Stupa Project
Amaravati Stupa Landscaping
The Amaravati Stupa is a replica of the Stupas of Borobodur Temple in Java. Arriving at the meadow behind the Retreat Centre, the eyes of residents and visitors alike are drawn to this limestone monument. People like to come and pay respects and be reminded of the Buddha, which, both physically and metaphorically, is only visible when you look ‘within’. Raised on a plinth, the Stupa can be seen from the footpath around the meadow, marking the still point, the centre of the universe. The community is using the Stupa especially on Vesak and Kathina and other Festival nights for a ritual of circumambulation, chanting, and offering of candles, incense and flowers.
The Sangha, with the help of landscaping architects, has developed a plan, consisting of a design for trees (planted in 2005 as a community project) and for further ground work around the Stupa. Presently, there is work in progress to finish the limestone paving and steps. We hope that this will be finished by autumn 2006, and followed by clearing up around the plinth. Then, depending on donations and work support, we are hoping to do some work to level the ground and to make the area more beautiful.
If you would like to support this project financially, you are welcome to give a donation to the English Sangha Trust, specifying ‘for Amaravati Stupa Landscaping’.