What is a stupa ?

A stupa promotes peace and harmony by purifying and subduing negative forces. In the Buddhist tradition, it is believed that the construction of stupas, with the sacred vases and other precious materials and relics placed within them, has the power to restore the earth’s energies and to help balance the elements. In this way, the construction of stupas helps to prevent natural disasters, wars, famine, and diseases and they help to balance the natural forces that promote health, prosperity and well being.It is said that developing a positive attitude and praying for the peace and happiness of all sentient beings in the presence of such a sacred object can help to extend one's life and to pacify sickness.

Visiting and venerating stupas, e.g. by circumambulating them in a clockwise direction, also ripens one's potential to attain enlightenment. They create a peaceful environment and inspire well-being and joy for the whole region in which they are built.