The Stupa That Conquers All Directions
If wisdom can be embodied and manifested in architecture, it would be the stupa. The architecture of the stupa is transformative in nature. It changes the consciousness of all those who come into view of it, orienting them toward the view of basic and ultimate goodness in all things. — Dr. Eva Wong
As physical representations of the Buddhist ideal of enlightenment, stupas are embodied aspirations for increasing wisdom and compassion in the world. Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche has asked Karmê Chöling to build a stupa to enable our unique and nurturing practice center to radiate out more fully to the world.
The Sakyong has given this stupa the name The Stupa That Conquers All Directions. Please take a moment to enjoy a short address that the Sakyong has given regarding the role of this stupa for Karmê Chöling.
Established in 1970, Karmê Chöling was the first teaching seat in North America of the Vidyadhara, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. The Stupa That Conquers All Directions will house some of his relics and communicate the powerful effect of his life and teachings.
The stupa will be built on a site that was selected by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and Dr. Eva Wong in May of 2006, and will be highly visible to all those who come to visit Karmê Chöling.
In September 2009, His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rinpoche and Lama Pegyal performed a three day ceremony in order to clear any obstacles for the building process to begin.
Since that time, Karmê Chöling has been actively working with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, lamas, architects and engineers to complete the design, engineering and permitting process.
In May of this year, Lama Chopal and Lama Gyurme Dorje came to Karmê Chöling in order to develop the appropriate proportions for the stupa’s design.
In addition, the lamas provided advice and direction on the ceremonial and ritual aspects involved in the construction and consecration of a stupa, including the approval and blessing of a cedar tree that will be used as the life force pole (sokshing) that will hang inside of the stupa.
Karmê Chöling’s partner architects and engineers are using the proportions developed by Lama Chopal & Lama Gyurme Dorje to create plans that will be used to begin the construction of the stupa. Through their efforts, we are prepared to lay the foundation for The Stupa that Conquers All Directions this October.
On Sunday, October 16, Karmê Chöling hosted a festive luncheon to celebrate the commencement of the construction. Executive DIrector Jane Arthur, Acharya Suzann Duquette, and Rusung Pablo Coddou were joined by more than seventy members of the local community and Karmê Chöling staff in order to engage their minds and hearts within this project. It was a delightful and rousing occasion!
Following this Karmê Chöling began construction of The Stupa that Conquers All Directions!
Near the end of November, workers were on site to lay the first phase of the foundation, a steel and concrete frame encapsulating the central part of the location of this monument to the mind of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
In the summer of 2012, the remainder of the foundation will be laid. Once this construction is complete and some ceremonial preparations are accomplished, at least one of the lamas will return to begin work on certain other ceremonial elements which will enable us to begin construction of the stupa.
Please join us in bringing together the best intentions that we have to offer.
Visit www.100000aspirations.org to share your aspiration for the well-being of the world.
Share your hopes and inspiration with your friends and family, too!
Every aspiration that is made by the Shambhala community, our neighbors and all other beings will be included within the stupa.
Donate now to support the construction of The Stupa that Conquers All Directions.
With your engagement and support, Karmê Chöling will be home to the Shambhala mandala’s third stupa, initiating a new era of growth, an era of expansion of Karmê Chöling’s capacity to contribute to making the world a better place.
