1. Lotus Blossom Stupa
The Lotus Blossom Stupa symbolizes the birth of Siddhartha, the man who would later be known as the Buddha. He was born in the Lumbini park at Kapilavastu in Northern India, in the sixth century BCE. The steps of the stupa are round and decorated with lotus petals. This stupa Also known as "Stupa of Heaped Lotuses" or "Birth of the Sugata Stupa," At birth Siddhartha took seven steps in each of the four directions" (East, South, West and North). In each direction lotuses sprang up, symbolizing the brahmavihāras: loving-kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. The base of this stupa is circular and has four steps, and it is decorated with lotus-petal designs. Occasionally, seven heaped lotus steps are constructed. These refer to the seven first steps of the Siddhartha.
2. Enlightenment Stupa
After sitting in meditation for 49 days under a tree at Bodhgaya, Siddhartha attained enlightenment, and understood the true nature of all things. He realized that, like him, all beings without exception have the same potential for enlightenment, the ‘buddha nature’. The steps of the stupa are rectangular and undecorated. This stupas also known as the "Stupa of the Conquest of Mara", this stupa symbolizes the Buddha's attainment of enlightenment under the bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, where he conquered worldly temptations and attacks, manifesting in the form of Mara.
3. Stupa of Many Doors
This stupa represents the point at which the Buddha began to 'turn the wheel of the Dharma', to teach the path to enlightenment to others. Also known as the Stupa of Many Doorways, the steps are adorned with doorways symbolising the opening of the doors of the Dharma. The Buddha truned the wheel of Dharma in the Deer Park at Sarnath, near Benares, the Buddha met up with the five ascetics who earlier had been his meditation companions on the banks of the Nairanjara River. They became his first disciples and received his first teachings. This stupa is also known as the "Stupa of Many Gates". The series of doors on each side of the steps represents the first teachings: the Four Noble Truths, the Six Pāramitās, the Noble Eightfold Path and the Twelve Nidānas.
4. Stupa of Descent from the God Realm
The Buddha's mother, Mayadevi, was reborn in a celestial realm called the Tushita Heaven. To repay her kindness, the Buddha At 42 years of age spent three months there and taught her the path to enlightenment. This stupa represents the Buddha’s return from the celestial realms in order to continue teaching the people of northern India. Local inhabitants built a stupa in Sankassa in order to commemorate this event. This type of stupa is characterized by having a central projection at each side containing a triple ladder or steps.
5. Stupa of Great Miracles
This stupa commemorates the Buddha’s display of miracles at Shravasti, where he was challenged to demonstrate his realization. The Buddha responded by performing a different miracle every day for 15 days. Each of the four steps, in each of the four directions have central extensions. This stupa is also known as the "Stupa of Conquest of the Tirthikas", this stupa refers to various miracles performed by the Buddha when he was 50 years old. Legend claims that he overpowered maras and heretics by engaging them in intellectual arguments and also by performing miracles. This stupa was raised by the Lichavi kingdom to commemorate the event.
6. Stupa of Reconciliation
This stupa symbolizes the Buddha’s reuniting of his monastic followers after they had become divided by disagreement. The steps are octagonal with eight corners and eight sides. A stupa in this design was built in the kingdom of Magadha, where the reconciliation occurred.
7. Stupa of Complete Victory
This stupa symbolizes the Buddha’s agreement to extend his life by three months, after one of his followers had pleaded with him not to pass away.It has only three steps, which are circular and unadorned.
8.Stupa of Nirvana
This stupa marks the Buddha’s passing into nirvana, a state of true peace which is beyond death. With his final words, the Buddha urged his followers to be diligent in their efforts to attain enlightenment. Lying on his right side and in a state of profound meditation, he left the world and passed into maha-parinirvana. There are no steps in this stupa, the vase rests directly on the throne. It symbolizes his complete absorption into the highest state of mind. It is bell-shaped and usually unornamented.
These auspicious stupas were build in year 2019 by 11 Friends Basgo under the guidance of Ven Xian Zhong from Palbar Ling Center USA. Thanks to all the devotees and supporters of Palbar Ling Center. Without your kind support we won't be able to accomplish this auspicious project.
