Stupas have been built as far back as 2600 years ago. They are one of the oldest forms of sacred architecture on the planet, and their presence in the West very rare. Each one created with great purpose, intention and reverence, usually with the intent to promote prosperity, avert war, or end famine. They are meant to bring blessings to whoever comes near them.
On the pathway from the parking lot up to the Stupa ,not knowing a great deal about the Buddhist faith, I was a little concerned that we would inadvertently do or say something that would be disrespectful on this sacred ground. Then I saw a statue of Buddha glowing in the early morning light. Bruce, standing beside the statue, seemed to be glowing both physically and emotionally as well. Given how agitated he had been all week, I felt reassured all would be okay.
As it turns out I need not have been concerned. There are clear signs politely explaining to visitors. what one should , and should not do when visiting the site . The signs advise that when one arrive at a stupa, there is great benefit in walking clockwise around the stupa at least three times, while making personal prayers for those suffering and for world concerns. A small offering can be made after this journey to dedicate the merit of these prayers for the greater good.
CC made the clockwise journey three times around the Amitabha Stupa praying for compassion and freedom for all, while Bruce took the easy route and stood quietly in the shadow of the stupa absorbing the serenity of our surroundings.
Vimala Suddha Prabhasa Mahadharani Sutra and said that “those who have committed the five acts of evil leading to the avici hell, should he pass in the shade of a stupa, or catch sight of a stupa from afar, or hear the chimes of the bells of a stupa, or hear of the name of a stupa, will be purified of the five heinous crimes, or any other hindrance of karma".
This is a special place located on 14 acres of some of the most beautiful Sedona scenery I have ever seen.
We walked around the Park looking at the other statues of Buddha,
stepped into the meditation circles for a moment of silence,
and circled about through the rock cairns These hand-made miniature rock towers were built by tourists and believers who had traveled the path before.Building these structures is a way to focus on the present and calmly breathe in the now. I was struck by how many of these towers were along our path.
A twisted Juniper reminded me that this was also a female energy vortex site. An ear-less lizard was basking in the morning sun just below the juniper. Whether it was the energy of the stupa, or of the vortex, that lizard was clearly receiving some positive benefits from somewhere. It was the largest lizard I had seen all week long.
Reluctant to leave, we sat on a bench and listened to the wind-chimes, and taking in the beautiful scenery and the stillness of the morning. It truly seems like the park is a labor of love, and it's hard not to feel at peace in this lovely place.
Eventually a care-taker arrived to begin setting up for the public meditation service. It was a quiet reminder that we were still on a tight schedule and had a plane to catch. As we departed, we gave the prayer wheel one last spin, to send out prayers for all and wishes of peace!
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