| Foreword | The Origin of Stupas | |||
| How to Contribute? | Symbolism | Project Expenditures | Project Update |
Foreword by Lama Norbu Repa:
In the past ten years several representations of the Body of Buddha were enshrined in TNG’s Temple in France: a large statue of Dorje Sempa flanked on each side by a Thousand Buddha Statues.
Following that, representations of the Speech of the Buddha were given a place of honour in the Main Shrine Room: the complete collection of the Kangyur (The teachings of the Buddha) and Tenjyur (their commentaries by highly realized Masters.
Currently, the focus is on the construction of Stupas, representations of the Mind of Enlightenment. The project will consist of two parts:
- The building of a series of the eight commemorative types of stupas;
- The building of a larger stupa hosting a shrine to the Protectors.
To bring to completion a long term project like this requires the planning of the construction as well as the collection and preparation of the various relics and substances to be inserted in each stupa.
Its success depends on motivation and merit.
Thirteen tasks to be accomplished:
1. Preparation and consecration of the Land;
2. Setup a Fundraising campaign;
3. Collecting the various inside material ('zung');
4. Building the foundations for the stupas;
5. Preparing several ten-thousands of mantra rolls;
6. Casting and firing the same amount of 'tsas-tsas';
7. Filling the tsas-tsas (with mantra rolls, relics etc.);
8. Preparing precious vases containing special relics;
9. Building the basic structures of the stupas;
10. Casting the top parts (in brass);
11. Plastering the buildings;
12. Installing the inner mandalas, sacred vases and various objects to be included in each stupa;
13. Performing the consecration pujas.
The piece of land for this project was chosen following the advice of Most Venerable Tenga Rinpoche and also that of Venerable Tulku Pema Wangyal and was consecrated through earth blessing rituals which were conducted by Lama Norbu Repa in December 2008.
Such project, calls for research in order to make things clear and authentic. The main source of information lies in the Kangyur itself, the texts containing the original teachings of the Buddha. Additionally, during the past 35 years, several Rinpoches initiated similar projects and much was taught by them. This made it a lot easier for me to prepare the present publication.
A fundraising campaign is now being initiated. The reason for that is that a project of this importance involves major expenditures but also great benefits, which should be shared by many.
Inviting Buddhist practitioners in general and those who are involved with TNG Centre in particular, to support the current project, I strongly recommend them to make a genuine effort in their practice of generosity. Not limiting their endeavour in anyway, may they see in their noble gesture a true practice of the various aspects of Paramita.
All others who come to be involved in this project, are welcome to seize this opportunity to take part in a most wonderful activity that will without any doubt, provide great benefit to them as well as to their relatives.
May it benefit many from near and far!
Lama Norbu Repa, Sidhbari India, June 2009
| Foreword | The Origin of Stupas | |||
| How to Contribute? | Symbolism | Project Expenditures | Project Update |