Land of Enlightened Wisdom

Symbolism of the Stupa

The outside of the Stupa represents the meditating buddha.
The inside of the Stupa represents the elements and corresponding wisdom.
The Stupa seen from above represents a perfect mandala, or representation of the universe.

Sections of the Stupa Symbolize the Path to Enlightenment


Jewel: Enlightenment The Sun: Wisdom The Moon: Heart of Awakening - Bodhichitta The Parasol: Compassion The Spire or 13 rings: The ten levels or bhumis of the Mahayana path and The three highest stages of the Vajrayana path. The Harmika, Eyes of the Buddha: the Eight-fold Noble Paths: 1. Path of Right View, 2. Right Intention, 3. Right Speech, 4. Right Action, 5. Right Livelihood, 6. Right Effort, 7. Right Mindfulness, 8. Right Concentration  The Bumpa The Buddha’s chest: the Seven Elements of Enlightenment: 1. Mindfulness, 2. Discrimination, 3. Exertion, 4. Joy, 5. Pliancy, 6. Samadhi, and 7. Equanimity. Four Immeasureables The legs of the Buddha: The Four Immeasurables of 1. Loving Kindness, 2. Compassion, 3. Joy and 4. Equanimity. The Throne The three steps at the base, the throne the Three Refuges of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

The 5 Elements, 5 Colors and 5 Wisdoms Related to Stupa

The Stupa incorporates five basic geometric shapes that correspond to the five elements.
Each element, in turn, corresponds to an essential attribute of a fully awakened being:
The square base of the Stupa represents earth and equanimity;
The round dome,water and indestructibility; The triangular spire, fire and compassion;
The semi-circular umbrella/parasol, wind/air and all-accomplishing action; and at the very top,
The jewel-shaped tigle or drop represents space and all-pervading awareness.

Sections of the Stupa symbolize the Path to Enlightenment

STUPA SECTION	SHAPE	COLOR	ELEMENT	WISDOM	FAMILY AND MEANING
Jewel	Dewdrop	White 0range	Space	All-Pervading Awareness	Buddha Family - He Who Makes Visible
Parasol	Half Circle	Green	Wind/ Air	All-Accomplishing	Karma Family Unfailing- Success
Spire	Triangle	Red	Fire	Discriminating Compassion	Padma Family Limitless Radiance
Dome	Circle	Blue	Water	Mirror-Like Wisdom	Vajra Family Indestructibility
Base	Square	Yellow	Earth	Equanimity Wisdom	Ratna Family Jewel-Born


				Elements

Ancient Stupa | Benefit | Eight Stupa Types | Symbolism

	The Sections of The Stupa picture and information are used with permission of Kunzang Palyul Chöling Center. Picture of Buddha Shakyamuni at The Great Stupa of Enlightenment in Bodhgaya,India are provided to LEW by Yeshi Dorjee-la. Some pictures from " Images of Enlightenment", by Jonathan Landaw and Andy Weber, Snow Lion Publications, Ithaca, New York.
	The Meaning of the Stupa by Venerable Yeshi Dorjee