A Garden Springs from the Earth
The major construction on the Meditation Garden was paused during the Covid-19 confinement period to prioritize finishing the living room area—a space for everyone to relax and exchange. Nevertheless, the team has continued work on the detailed technical plans of the project and is finalizing them.
Bird’s eye view of the project’s landscaping.
3D mockup of the eight stupas, prayer wheel and light offering shelters in situ.
During this period so particularly marked by the seal of change and unsettledness, it seems more important than ever to carry on with the creation of this calm space made of up supports for beneficial wishes for all. Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, reminded last September,
“Change is inevitable. When the rhythm is faster than we can handle, everything becomes pretty overwhelming. In the eye of the storm of our natural conditions we can find environments like this one [at Dhagpo] where we have a feeling of confidence and trust.”
The center’s closing in conjunction with the current global situation seems to us like an excellent opportunity to now restart construction. The various businesses and artisans who are needed have said they are available, and they will begin starting July 6 with the noisiest, most disruptive step—land clearing, bringing in the utility lines (water, electricity, lighting, sewage, etc.)—and terracing all of the area around Shamar Rinpoche’s stupa.
Access to Shamar Rinpoche’s stupa will be closed to the public during all of the construction, from July 4 through the end of the September. During this time, you may continue to circumambulate the white stupa of enlightenment in front the Institute.
In parallel with this major work, the creation of the consecrated substances that will be housed within the granite bases of the eight stupas are already in the process of the being created. They are essentially made up of tree material and mantra scrolls of the five great dharanis. A dharana is a long mantra that summarizes one of Shakyamuni Buddha’s sutras. The five great dharanis are the direct words of the Buddha and thus vehicle great blessing. Many of you participated in the creation of the mantra scrolls for Shamar Rinpoche’s stupas. This is the same step.
Creation of the mantra scrolls.
The Eight Stupas on their granite bases.
Video: Giving a definitive Face to Dhagpo – A Garden for Meditation
We will keep you informed of the advancement of construction. Don’t hestitate to sign up for Dhagpo’s newsletter to receive the latest news in words, photo, and video.
