For example , the stupa ’ s square base represents equanimity ; the round dome , indestructibility ; the triangular spire , compassion , the semicircular umbrella , all-accomplishing action ; and at the very top , the jewel-shaped crystal drop ( tigle ) represents allpervading awareness .
On a more general note , the configuration of the entire universe as conceived in Buddhist cosmology is a gigantic stupa — as is the structure of a person ’ s body . Thus a stupa is a gateway that merges a person ’ s innate wisdom and compassion with the luminously pure , all-pervasive , primordial nature ( Dharmakaya ).
An empowered lineage
Modern stupas date back to the historic Buddha ( Shakyamuni ), who gave precise
Top : His Holiness Penor Rinpoche ; instructions about how to
Jetsunma Ahkön build and maintain these sacred structures in the Drimed
Lhamo Rinpoche ; Tulku Sang-ngag
Namnyiy or the “ Two Stainless
Rinpoche Cycles .” Stupa masters follow this text to this day .
All stupas have a precise internal symmetry and orientation in space even though their outer appearance may look dissimilar . A stupa ’ s spiritual potency is amplified by the offerings in its chambers ( such as relics and prayers ) and by ceremonies that accompany the building process — from preparing the land to consecrating the stupa when it is built .
Image of Amitabha Buddha courtesy of Nick Dudka , www . thangka . ru .
A shimmering bronze image of Buddha Amitabha — the Buddha of Limitless Light — is set into the Amitabha Stupa . Amitabha ’ s mantra , “ Om Ah Mi De Wa Hri ,” ( in Tibetan ) is considered especially potent when recited with faith at the time of death .
Every stupa begins with the vision and inspiration of an authentic spiritual master . In the case of the Amitabha Stupa that vision came from Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo , who was recognized by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche as a reincarnate bodhisattva ( tulku ) and Palyul lineage holder in the Nyingma tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism . Jetsunma is the founder and spiritual director of Kunzang Palyul Chöling ( KPC ), worldwide centers for compassionate practice , activ-