Symbolizing the fully awakened mind of the Buddha, the Palpung Thubten Choling Enlightenment Stupa, completed in 2002 and more than 60 feet tall,  is an evocative reminder of the enlightened potential that naturally exists within all beings. Its sacred architecture represents the entire path of awakening and radiates a continuous stream of blessing far and wide. For almost a quarter century, sangha members and visitors have circumambulated the stupa while reciting mantras and making prayers, and enjoyed the view of the spacious sky and Hudson River while relaxing and meditating in its outdoor seating area.

Even the land the stupa is built upon is sacred, having been blessed by His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and by PTC’s spiritual head, Guru Vajradhara His Holiness Kenting Tai Situ Rinpoche. The stupa itself has been blessed by many great masters over the years, including His Holiness Sakya Trichen, His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa, and His Eminence Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.

Circumambulation of a Stupa

Circumambulation of a stupa is traditionally considered to be a very powerful way to accumulate merit, or momentum toward enlightenment, and to connect with the awakened wisdom represented by the stupa’s form. In most Buddhist traditions circumabulation is clockwise around the object of veneration. To increase the power of circumambulation, which engages our body in meritorious activity, we can also engage our speech through the recitation of prayers and mantras and our mind through meditation and a compassionate attitude toward all beings.

We invite you to join us in virtual circumambulation of the PTC Enlightenment Stupa from anywhere, any time, on any device, to accumulate merit and to mix your mind with the inspiration and wisdom of the buddhas. May all beings be happy and may all beings be free.

Chanting of the mantra of compassion, om mani peme hung, was recorded during a recent practice in the main shrine room at Palpung Thubten Choling, led by Chant Master Umze Lama Norgyal.