What are stupas? According to the Buddhist Dictionary, the term “stupa” is a transliteration of “Buddha.” Buddhism was founded by the Buddha, and in ancient times, Buddhists were called “futu,” their teachings “futu dao,” and later, the pagodas themselves were called “futu.”
Tibetan Buddhist stupas have diverse architectural forms and serve various purposes. In terms of form, there are mainly two types: mandala-style and dome-shaped. Mandala-style stupas are generally built with earth and stone, are large in scale, and stand majestically, creating a spectacular sight. Their form closely resembles a mandala and incorporates the Buddhist mandala’s principles, thus carrying a strong religious and sacred atmosphere.
A mandala is a circular or square platform built in ancient Indian esoteric Buddhist practices to prevent demonic intrusion. It is believed to be a place filled with Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Mandalas come in various forms, each depicting different Buddhist doctrines. The various forms and types of mandalas representing different Buddhist principles can be shown through patterns, Buddhas, and Bodhisattvas.
Stupas can also be built to represent their spatial layout. This type of stupa architecture, conceived in accordance with the principles of the esoteric mandala, forms the basic characteristics of the mandala-style stupa. This type of stupa occupies a dominant position in the architectural complex, with other buildings of the monastery often distributed around it. Such stupas are commonly found around or within early Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.
The dome-shaped stupa has broad shoulders and a round belly, resembling an overturned monk’s bowl. Because its belly looks like a vase, it is commonly called a “bottle stupa.” The top of the stupa usually has a gilded copper canopy with wind chimes hanging from the edges. Atop the canopy sits a gilded flame-shaped jewel spire. These stupas are often adorned with gold and silver, displaying grandeur and beauty, and giving a sense of purity and solemnity.
This type of stupa, known in Tibetan as “Gadan Chorten” and commonly called “lama stupa,” is beloved by all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. High-ranking monks, great masters, and the monastic community use it as a sacred place to store the Buddha’s relics, the physical remains of living Buddhas, and various sacred objects.
In terms of function, Tibetan Buddhist stupas are roughly divided into two categories: reliquary stupas and scripture stupas. Reliquary stupas, also called “sharira stupas,” are tombs for storing and enshrining the remains or relics of high-ranking monks. These stupas can be built outdoors or indoors in monasteries. The size and decoration of the stupa depend on the status of the monk being buried.
Scripture stupas, including Bodhi stupas and passage stupas, are used to store and enshrine Buddhist scriptures and statues. Scripture stupas are generally built around monasteries or along mountain roads. Large ones, such as the Bodhi Stupa at Gyantse Pelkor Chode Monastery in Tibet, have a base area of 2,200 square meters and a total height of about 40 meters. The smallest scripture stupas, called Mani stupas, are simply piles of stones made by believers along the roadside.
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