Chenrezig Buddhist Institute.

What The Stupas at the Garden of Enlightenment represent

Stupas represent the Enlightened mind of the Buddha. There are many different types of stupas throughout the Buddhist world from Japan and China, throughout S.E. Asia, India, Nepal, Tibet and Mongolia.
The stupas at the garden of enlightenment are what, in the Tibetan tradition, are referred to as "The eight great stupas" and they represent what are referred to as the "eight great deeds" of the Buddha . They include Birth, Enlightenment, First teachings, Miracles, Descent from Tushita heaven, Healing the schisms, Long life and Passing away.

        

The various levels of the stupa represent the stages of the path that can lead us from ignorance up to a point where, through the development of wisdom and compassion, we can understand the true nature of our minds and eventually achieve liberation from all suffering.
The whole of this path is symbolically represented in a stupa along with the ingredients contained within the stupa; these largely consist of important texts, representing the power of the Buddha's speech and many thousands of small statues cast in plaster that represent the Holy body of the Buddha.

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Stupas on the main building	Stupas on the main building	Stupas on the main building	Entrance gate.	Jenny McKay at the opening	Opening ceremony.

Geshe Lobsang Jamyang and his translator.	Geshe Lobsang Jamyang	Geshe Lobsang Jamyang	Geshe Lobsang Jamyang	Guests at the opening

Geshe Lobsang Jamyang cutting the ribbon.	Geshe Lobsang Jamyang cutting the ribbon.	Geshe Lobsang Jamyang cutting the ribbon.	Stupas on the roof	View of garden	Sangah (Monks and Nuns)

Prayer recital and incense fire.	Presentation to Garrey and Krissie	Presentation to Garrey and Krissie	Stairway to the Stupas	Memorial Stupas in the garden

Chenrezig Director Maureen Walshe	Buddha in the main Stupa	Buddha in a smaller Stupa	Decorations on Stupas	Decorations on Stupas	Decorations on Stupas

13 rings, Umbrella and Moon and Sun discs	Decorations on Stupas	Buddha in smaller Stupas	Snow Lion Decorations	Decorations on Stupas

Decorations on Stupas	Double Vajra (A symbol of protection)	Memorial Stupas near ponds	The main garden	The Long Life Stupa	Memorial Stupas in the garden

The main garden with memorial Stupas	View of large Stupas from main garden	Fountain and ponds in main garden	Memorial Stupas in the garden	Interview with Sister Margaret

Prayer wheel challenge	Chenrezig Mandala inside the main building	Indoor Stupas and Mandala paintings

For more information on what Chenrezig Buddhist Institute has to offer, visit Chenrezigs website at www.chenrezig.com.au

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