other
work done on it are considered of work of the highest purity and
merit. Buddhists always show their devotion by circling the stupa
clockwise. Doing this can also accumulate merit. The size and style
of stupa may vary, from the large stupas commonly seen in monasteries
and on road passes, to portable ones many Tibetan people carry with
them as sacred objects and amulets.