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Stupa: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Ladakh1981-201.jpg|thumb|Chorten in Ladakh]] | [[File:Ladakh1981-201.jpg|thumb|Chorten in Ladakh]] | ||
A stupa usually has a hemispherical or cylindrical shape; the basic architectural form takes on special features in different countries throughout Asia. In Tibet stupas are called ''chötens'', or chortens. | A stupa usually has a hemispherical or cylindrical shape; the basic architectural form takes on special features in different countries throughout Asia. In [[Tibet]] stupas are called ''chötens'', or chortens. | ||
<blockquote>The three-dimensional form called ''chöten'' (‘offering container’) is regarded in Tibetan Buddhism as a symbol of the body, speech, and mind of the Buddha.... The symbology of the ''chöten'' is based on Mahayana doctrine. The four lower levels stand for the four positive states of mind of love, compassion, joy, and equanimity. A secondary pedestal on top of this has ten further levels that ascend to the middle part of the ''chöten''; these represent the ten stages (''bhumi'') of the spiritual development of a bodhisattva. The middle part or ‘body’ of the ''chöten'' symbolizes the awakened mind (''bodhicitta'') and in certain cases contains the image of a deity. Above this middle part rise thirteen umbrella shapes of different sizes; they represent various methods of propagating the Buddhist teaching (dharma). On top of these umbrella shapes is a five-petaled lotus, symbol of the properties of the five Buddha families (''buddhakula'') [each headed by one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas]. The pinnacle of the stupa is composed of a sun disk resting on a crescent moon, which symbolizes the cosmic grandeur of the teaching. [Above this, at the very top of the structure, there is a flaming drop.]<ref>''The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion'' (Boston: Shambhala Publications, 1989), p. 340.</ref></blockquote> | <blockquote>The three-dimensional form called ''chöten'' (‘offering container’) is regarded in Tibetan Buddhism as a symbol of the body, speech, and mind of the Buddha.... The symbology of the ''chöten'' is based on Mahayana doctrine. The four lower levels stand for the four positive states of mind of love, compassion, joy, and equanimity. A secondary pedestal on top of this has ten further levels that ascend to the middle part of the ''chöten''; these represent the ten stages (''bhumi'') of the spiritual development of a bodhisattva. The middle part or ‘body’ of the ''chöten'' symbolizes the awakened mind (''bodhicitta'') and in certain cases contains the image of a deity. Above this middle part rise thirteen umbrella shapes of different sizes; they represent various methods of propagating the Buddhist teaching (dharma). On top of these umbrella shapes is a five-petaled lotus, symbol of the properties of the five Buddha families (''buddhakula'') [each headed by one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas]. The pinnacle of the stupa is composed of a sun disk resting on a crescent moon, which symbolizes the cosmic grandeur of the teaching. [Above this, at the very top of the structure, there is a flaming drop.]<ref>''The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion'' (Boston: Shambhala Publications, 1989), p. 340.</ref></blockquote> | ||