STUPA

Jam Tse Dhargyey Ling is in the process of constructing an Enlightenment Stupa at the top of the hill behind the Centre. 

Stupas are structures that represent Buddha's enlightened mind, Dharmakaya, and each part of the Stupa shows the path to Enlightenment. Building a Stupa is a very powerful way to purify negative karma and obscurations, and to accumulate extensive merit. In this way you can have realizations of the path to Enlightenment and be able to do perfect work to liberate suffering beings, who equal the sky, leading them to the peerless happiness of Enlightenment, which is the ultimate goal of our life. Stupas promote harmony, prosperity, longevity, good health, peace, and freedom from ignorance. They subdue fear, corruption, and pollution, and bring blessings to the environment in which they are built, to those who build them, and to those who visit and venerate them. In this way, Stupas ensure that the living quality of the Buddhist teachings will always be available.

Once a site for a Stupa was chosen many Pujas (prayers) were said and the earth deities addressed to seek a blessing for the site and to remove any obstacles to the successful building of the Stupa. All those involved in the work must be sure to have the right motivation so that every aspect of the Stupa emanates the pure mind of Buddha.

Each Stupa in the Tibetan tradition sits upon a square base called the Lion’s Seat whose four sides refer to the four qualities of mind basic to the attainment of enlightenment. These are:- Love, Compassion, Joy and Equanimity. This base is then traditionally filled with jewels, precious texts and relics pertaining to the tradition of Stupa building. On the Lion’s Seat there are then built five steps which are representative of the progress of the mind towards enlightenment. Each step can be divided into two and alludes to the ten levels of Bodisattva realization.

The rounded form built on top of the steps is called the Bumpa which will contain in the future the statue of Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion. The Bumpa itself is representative of the seventeen levels of the Realm of Form.

Out of the Bumpa a spire forms and on top of that sit ornaments which together represent the four stages of the Formless Realm. In much the same way as the Stupa's outer manifestation mirrors that of pure mind, so too must its inner contents. Great emphasis is placed on the consciousness with which the objects within its form are made. The tradition is very particular in the way it states exactly what should be placed inside and in what manner they must be crafted to ensure the utmost purity.

A central axis called the Sog Shing, meaning “Life Stick” is made, and is traditionally carved from Sandalwood or Juniper. However, if it is not possible to obtain these woods, the wood of any tree which does not bear poisonous fruit can be used. Once the tree has been chosen, prayers and offerings are made to the Earth Spirits for permission to use it. A monk with full ordination vows must then craft the wood into a tapered shape and either carve or paint mantras over its surface. It is important that all materials used in this process are of the highest quality possible. At the tip of the Life Stick a picture of the Victory Stupa is made and at its base that of a half Dorje. Holes are made at the top and base and blessed relics, medicines and texts are placed inside. The Life Stick is then wrapped in precious materials and is fixed in place on the Lion’s Seat. It is long enough to protrude to the Stupa's highest point.

The Stupa is then filled with relics, like Tsa Tsas (small clay model of stupas or deities) which symbolically pertain to the utmost purity of mind. It is said that if the Stupa itself is the representation of Buddhas' body then the Relics are the life force which flows through it and, as such, are even more vital than its outer form. Once the Stupa is complete and all the relics are in place, a blessing ceremony takes place.

The Benefit of the Stupa emanates far and wide and is said to go on for Aeons. The positive energy is impossible to measure. Liberation is said to be given by merely hearing about a Stupa, by touching it, by seeing it, by praying to it, by walking around it and by eating the offerings that are made to it. In the West Stupa building is an activity in its infancy, but one whose inspiration must surely touch us all.

Sponsorship
For the Stupa to be completed, your financial assistance is required. Sponsorship is an opportunity to gain great merit and contribute to something lasting and meaningful.  Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. See Stupa Wish List.
We are also making specific statues available for sponsorship.  These beautiful statues are hand crafted by qualified artisans in Nepal. Each statue will be housed in the meditation room directly below the Stupa, in a hand made cabinet. Sponsors' names will be placed underneath their statues and will be kept safe there for years to come.

Currently, the following statues are available for sponsorship:

1 Shakyamuni Buddha (life-size) $6000 (sponsored)

1 Manjushri (70 cm) $3500 (sponsored)

1 Green Tara (70 cm) $3500  (sponsored)

1 Chenrezig (70 cm) $3500  (sponsored)

52 Shakyamuni Buddha (30 cm) $500 each  (some still available)

21 Green Tara (30 cm) $500 each  (some still available)

52 Chenrezig (30 cm) $500 each (some still available)

Large Prayer Wheels

21 Prayer Wheels will be bought in India, and filled here by our Sangha. They will be placed either around or on a path leading up to the Stupa. $500 each

Stupas for your home

To bring the energy of a Stupa into your home, you may purchase a unique small brass Stupa, which will be filled and consecrated by our Sangha.  We request a $100 donation for this Stupa.  All proceeds will go directly towards the construction of the Enlightenment Stupa.

Funds are still required to complete the Stupa: tiles, electricity, lamps, landscaping, altar, carpet, meditation cushions, paving, etc.

To make a contribution towards the Stupa, to sponsor a specific statue, or to purchase a Stupa for your home, please contact us.

Stupa Account Details : BNZ (Bank of New Zealand) Whangarei : 02 0492 0418 461 03 : Name: Jam Tse Dhargyey Ling Trust 

The benefits of building a Stupa

The following ten benefits of a Stupa were explained by Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche in Chenrezig Institute, Australia, in September 1994.
"The Stupa represents Buddha's holy mind, Dharmakaya, and each part of the Stupa shows the path to Enlightenment. Building a Stupa is a very powerful way to purify negative karma and obscurations, and to accumulate extensive merit. In this way you can have realizations of the path to Enlightenment and be able to do perfect work to liberate suffering beings, who equal the sky, leading them to the peerless happiness of Enlightenment, which is the ultimate goal of our life.

1. If you make 1,000 Stupas, you will become a great 'Wheel-turning Holder of the Wisdom Teachings' (Mahayana Secret Mantra) and have clairvoyance knowing all the Buddhadharma.
2. After death, without being born in the lower realms, you will be born as a King.
3. You will become like a sun, rising in the world, with perfect senses and a beautiful body.
4. You will be able to remember past lives and see future lives.
5. You will be able to extensively listen to the Dharma without forgetfulness.
6. The "Stainless Beam" sutra states - 'All negative karma and obscurations, including the five uninterrupted negative karmas, are purified even by dreaming of a Stupa, seeing a Stupa hearing the sound of the bell of a Stupa and even for birds and flies etc, by being touched by the shadow of a Stupa.
7. The sentient beings will always be protected by the Buddhas, who always pay attention to guiding them to achieve complete pure Enlightenment. They abide in the irreversible stage.
8. It is explained by Shakyamuni Buddha in the Sutras, that it is extremely powerful to build a Stupa for those who have passed away, as it immediately changes a suffering rebirth into a fortunate rebirth with the opportunity to meet the Dharma.
9. It can also heal those with serious diseases.
10. There is no question that it accumulates extensive merit and brings success and happiness. Therefore, dedicate for your ancestors, family members and friends who have passed away or who are sick, and for the happiness of yourself and your family in this and future lives. "