Stupa in Dropan Ling
The Stupa located in the Drophan Ling center is known as the Stupa of Enlightenment. It measures 9x9x17 meters and is one of the largest monuments of its kind in Europe.
The Stupa of Enlightenment (Sanskrit: Bodhi Stupa, Tibetan: Jangchub Chöten) is one of the eight traditional stupas in Tibetan Buddhism, each commemorating a key event in the life of Buddha Shakyamuni.
The Enlightenment Stupa symbolizes the moment of Buddha's awakening under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya.
Symbolism and Structure
Base: Square, representing the four unwavering qualities of an enlightened mind—loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity.
Dome (anda): Symbolizes the infinite mind of the Buddha and the nature of enlightenment.
Harmika: A square structure above the dome, signifying enlightened awareness.
Spire with 13 rings: Represents the thirteen stages of enlightenment leading to full realization.
Lotus, Moon, and Sun: Symbolize purity, compassion, and wisdom.
This stupa is considered a source of blessings and spiritual power, reminding practitioners of the victory over ignorance and the attainment of supreme wisdom.
According to Buddhist teachings, simply being near a stupa or circumambulating it clockwise generates positive karma and supports spiritual growth.
The Eight Traditional Tibetan Stupas
Stupa of Birth – Commemorates Buddha’s birth in Lumbini.
Stupa of Enlightenment – Celebrates his awakening.
Stupa of Turning the Wheel of Dharma – Symbolizes his first teaching.
Stupa of Great Miracles – Reminds of his supernatural abilities.
Stupa of Descent from Tushita Heaven – Commemorates his return from the divine realm.
Stupa of Reconciliation – Represents resolving conflicts among disciples.
Stupa of Victory – Symbolizes the extension of Buddha’s life.
Stupa of Parinirvana – Marks his passage into full liberation.
Stupas, including the Stupa of Enlightenment, are not just religious monuments but powerful tools for spiritual practice. Their construction, consecration, and presence serve to purify negative karma, cultivate enlightened qualities of the mind, and support the path of spiritual development.
The History of the Stupa's Creation at the Drophan Ling Center
In 2007 Tulku Ugyen Chemchok, Chhimed Rigdzin Rinpoche’s son, set and consecrated the place under construction. In 2009 Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche, the famous expert on stupas, provided drawings and list of substances needed for filling the monument. In autumn of that year construction works started and foundation was laid.
In the summer of 2010 Lama Thrinley, Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche’s assistant came to prepare all the materials, which were placed in the foundation. On 5th of August 2010 Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche and Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche consecrated the foundation.
In 2011 the first level of stupa was built. On 22nd of September Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche began three days ceremony of blessing the mandalas and tsatsas and he sealed the first level of the stupa. The ceremony was accompanied by the Vidyadhara Guru Sadhana practice and Sampa Lhundrub recitation with intention of swift rebirth of Chhimed Rigdzin Rinpoche.
In the Summer 2012 Rigdzin Pema Rinpoche placed vases in the walls of the first level and performed two weeks ritual of consecrating tsatsas and three-dimensional mandalas, which in the end were placed in the second level of the stupa. On the 25th September he consecrated and sealed this level.
The third level is the great bumpa of 3,5 m high and 4,5 m in diameter. It is filled with Dharma texts and scrolls of mantras. Among them are complete editions of Kangyur, Tengyur and all termas of Khordong and Jangter traditions. It contains also huge, 9,5 m long stem called "soshing". The top of the stupa is crowned by 13 rings, sun and moon.
26th August 2013 Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche consecrated the stupa to benefit
all sentient beings. The project has not been completed yet. The small shrine room needs to be painted and equipped with an altar and bookshelves and the body of the stupa will be surrounded with praying wheels.
We would like to thank to all who supported or are going to contribute in this project.
To support this project please make donation on the bank account:
Santander Bank Polska S.A.
al. Jana Pawła II 17, 00-854 Warszawa
nr. konta 78109022130000000142029967
PL78109022130000000142029967
SWIFT: WBKPPLPP
