Nine Stupas

KBL is is a for many Reasons a special Place. One reason and the most obvious one besides the incredible Landscape are the nine Stupas.

Kalachakra Stupa in Light of Full Moon ( 3sec. Exposure )

Kalachakra Stupa

"The Kalachakra Stupa (wheel of time) is the only type of Stupa that belongs to the Tantric teachings, which were given by Buddha shortly before his death. Stupas of this type are symbols of universal peace and unity among people. Only a few Kalachakra Stupas exist around the world. They are said to possess great protective power.
The placement of this Kalachakra Stupa at the southern tip of Europe will help us to protect our freedom. The Stupa was initially planned and developed by Lopön Tsechu Rinpoche, a realised Buddhist master. After eight years of preparation, the
Stupa was finally built under the spiritual guidance of Lama Chogdrub Dorje and inaugurated in August 2010 by Lama Chogdrub Dorje and Lama Ole Nydahl.
This Stupa is dedicated to the head of the Karma Kagyu lineage, Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th- Gyalwa Karmapa. " (taken from the Original Visitor Plate in KBL)

"Stupas (Tibetan: chörten) are symbols of the true nature of mind. They point to the timeless, indestructible characteristics of enlightenment: fearlessness, joy and active compassion. Buddha himself gave the teachings on how to build Stupas. This knowledge belongs to the Sutra transmission. The Tibetan Buddhist tradition developed eight types of Stupa, which represent important events in the life of Buddha." ( Taken from https://www.berchenling.org/8-stupas/ © International DW Foundation , also all following Text)

Lotus Stupa - The main body of this stupa appears in the form of a lotus and symbolizes Buddha’s birth in Lumbini.

Enlightenment Stupa - This stupa symbolizes the full development of mind, the state of a Buddha. It was built by the Dharma king Bimbisara, honoring Buddha’s enlightenment in Bodhgaya. On the evening before reaching enlightenment, Buddha Shakyamuni removed the last subtle veils and obstacles in his mind, which is also represented in this stupa.

Stupa of Many Doors - This stupa represents the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha about the way things are. It is also called “Wisdom Stupa” and was built on the occasion of Buddha’s first teaching “The four noble truths” which he gave in Sarnath/Varanasi. The stupa represents the threefold turning of the wheel of Dharma and contains all teachings Buddha gave.

Stupa of Miracles - This stupa represents the miracles performed by Buddha when he converted the “followers of wrong views” (non-Buddhist masters) through his power of miracles. A person named Lisabi built this stupa in the Jetavana Grove in Shravasti.

Stupa Descent from God Realms - Buddha gave teachings to his mother in the heaven of thirty-three gods (Trayastrimsha Heaven). Buddha’s descent from this realm back to earth is symbolized by this special stupa with three ladders on each side. The first stupa of this kind was built in Samkashya.

Stupa of Reconciliation - The cousin of Buddha named Devadatta had caused a split within the community of practitioners. To mark the reconciliation of the Sangha, this stupa was built in Rajgir.

Stupa of Complete Victory - Shortly before his death Buddha extended his life for three months because his students asked him not to pass away. This happened in Vaishali. This stupa is also known for its healing power.

Paranirvana Stupa - This stupa symbolizes Buddha’s leaving the conditioned existence (death) in Kushinagara. The main body of the stupa has the form of a bell, and is a symbol for the perfect wisdom of Buddha.