In commemoration of the consecration of the Stupa at Karuna House, 17 June 2006.
A stupa embodies the power to purify the environment, perfect the mind and live a long life
Transcending architecture and archaeology, the stupa is the living embodiment of Buddhist teachings - a harmonising of the physical with the spiritual. It represents the ultimate qualities of an enlightened being and is therefore considered a very precious and holy object.
Stupa is a Sanskrit word that means ‘to heap’ or ‘to pile up’ and relates to the mound-like shape of the earliest stupas.
It is said that wherever a stupa is built, all the beings who live in that area will receive numerous benefits.They will enjoy a peaceful environment, harmony and happiness.
A stupa is a symbolic representation of the enlightened mind and of the path leading to that state of perfection.
Karuna’s stupa has been built according to principles laid out in ancient Sanskrit texts detailing the intricate rituals of raising and consecrating these sacred monuments. It is filled with sacred objects such as mantras, spiritual texts, images of Buddha, relics of holy beings and wealth vases.
Just seeing a stupa accumulates positive imprints for future lives and cleanses lifetimes of negative imprints from the mind stream.
Respectfully walking around (circumambulating) a stupa enhances positive qualities and purifies negative mental imprints including the karmic causes of illness.
Making an offering to a stupa, for example light, music, flowers or a contribution to its construction and maintenance, creates the cause for success in this and future lives.
The following are meditations that you can undertake while visiting the stupa.
Imagine light coming from the consecrated stupa, totally illuminating your body, purifying illness, disturbing emotions and negative karma.
You can use the above meditation for others. Simply imagine that they are present while you meditate.
Recite a mantra for example OM MANI PADME HUM, the mantra of the Buddha of Compassion, as you walk around the stupa.
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