8 Stupas Project at Virginia Retreat Center

More Things Coming Together

Stone is on the water. Metal parts are on their way. Foundations have been put in. Pumbas, tsa tsas, and life trees are being made.

MAKE A GIFT

If You Would Like To Support

Fundraising for Traveling Lamas

This project has been largely funded by generous donors. However, there are still a few aspects that require support. Currently we are receiving funds to help support lamas who will travel, some from overseas, to Virginia for two weeks up to eight weeks to support this project and perform ceremonies, including:

• Blessing the fillings for the stupas: tsa tsas, mantra rolls and so on.
• Placing the fillings inside stupas.
• Assisting in assembling the stupa elements.
• Leading inauguration ceremonies.

Donations for this project may go to Wisdom Foundation, the U.S. 501(c)(3) non profit organization that supports Bodhi Path Buddhist Centers, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donations can be made with a memo “8 Stupas” online or by check. Checks should be made to Wisdom Foundation, and mailed to 12 Bodhi Path, Natural Bridge, VA 24578. 

Thank you for your generosity!

Mantra Rolling and Tsa Tsa Making

Stupas are filled with precious objects including mantra rolls and tsa tsas, which are blessed by lamas before they are placed inside the stupas. Many Bodhi Path students from various centers are involved in making the rolls and tsa tsas, some of whom are pictured below.

Artwork for Bas Relief Tsa Tsas

The artwork below was created for custom-made bas relief tsa tsas that will be placed in seven of the eight stupas (all except the parinirvana stupa with its own unique design). Each illustration, about a major event in the Buddha’s life, was researched by our teacher Karma Trinlay Rinpoche, who also provided seed funding to initiate this $25,000 bas relief tsa tsa undertaking. Subsequently, students have completed the funding for the production of this part of the project.

Metal Elements and Stone Building Blocks

This project is truly global in scope. The granite stone pieces are from a stone quarry and are being carved in Poland. Metal elements are being fabricated in Germany and gilded there by an expert in gold application for stupas. Arrangements have been made to deliver the elements to the Natural Bridge Retreat Center, where the parts will be assembled and the stupas will be filled by lamas. The stupa architect worked closely with Karma Trinlay Rinpoche on the stupas’ designs, and then with the artisans to execute their parts of the process.