On Duchen days, we celebrate the major events marking the life of Buddha. These days are particularly favorable for group practice. On this day, we will commemorate the return of the Buddha from the divine world of Tushita where he went to transmit teachings to his mother, who had taken rebirth there as well as other inhabitants in this sphere.

Before the mantra rolls and tsatsas could be placed within the stupa, they needed to be purified and consecrated. This consecration puja took place during one week at Dhagpo and benefitted from the presence of two great lamas of the Karma Kagyu lineage: Nendo Rinpoche and Lama Nygyam. Both are accomplished practitioners and, furthermore, especially connected with Shamar Rinpoche. [Article & video]

As the future stupa that will welcome a part of Shamar Rinpoche’s relics is slowly taking form, we continue our discovery of the secrets of the fabrication of the various elements that it will contain. This time, let’s take a look at tsatsas and bumpas! As many of you already know, a tsatsa is a Buddhist image made of clay or plaster and created using a mold or stamp. (…) As for the bumpas (the Tibetan term), these are vases. They were placed in the foundations of Shamar Rinpoche’s stupa in early September. … [Article & video]

In the center of the stupa, amidst the sacred substances, relics, and other mantra rolls, there is a fundamental element: the sokshing. The Tibetan term “sokshing,” which is translated as “tree of life” designates an elaborated sculpted tree trunk executed according to specific codes and with corresponding rituals. Generally, it is placed vertically in the center of statues and stupas, acting as a spine. (…) [Article & video]

With less than two months remaining prior to the consecration of the stupa that will house a part of Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche’s relics, we are busying ourselves all over to prepare the substances that will fill the stupa. Among these, there are thousands of mantra rolls created in workshops set up at Dhagpo, Kundreul Ling, as well as numerous KTTs. [Article & vidéo]

As a stupa is a reliquary monument, its design reflects its purpose as a receptacle for various substances and sacred objects. Hollowed-out spaces and different types of niches make up its interior. The contents of a stupa and its ritual consecration (rabne in Tibetan) give it its force and make it a support for practice that carries the blessing of the three jewels.

The adventure of building a stupa begins with choosing the ideal location. Since the Institute’s construction, Lama Jigme Rinpoche has expressed the wish for the erection of a stupa behind the building. Indeed, a sizable space is available to be adapted for this purpose and create a place predisposed for practice and meditation.