China Popular Itineraries |
|
|
|
|
Stupa, Chorten in Tibetan, is an important religious monument in Tibet. The unique religious architectural form, expressing significant religious symbolism and presenting Buddha's physical presence,
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 named 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 his crossed legs. Seated on the base is the cylinder,
representing the Buddha's torsos, which symbolizes water, the state of fluidity and seven essential conditions of enlightenment, namely concentration, effort, equanimity, flexibility, mindfulness, joy and wisdom. Sometimes a stupa has a shield like grillwork in one face, from which relics of high lamas, statues and other items are put inside. Between the cylinder and the crowning steeple, there is a square box, called harmika, which is deemed as the Buddha's eyes and considered as 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 enlightenments, successively symbolize ten powers of the Buddha and three close contemplations. The stylized parasol, representing wind, wards off all evils. 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 which Buddhists think 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 stuffs. Stupas are also used as tombs in which mummified bodies of high lamas are buried.
Stupas are also built in case of commemoration and merit accumulation except for the funeral use of high lamas. Building a stupa and any other work done on it are considered of highest purity and merit. Buddhists always show their devotion by circumambulating a stupa clockwise. Circumambulation 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 object and amulet. |
|
