Tsa Tsa Painting

As we move closer to the consecration of the Purkhang as a kudung stupa in April 2027, we turn our attention to a beautiful and meaningful practice: creating and painting the tsa tsas that will rest within the stupa as sacred offerings. Through this simple, meditative work, we help bring the vision of the stupa to life.

This is a rare opportunity to participate directly in a historic project that will benefit practitioners for generations to come. Hundreds of hours of quiet, devoted work will be needed to prepare the tsa tsas and mantras that will fill the stupa. No previous experience is required—we will provide guidance and training. What matters most is a willingness to approach the work as practice: with care, respect, attention, and an open heart.

Whether you live nearby or would like to make a pilgrimage to Karmê Chöling for a day or a weekend, we warmly invite you to join us.

This is the schedule for the entire weekend. All aspects of it are optional. (This includes our household meditation practice which is open and free, and meal times which are by donation—$15 each meal or $30/day). We do ask that if you have not worked with the tsa tsas at KCL this year, that you make sure to catch the beginning of whichever session you are attending, as that is when the instructions will be given.

Saturday

• 9-10:30am: Sitting Practice
• 10:30: Tsa Tsa Session #1
• 12:30: Lunch
• 2:00: Tsa Tsa Session #2
• 5:30-6:30: Sitting Practice
• 6:30-8: Dinner

Sunday

• 9-10:30am: Sitting Practice
• 10:30: Tsa Tsa Session #3
• 12:30: Lunch
• 2:00: Tsa Tsa Session #4
• 5:30-6:30: Sitting Practice
• 6:30-8: Dinner

Please be sure to register so we know how many to expect.

Register Here

A tsa tsa is a small clay image traditionally used as a devotional offering in Tibetan Buddhism. The tsa tsas we create will be in the shape of a stupa and will become part of the sacred contents of the kudung stupa.

More than an object, a tsa tsa is an expression of devotion and aspiration. It serves as a support for remembrance, practice, and the cultivation of virtue. The word tsa tsa is sometimes translated as “spark,” reflecting its traditional association with clearing obstacles and bringing benefit to oneself and others.

The Buddha said that whoever makes stupas from any material, at any place, even children playing to make stupas from sand, will achieve buddhahood. In the Buddhist tradition, creating tsa tsas is considered a practice of great benefit.

Working with mantra and color invites us to slow down and bring mindfulness to each step. The teachings describe tsa tsa making as a way to accumulate merit, purify obscurations, deepen one's connection to the Dharma, and generate benefit for all beings. The true value of the practice lies not only in what is created, but in the care, attention, and aspiration brought to the process.

Our work with the tsa tsas will unfold in two stages, with mantras being chanted throughout the process. First, we will prepare and insert paper mantras into each tsa tsa. Then we will paint them, traditionally described as "offering a robe to a sacred image."

The upper portion will be painted gold and the lower portion red. In this way, each tsa tsa becomes both an offering and a practice, infused with intention, devotion, and blessing.

By participating, you become part of the collective effort to transform the Purkhang into a stupa—a sacred monument dedicated to the Vidyadhara as well as a support for practice. It will offer future generations a place to make offerings, circumambulate, remember the teachings, and awaken devotion. Its purpose is not only to honor the past, but to benefit all who encounter it for years to come.

If you would like to participate in finishing the tsa tsas, please let us know by registering.

Register Here