Difference between revisions of "Enlightenment Stupa in Benalmádena"
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− | Welcome to the Enlightenment Stupa in Benalmádena - a vivid monument to the enlightened mind, a Buddhist monument for peace, prosperity, harmony of the world and an ideal place to learn, reflect, and meditate. | + | Welcome to the [[Enlightenment Stupa in Benalmádena]] - a vivid monument to the [[enlightened]] [[mind]], a [[Buddhist]] monument for [[peace]], prosperity, [[harmony]] of the [[world]] and an ideal place to learn, reflect, and meditate. |
[[File:Stupa-benalmadena.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Stupa-benalmadena.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | The Stupa and its activity are directed and administrated by the cultural association Asociación Cultural Karma Kagyu de Benalmádena and its spiritual guide is H.H. the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje. | + | The [[Stupa]] and its [[activity]] are directed and administrated by the cultural association Asociación Cultural [[Karma Kagyu]] de Benalmádena and its [[spiritual]] guide is H.H. the 17th Gyalwa [[Karmapa]] Trinley Thaye Dorje. |
− | It was built due to the inspiration of the great Buddhist Master from Bhutan, Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, the cooperation of some of his western disciples, and the support of the Local Government of Benalmádena City with its then Mayor, Don Enrique Bolín. | + | It was built due to the inspiration of the great [[Buddhist Master]] from [[Bhutan]], [[Lopon Tsechu]] [[Rinpoche]], the cooperation of some of his western [[disciples]], and the support of the Local Government of Benalmádena City with its then Mayor, Don Enrique Bolín. |
− | The Enlightenment Stupa was inaugurated on October 5th, 2003. The consecration ceremonies were conducted by the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche and with the presence of Lama Jigme Rinpoche, the sister of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan, Ashi Sonam Choden Dorji, her husband, Dasho Wangdi Jamyang; Buthan’s Minister Lynpo Sangye Ngodup, Lama Ole Nydahl and his wife Hannah Nydahl and the then Mayor of Benalmádena city, Don Enrique Bolin, as well as with the participation of many distinguished guests and approximately 4000 friends from around the world. | + | The [[Enlightenment]] [[Stupa]] was inaugurated on October 5th, 2003. The [[consecration]] ceremonies were conducted by the 14th Kunzig [[Shamar Rinpoche]] and with the presence of [[Lama]] Jigme [[Rinpoche]], the sister of the {{Wiki|Queen}} Mothers of [[Bhutan]], Ashi Sonam Choden Dorji, her husband, Dasho Wangdi Jamyang; Buthan’s Minister Lynpo Sangye Ngodup, [[Lama]] [[Ole Nydahl]] and his wife Hannah Nydahl and the then Mayor of Benalmádena city, Don Enrique Bolin, as well as with the participation of many distinguished guests and approximately 4000 friends from around the world. |
− | According to the Buddhist teachings there are eight different types of Tibetan Stupas. Each of them represents an important event of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni’s life story. The Enlightenment Stupa (Chang Chub Chorten in Tibetan) symbolizes the achievement of Buddha’s enlightenment, the nature of a fully awakened mind. | + | According to the [[Buddhist teachings]] there are eight different types of [[Tibetan]] [[Stupas]]. Each of them represents an important event of [[the historical Buddha]] [[Shakyamuni’s]] [[life]] story. The [[Enlightenment]] [[Stupa]] (Chang Chub [[Chorten]] in [[Tibetan]]) [[symbolizes]] the achievement of [[Buddha’s]] [[enlightenment]], the nature of a fully [[awakened]] mind. |
− | Each of the 8 different Stupa types is built according to very precise instructions where both the exact design and proportions have to be correctly followed. | + | Each of the 8 different [[Stupa]] types is built according to very precise instructions where both the exact design and proportions have to be correctly followed. |
− | The outer structure of a Stupa has a deep meaning at many levels and its inner treasure chambers are filled with symbolical objects. Consequently qualified Lamas charge the Stupas through powerful ceremonies. | + | The outer structure of a [[Stupa]] has a deep meaning at many levels and its inner [[treasure]] chambers are filled with symbolical [[objects]]. Consequently qualified [[Lamas]] charge the [[Stupas]] through powerful ceremonies. |
− | Stupas are normally closed monoliths, which Buddhists circumbulate (by Tibetans referred to by the term kora) while expressing their deep wishes as being in front of Buddha himself. To absorb its beneficial influence into our lives it is recommended to walk around the Stupa in a clock wise direction. Buddhists believe that wishes done near a Stupa may become true. | + | Stupas are normally closed monoliths, which [[Buddhists]] circumbulate (by [[Tibetans]] referred to by the term [[kora]]) while expressing their deep wishes as [[being]] in front of [[Buddha]] himself. To absorb its beneficial [[influence]] into our [[lives]] it is recommended to walk around the [[Stupa]] in a clock [[wise]] [[direction]]. [[Buddhists]] believe that wishes done near a [[Stupa]] may become true. |
[[File:Stupa_in_Benalmadena_1.jpg|thumb|250px]] | [[File:Stupa_in_Benalmadena_1.jpg|thumb|250px]] | ||
− | The Enlightenment Stupa in Benalmádena is one of the few exceptions in the world by having incorporated in its inner structure a meditation hall. This was possible due to the dimensions of the monument - it is until the present day the largest Stupa in the West. | + | The [[Enlightenment Stupa in Benalmádena]] is one of the few exceptions in the [[world]] by having incorporated in its inner structure a [[meditation]] hall. This was possible due to the dimensions of the monument - it is until the present day the largest [[Stupa]] in the West. |
− | The monument was erected on a panoramic platform overlooking Costa del Sol with the blessing of Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche and with the help of the architect Wojtek Kossowski, who participated in the construction of 18 other Stupas guided spiritualy by the Master. | + | The monument was erected on a panoramic platform overlooking Costa del Sol with the [[blessing]] of [[Lopon Tsechu]] [[Rinpoche]] and with the help of the {{Wiki|architect}} Wojtek Kossowski, who participated in the construction of 18 other [[Stupas]] guided spiritualy by the Master. |
− | 16 of these Stupas were built in Spain, Germany, Austria, Russia, Switzerland and Poland in the last eleven years of Rinpoche’s life. After his passing away and following his wish, the projects of three more Stupas were accomplished in Denmark, Mexico and Greece. | + | 16 of these [[Stupas]] were built in {{Wiki|Spain}}, {{Wiki|Germany}}, Austria, {{Wiki|Russia}}, {{Wiki|Switzerland}} and Poland in the last eleven years of Rinpoche’s [[life]]. After his passing away and following his wish, the projects of three more [[Stupas]] were accomplished in {{Wiki|Denmark}}, Mexico and Greece. |
− | It is 33 meters (108 feet) tall with a base width of 25.8 meters (82 feet) and contains an over 100 square meter (1100 square-foot) meditation hall inside. From the ceiling of the meditation hall up to its top, the Stupa is completely filled with sacred objects. Its treasure chambers, which are sealed forever, contain among others: | + | It is 33 meters ([[108]] feet) tall with a base width of 25.8 meters (82 feet) and contains an over 100 square meter (1100 square-foot) [[meditation]] hall inside. From the ceiling of the [[meditation]] hall up to its top, the [[Stupa]] is completely filled with [[sacred]] [[objects]]. Its [[treasure]] chambers, which are sealed forever, contain among others: |
− | 6000 Buddha-reliefs made out of clay by two western disciples of Rinpoche, representing six different Buddhist aspects: | + | 6000 Buddha-reliefs made out of clay by two western [[disciples]] of [[Rinpoche]], representing six different [[Buddhist]] aspects: |
− | The Historical Buddha Shakyamuni. | + | [[The Historical Buddha]] Shakyamuni. |
− | Thousand Arm Chenresig - The Thousand Arm Buddha of Loving Eyes. | + | Thousand Arm [[Chenresig]] - The Thousand Arm [[Buddha]] of [[Loving]] Eyes. |
Sangye Mitukpa. | Sangye Mitukpa. | ||
− | Sangye Menla - The Medicine Buddha. | + | Sangye Menla - The [[Medicine]] Buddha. |
− | Buddha Amytayus - The Long Life Buddha. | + | [[Buddha]] Amytayus - The Long [[Life]] Buddha. |
− | Dorje Sempa - The Diamond Mind Buddha. | + | [[Dorje Sempa]] - The [[Diamond]] [[Mind]] Buddha. |
− | half a ton of Buddhist prayers printed on cotton paper | + | half a ton of [[Buddhist]] [[prayers]] printed on cotton paper |
− | the complete teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni - Kanjur (108 volumes) and the complete explanations of the teachings - Tenjur | + | the complete teachings of [[Buddha Shakyamuni]] - [[Kanjur]] ([[108]] volumes) and the complete explanations of the teachings - Tenjur |
− | the Tree of Life - a 17 meter long, especially for that purpose elaborated tree placed vertically in the center of the Stupa, representing the Buddha’s spine, when interpreting the Stupa as Buddha’s body, or representing the Axis Mundi, when interpreting the Stupa as the whole universe | + | the [[Tree]] of [[Life]] - a 17 meter long, especially for that purpose elaborated [[tree]] placed vertically in the center of the [[Stupa]], representing the [[Buddha’s]] spine, when interpreting the [[Stupa]] as [[Buddha’s]] [[body]], or representing the Axis Mundi, when interpreting the [[Stupa]] as the whole universe |
− | innumerable sacred objects and relicts brought from powerful Buddhist places from the Himalayas | + | [[innumerable]] [[sacred]] [[objects]] and relicts brought from powerful [[Buddhist]] places from the Himalayas |
− | The most precious relict is a Buddha Kashyapa Relict - the previous Buddha before Buddha Shakyamuni’s times | + | The most [[precious]] relict is a [[Buddha]] [[Kashyapa]] Relict - the previous [[Buddha]] before [[Buddha]] [[Shakyamuni’s]] times |
− | A small Tsa Tsa (clay relief) personally done by the most famous Tibetan Yogi of all times, Milarepa (11th century) | + | A small Tsa Tsa (clay relief) personally done by the most famous [[Tibetan]] [[Yogi]] of all times, [[Milarepa]] (11th century) |
− | The paintings on the walls of the meditation hall represent the life story of the Historical Buddha Shakyamuni and have been elaborated by Nepalese artists in the traditional religious style of the Himalayas. | + | The paintings on the walls of the [[meditation]] hall represent the [[life]] story of the [[Historical Buddha]] [[Shakyamuni]] and have been elaborated by Nepalese artists in the [[traditional]] [[religious]] style of the Himalayas. |
[[File:798MainPicture.jpg|thumb|250px]] | [[File:798MainPicture.jpg|thumb|250px]] | ||
− | An additional space for exhibitions related to Tibetan Buddhism, the Himalayan culture and Stupas around the world, has been adapted underneath the meditation hall. | + | An additional [[space]] for exhibitions related to [[Tibetan Buddhism]], the [[Himalayan]] {{Wiki|culture}} and [[Stupas]] around the [[world]], has been adapted underneath the [[meditation]] hall. |
− | "We all need a peaceful world. But world peace is not easy to achieve. First one has to practise the Dharma and our mind will become peaceful. As a result everybody will perceive that peace. Just to discuss peace in conferences is not enough. One has to educate and make comprehend that as a starting-point for world peace we need a peaceful mind." | + | "We all need a [[peaceful]] [[world]]. But [[world]] [[peace]] is not easy to achieve. First one has to practise the [[Dharma]] and our [[mind]] will become [[peaceful]]. As a result everybody will perceive that [[peace]]. Just to discuss [[peace]] in conferences is not enough. One has to educate and make comprehend that as a starting-point for [[world]] [[peace]] we need a [[peaceful]] mind." |
− | - Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, Lima 1993 | + | - [[Lopon Tsechu]] [[Rinpoche]], Lima 1993 |
− | It is perhaps perplexing that the largest Stupa in the western world, and one of the biggest in the world, has been built in Southern Spain in Benalmádena City on Costa del Sol, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, with breathtaking views of Gibraltar and the African continent. | + | It is perhaps perplexing that the largest [[Stupa]] in the western [[world]], and one of the biggest in the [[world]], has been built in Southern {{Wiki|Spain}} in Benalmádena City on Costa del Sol, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, with breathtaking [[views]] of Gibraltar and the African continent. |
− | Buddhism, a philosophy of peace and universal dimension, originated in Asia over 2550 years ago and made inroads into Spain only approximately three decades ago. Along with Buddha’s teachings came its profound symbolism in form of Stupas. | + | Buddhism, a [[philosophy]] of [[peace]] and [[universal]] [[dimension]], originated in {{Wiki|Asia}} over 2550 years ago and made inroads into {{Wiki|Spain}} only approximately three decades ago. Along with [[Buddha’s]] teachings came its profound [[symbolism]] in [[form]] of Stupas. |
− | In 1994 a Buddhist master from the Kingdom of Bhutan, Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, built the first Stupa in Spain at Karma Guen Meditation Center nearby Velez-Malaga, as a landmark of peace and prosperity for the country. That Stupa served as a model for the next 18 Stupas which were built throughout the world in the years to follow under his guidance. | + | In 1994 a [[Buddhist]] [[master]] from the {{Wiki|Kingdom}} of [[Bhutan]], [[Lopon Tsechu]] [[Rinpoche]], built the first [[Stupa]] in {{Wiki|Spain}} at [[Karma]] Guen [[Meditation]] Center nearby Velez-Malaga, as a landmark of [[peace]] and prosperity for the country. That [[Stupa]] served as a model for the next 18 [[Stupas]] which were built throughout the [[world]] in the years to follow under his guidance. |
− | The Enlightenment Stupa in Benalmádena became the last gift of Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche to the West. | + | The [[Enlightenment Stupa in Benalmádena]] became the last gift of [[Lopon Tsechu]] [[Rinpoche]] to the West. |
− | It is evident that for the completion of the largest Stupa in this part of the world many causes and conditions had to come together: First of all the warm hospitality and vision of a thriving nation represented by the Local Government Authorities of Benalmádena; further the blessing of a true Meditator of the Himalayas, Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, and the cooperation of some of his closest western disciples. | + | It is evident that for the completion of the largest [[Stupa]] in this part of the [[world]] many [[causes]] and [[conditions]] had to come together: First of all the warm [[hospitality]] and [[vision]] of a thriving nation represented by the Local Government Authorities of Benalmádena; further the [[blessing]] of a true [[Meditator]] of the [[Himalayas]], [[Lopon Tsechu]] [[Rinpoche]], and the cooperation of some of his closest western disciples. |
− | In the year 2000, those disciples founded the cultural association ‚Asociación Cultural Karma Kagyu de Benalmádena’ with the purpose of building a Buddhist monument - a Stupa - in Benalmádena Pueblo, and after its completion carrying the responsibility for its maintenance and the spiritual, cultural and educational development around it. | + | In the year 2000, those [[disciples]] founded the cultural association ‚Asociación Cultural [[Karma Kagyu]] de Benalmádena’ with the purpose of building a [[Buddhist]] monument - a [[Stupa]] - in Benalmádena Pueblo, and after its completion carrying the responsibility for its maintenance and the [[spiritual]], cultural and educational development around it. |
− | The construction of the Stupa started in the year 2002 and was deeply marked by the passing away of the Master Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche four months before its inauguration. | + | The construction of the [[Stupa]] started in the year 2002 and was deeply marked by the passing away of the [[Master]] [[Lopon Tsechu]] [[Rinpoche]] four months before its inauguration. |
− | On October 5th, 2003 the Stupa was officially inaugurated and consecrated by the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, the second highest in rank lama of the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism. Since then the Costa del Sol brightens even more. | + | On October 5th, 2003 the [[Stupa]] was officially inaugurated and [[consecrated]] by the 14th Kunzig [[Shamar Rinpoche]], the second highest in rank [[lama]] of the [[Karma Kagyu]] School of [[Tibetan Buddhism]]. Since then the Costa del Sol brightens even more. |
− | "An encounter with a Stupa is an encounter with myth – or as Carl Jung and Joseph Campell might have phrased it, an archetypal truth. What may at first seem only to be an artistic and perhaps nostalgic arrangement of brick, stone or wood may eventually come to be seen as an elaborate vessel, transporting the teachings of the Buddha - Buddhadharma - across three millennia." | + | "An encounter with a [[Stupa]] is an encounter with [[myth]] – or as [[Carl Jung]] and Joseph Campell might have phrased it, an {{Wiki|archetypal}} [[truth]]. What may at first seem only to be an artistic and perhaps nostalgic arrangement of brick, stone or [[wood]] may eventually come to be seen as an elaborate vessel, transporting the teachings of the [[Buddha]] - [[Buddhadharma]] - across three millennia." |
− | - Buddhist Stupas in Asia: The Shape of Perfection. 2001 | + | - [[Buddhist]] [[Stupas]] in {{Wiki|Asia}}: The [[Shape]] of [[Perfection]]. 2001 |
− | Stupas belong to the oldest architectural forms been built in all countries where Buddhist philosophy flourished: Great India, Ceylon, Central Asia and China, Nepal, Indonesia, Burma, Siam, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Bhutan. | + | Stupas belong to the oldest architectural [[forms]] been built in all countries where [[Buddhist philosophy]] flourished: Great [[India]], [[Ceylon]], {{Wiki|Central Asia}} and [[China]], [[Nepal]], {{Wiki|Indonesia}}, [[Burma]], {{Wiki|Siam}}, [[Cambodia]], [[Laos]], [[Vietnam]], [[Korea]], [[Japan]], [[Tibet]], Bhutan. |
− | Their actual shapes and symbolism developed for more than 2550 years from a simple earth reliquary, once built for heroes and kings, to a high complex building expressing a profound knowledge. | + | Their actual shapes and [[symbolism]] developed for more than 2550 years from a simple [[earth]] reliquary, once built for heroes and {{Wiki|kings}}, to a high complex building expressing a profound knowledge. |
[[File:7fbc4198a0e28d4ab8b861528d2bfbed.jpg|thumb|250px]] | [[File:7fbc4198a0e28d4ab8b861528d2bfbed.jpg|thumb|250px]] | ||
− | Stupas became a multi-purpose symbol, a real treasure of knowledge about outer and inner phenomena, the universe, the nature of our mind and the path leading to the state of full development or enlightenment. | + | Stupas became a multi-purpose [[symbol]], a real [[treasure]] of [[knowledge]] about outer and inner [[phenomena]], the [[universe]], the nature of our [[mind]] and the [[path]] leading to the state of full development or enlightenment. |
− | Even though their forms vary depending on the place and time they were built, the Stupas always manifest the victory of the enlightened wisdom over the suffering of ignorance. | + | Even though their [[forms]] vary depending on the place and [[time]] they were built, the [[Stupas]] always [[manifest]] the victory of the [[enlightened]] [[wisdom]] over the [[suffering]] of ignorance. |
− | At the beginning of the seventies, together with the arrival of Buddhism to the Western World, arrived the understanding about the | + | At the beginning of the seventies, together with the arrival of [[Buddhism]] to the Western [[World]], arrived the understanding about the [[Stupas]]’ construction and their deep meaning and symbolism. |
− | Their pure geometrical shapes, their inner filling and their consecration done through rituals performed by high Lamas, grant them a complex symbolism on many levels. | + | Their [[pure]] geometrical shapes, their inner filling and their [[consecration]] done through [[rituals]] performed by high [[Lamas]], grant them a complex [[symbolism]] on many levels. |
− | Among others the Stupas symbolise the Buddha himself and his enlightened mind. In the eight different types of Tibetan Stupas are encoded the eight most significant events of Buddha’s life story and His body. | + | Among others the [[Stupas]] symbolise the [[Buddha]] himself and his [[enlightened]] [[mind]]. In the eight different types of [[Tibetan]] [[Stupas]] are encoded the eight most significant events of [[Buddha’s]] [[life]] story and His body. |
− | In the subsequent parts of the construction might also be encoded the complete teachings that Buddha Shakyamuni gave (84 000 instructions), as well as our gradual path towards enlightenment. | + | In the subsequent parts of the construction might also be encoded the complete teachings that [[Buddha Shakyamuni]] gave (84 000 instructions), as well as our gradual [[path]] towards enlightenment. |
− | The shape of the Stupa also symbolizes the elements of which our universe is composed : earth, water, fire, air and conciousness. | + | The [[shape]] of the [[Stupa]] also [[symbolizes]] the [[elements]] of which our [[universe]] is composed : [[earth]], [[water]], [[fire]], [[air]] and conciousness. |
− | Stupas are also mandalas: they manifest pure energy fields of different Buddha emanations. They can also be interpreted as a geometrical diagram of the universe. | + | Stupas are also [[mandalas]]: they [[manifest]] [[pure]] [[energy]] fields of different [[Buddha]] [[emanations]]. They can also be interpreted as a geometrical diagram of the universe. |
− | Stupas posses a powerful pacifying, protective and enriching effect on their surrounding. They work like energy generators, they grant us blessings. | + | Stupas posses a powerful pacifying, protective and enriching effect on their surrounding. They work like [[energy]] generators, they grant us blessings. |
− | Seen as helpers on our way of spiritual development they mirror the harmony and perfection of universal principles inherent in our mind and invite us to awaken our full capabilities. | + | Seen as helpers on our way of [[spiritual]] development they [[mirror]] the [[harmony]] and [[perfection]] of [[universal]] {{Wiki|principles}} inherent in our [[mind]] and invite us [[to awaken]] our full capabilities. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
Revision as of 08:44, 7 September 2013
Welcome to the Enlightenment Stupa in Benalmádena - a vivid monument to the enlightened mind, a Buddhist monument for peace, prosperity, harmony of the world and an ideal place to learn, reflect, and meditate.
The Stupa and its activity are directed and administrated by the cultural association Asociación Cultural Karma Kagyu de Benalmádena and its spiritual guide is H.H. the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje.
It was built due to the inspiration of the great Buddhist Master from Bhutan, Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, the cooperation of some of his western disciples, and the support of the Local Government of Benalmádena City with its then Mayor, Don Enrique Bolín.
The Enlightenment Stupa was inaugurated on October 5th, 2003. The consecration ceremonies were conducted by the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche and with the presence of Lama Jigme Rinpoche, the sister of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan, Ashi Sonam Choden Dorji, her husband, Dasho Wangdi Jamyang; Buthan’s Minister Lynpo Sangye Ngodup, Lama Ole Nydahl and his wife Hannah Nydahl and the then Mayor of Benalmádena city, Don Enrique Bolin, as well as with the participation of many distinguished guests and approximately 4000 friends from around the world.
According to the Buddhist teachings there are eight different types of Tibetan Stupas. Each of them represents an important event of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni’s life story. The Enlightenment Stupa (Chang Chub Chorten in Tibetan) symbolizes the achievement of Buddha’s enlightenment, the nature of a fully awakened mind.
Each of the 8 different Stupa types is built according to very precise instructions where both the exact design and proportions have to be correctly followed.
The outer structure of a Stupa has a deep meaning at many levels and its inner treasure chambers are filled with symbolical objects. Consequently qualified Lamas charge the Stupas through powerful ceremonies.
Stupas are normally closed monoliths, which Buddhists circumbulate (by Tibetans referred to by the term kora) while expressing their deep wishes as being in front of Buddha himself. To absorb its beneficial influence into our lives it is recommended to walk around the Stupa in a clock wise direction. Buddhists believe that wishes done near a Stupa may become true.
The Enlightenment Stupa in Benalmádena is one of the few exceptions in the world by having incorporated in its inner structure a meditation hall. This was possible due to the dimensions of the monument - it is until the present day the largest Stupa in the West.
The monument was erected on a panoramic platform overlooking Costa del Sol with the blessing of Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche and with the help of the architect Wojtek Kossowski, who participated in the construction of 18 other Stupas guided spiritualy by the Master.
16 of these Stupas were built in Spain, Germany, Austria, Russia, Switzerland and Poland in the last eleven years of Rinpoche’s life. After his passing away and following his wish, the projects of three more Stupas were accomplished in Denmark, Mexico and Greece.
It is 33 meters (108 feet) tall with a base width of 25.8 meters (82 feet) and contains an over 100 square meter (1100 square-foot) meditation hall inside. From the ceiling of the meditation hall up to its top, the Stupa is completely filled with sacred objects. Its treasure chambers, which are sealed forever, contain among others:
6000 Buddha-reliefs made out of clay by two western disciples of Rinpoche, representing six different Buddhist aspects:
The Historical Buddha Shakyamuni.
Thousand Arm Chenresig - The Thousand Arm Buddha of Loving Eyes.
Sangye Mitukpa.
Sangye Menla - The Medicine Buddha.
Buddha Amytayus - The Long Life Buddha.
Dorje Sempa - The Diamond Mind Buddha.
half a ton of Buddhist prayers printed on cotton paper
the complete teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni - Kanjur (108 volumes) and the complete explanations of the teachings - Tenjur
the Tree of Life - a 17 meter long, especially for that purpose elaborated tree placed vertically in the center of the Stupa, representing the Buddha’s spine, when interpreting the Stupa as Buddha’s body, or representing the Axis Mundi, when interpreting the Stupa as the whole universe
innumerable sacred objects and relicts brought from powerful Buddhist places from the Himalayas
The most precious relict is a Buddha Kashyapa Relict - the previous Buddha before Buddha Shakyamuni’s times
A small Tsa Tsa (clay relief) personally done by the most famous Tibetan Yogi of all times, Milarepa (11th century)
The paintings on the walls of the meditation hall represent the life story of the Historical Buddha Shakyamuni and have been elaborated by Nepalese artists in the traditional religious style of the Himalayas.
An additional space for exhibitions related to Tibetan Buddhism, the Himalayan culture and Stupas around the world, has been adapted underneath the meditation hall.
"We all need a peaceful world. But world peace is not easy to achieve. First one has to practise the Dharma and our mind will become peaceful. As a result everybody will perceive that peace. Just to discuss peace in conferences is not enough. One has to educate and make comprehend that as a starting-point for world peace we need a peaceful mind."
- Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, Lima 1993
It is perhaps perplexing that the largest Stupa in the western world, and one of the biggest in the world, has been built in Southern Spain in Benalmádena City on Costa del Sol, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, with breathtaking views of Gibraltar and the African continent.
Buddhism, a philosophy of peace and universal dimension, originated in Asia over 2550 years ago and made inroads into Spain only approximately three decades ago. Along with Buddha’s teachings came its profound symbolism in form of Stupas.
In 1994 a Buddhist master from the Kingdom of Bhutan, Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, built the first Stupa in Spain at Karma Guen Meditation Center nearby Velez-Malaga, as a landmark of peace and prosperity for the country. That Stupa served as a model for the next 18 Stupas which were built throughout the world in the years to follow under his guidance.
The Enlightenment Stupa in Benalmádena became the last gift of Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche to the West.
It is evident that for the completion of the largest Stupa in this part of the world many causes and conditions had to come together: First of all the warm hospitality and vision of a thriving nation represented by the Local Government Authorities of Benalmádena; further the blessing of a true Meditator of the Himalayas, Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, and the cooperation of some of his closest western disciples.
In the year 2000, those disciples founded the cultural association ‚Asociación Cultural Karma Kagyu de Benalmádena’ with the purpose of building a Buddhist monument - a Stupa - in Benalmádena Pueblo, and after its completion carrying the responsibility for its maintenance and the spiritual, cultural and educational development around it.
The construction of the Stupa started in the year 2002 and was deeply marked by the passing away of the Master Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche four months before its inauguration.
On October 5th, 2003 the Stupa was officially inaugurated and consecrated by the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, the second highest in rank lama of the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism. Since then the Costa del Sol brightens even more.
"An encounter with a Stupa is an encounter with myth – or as Carl Jung and Joseph Campell might have phrased it, an archetypal truth. What may at first seem only to be an artistic and perhaps nostalgic arrangement of brick, stone or wood may eventually come to be seen as an elaborate vessel, transporting the teachings of the Buddha - Buddhadharma - across three millennia."
- Buddhist Stupas in Asia: The Shape of Perfection. 2001
Stupas belong to the oldest architectural forms been built in all countries where Buddhist philosophy flourished: Great India, Ceylon, Central Asia and China, Nepal, Indonesia, Burma, Siam, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Bhutan.
Their actual shapes and symbolism developed for more than 2550 years from a simple earth reliquary, once built for heroes and kings, to a high complex building expressing a profound knowledge.
Stupas became a multi-purpose symbol, a real treasure of knowledge about outer and inner phenomena, the universe, the nature of our mind and the path leading to the state of full development or enlightenment.
Even though their forms vary depending on the place and time they were built, the Stupas always manifest the victory of the enlightened wisdom over the suffering of ignorance.
At the beginning of the seventies, together with the arrival of Buddhism to the Western World, arrived the understanding about the Stupas’ construction and their deep meaning and symbolism.
Their pure geometrical shapes, their inner filling and their consecration done through rituals performed by high Lamas, grant them a complex symbolism on many levels.
Among others the Stupas symbolise the Buddha himself and his enlightened mind. In the eight different types of Tibetan Stupas are encoded the eight most significant events of Buddha’s life story and His body.
In the subsequent parts of the construction might also be encoded the complete teachings that Buddha Shakyamuni gave (84 000 instructions), as well as our gradual path towards enlightenment.
The shape of the Stupa also symbolizes the elements of which our universe is composed : earth, water, fire, air and conciousness.
Stupas are also mandalas: they manifest pure energy fields of different Buddha emanations. They can also be interpreted as a geometrical diagram of the universe.
Stupas posses a powerful pacifying, protective and enriching effect on their surrounding. They work like energy generators, they grant us blessings.
Seen as helpers on our way of spiritual development they mirror the harmony and perfection of universal principles inherent in our mind and invite us to awaken our full capabilities.
References
[www.stupabenalmadena.org/en/stupa/introduction/# www.stupabenalmadena.org]