KRF Development projects
The construction of stupas for peace & harmony in the world
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Various negative human activities cause the earth to become depleted and its elements to become disturbed. These activities may include excessive mining, chemical pollution of the air, water and soil, deforestation, and the increasing demands of an expanding global population. A stupa promotes peace and harmony by purifying and subduing negativity. The construction of stupas, with the vases and other precious materials and relics placed within them, has the power to restore the earth’s energies and to help balance the elements. In this way, the construction of stupas helps to prevent natural disasters, wars, famine, and diseases and they help to balance the natural forces that promote health, prosperity and well being. It is said that developing a positive attitude and praying for the peace and happiness of all sentient beings in the presence of such a sacred object can help to extend one's life and to pacify sickness. Visiting and venerating stupas also ripens one's potential to attain enlightenment. They create a peaceful environment and inspire well-being and joy for the whole region in which they are implanted.
The construction of stupas is a very detailed process, involving mathematical and astrological formulations, as well as ceremonial preparations and prayers. During the construction process, the stupa is filled with special vases, thousands of prayer scrolls (zung), sacred relics and precious offerings. There are several types of stupas varying in size and shape. And although the symbolic structures have many layers of profound meaning, in general, the stupa represents the Buddha’s body, speech and mind. The crown of the Buddha is the top of the spire, the Buddha’s head is symbolized by the square at the spire's base, the Buddha’s body is symbolized by the vase shape, and the base of the stupa symbolizes the throne.
Stupas are one of the most remarkable examples of sacred Tibetan architecture, representing the enlightened nature of mind. They are also one of the most ancient and distinctive forms of Buddhist expression. A large number of the myriad examples to be found in Tibet were destroyed during the Chinese cultural revolution of the 1970’s Apart from the very powerful symbolic and religious significance stupas have for Tibetans, the construction of stupas also provides an exceptional opportunity for Tibetan lamas, architects, and artists to pass on these very precise knowledge and skills.
Songtsen has helped in the construction of numerous stupas in Europe. Over the last few decades, Songtsen has also assisted in the construction of numerous stupas and monuments in the East, primarily in India and Nepal. This includes:
- France:
- La Sonnerie, St. Leon Sur Vezere
- Antamnies, Tursac
- Le Moustier
- Plazac
- Finland:
- Helinski
- Bhutan:
- Tharpaling
- India:
- Bodhgaya
- Sankiasa
- Nepal:
- Shechen, Boudha
How you can help
To help sponsor a stupa project, you can make an online donation or read more about donations and how you can get involved. You may also donate materials to be offered inside the stupas or to ornament the stupas, such as gold, precious stones, as well as collections of coins and earth from various countries. For more information, please contact us or send us an email at support@songtsen.org.
View more project photos in the photo gallery.
Other KRF projects:
- Sitapaila: Construction of a Tibetan monastery, Nepal
- Do-nga Choling: Construction of a monastery in Lumbini, Nepal
- The library project, Dordogne, France
- Support for Tibetan refugees
- Support for Himalayan communities
- Student grants in India, Nepal and Tibet for the under-privileged
- Projects in Tibet
Helpful links: