Enlightenment Stupa

The Dallas KTC has been fortunate enough to have a traditional “Enlightenment Stupa” built and blessed on its property. In the Tibetan tradition, there are eight main types of Stupas (Chöten), each associated with a particular event in the life of Buddha Shakyamuni. In particular, an “Enlightenment Stupa” symbolizes the Buddha’s attainment of enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree near Bodhgaya, India.

Shaped to resemble the Buddha, crowned and seated in the meditation posture, with its base representing his throne and the spire's top his crown, the stupa also symbolizes the five elements, their relationship to the enlightened mind, and the corresponding essential attributes of the fully realized human being. The base signifies earth and equanimity; the dome, water and indestructibility; the spire, fire and compassion; above the spire, wind and all-accomplishing action; and the jewel at the top, space and all-pervading awareness.

Filled with sacred relics, prayers, precious metals, and stones, the stupa is encircled by brightly colored prayer flags inscribed with auspicious symbols and invocations and said to bring long life, prosperity, and happiness. While all forms of prayer are welcome here, the traditional Tibetan Buddhist ritual involves circling the stupa clockwise while repeating your favorite meditation mantra or breathing technique, and you will receive the blessings as if in the presence of the Buddha himself.