Stupa to Minimize Harm from the Elements

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Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khadro-la, Dharamsala. In order to minimize harm caused by possible earthquakes in California, USA; a stupa is being built near the Golden Gate Bridge, under the advice of Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drolma (Khadro-la).*

Why a Stupa to Minimize Harm? Khadro-la's Vision

After receiving news that scientists were forecasting a huge earthquake and possible tsunamis on the West Coast of the United States, Lama Zopa Rinpoche asked Khadro-la what could be done to minimize the damage to people and property.

In response, Khadro-la had visions of a particular landscape and a stupa that could be of benefit. On hearing this, Rinpoche took on the responsibility to actualize this stupa, for the benefit of those who could be affected by any natural disasters. It was determined that Khadro-la would come to the USA in 2012, in order to locate the land from her visions. As she was flying into the United States, landing in California, she says, “I fell asleep. Then all of the sudden I woke up and looked through the airplane window and saw the area that I had had a vision of before when I was in India. So later on, we investigated that area and found that it is on government land, like in a park.”

Khadro-la with Lama Zopa Rinpoche identifying the exact location of the stupa in San Francisco, CA. June 2012.Locating the land and building this stupa is now a priority for FPMT, as Khadro-la has indicated that the stupa should be built as quickly as possible.

Rinpoche mentioned recently, "We do have a way that we can reduce the effect of a big earthquake on the west coast of the USA and therefore it is wise to do something about it before it is too late. Otherwise it is like trying to prevent your death after you die."

Khadro-la also explains, “To be clear, the building of the stupas will not stop the earthquakes and tsumanis. They are just to benefit a little bit for sentient beings. It’s not to fight against the forces of nature or eliminate all those things. Rinpoche asked me to help. Since Rinpoche is always thinking about benefiting others at all times, it is all being done in this light.”

The above quotes from Khadro-la are from a recent interview with Mandala magazine, where she discussed this project, the history and her vision in more detail.

Advice From Lama Zopa Rinpoche Regarding this Stupa

Lama Zopa Rinpoche recently released a statement regarding the incredible importance of building these stupas.

"This is a very important project that we have started, it has incredible importance. We all know there will be another earthquake on the west coast of the USA, it is overdue and it could be a huge earthquake where so many people could die and there could be huge damage to buildings, houses and structures. There is also the danger of a tsunami and the serious effects that will have.

"If people were told it was going to happen beforehand, in many cases it would be hard for them to believe. In many respects the mind is not familiarized in the nature of impermanence and karma, or in change that is happening all the time: rising and ceasing, birth and death, collecting and dispersing. Everything is continuously in a state of change but mostly we are unaware and when it happens it is a great shock and surprise." More…

 Details about the Stupa to Minimize Harm

Bodhgaya StupaAccording to Khadro-la, this stupa should be 30 feet high and built on a high, square base. Around the central stupa in the four corners of the square platform, there should be four stupas, one in each corner. The stupa is being built near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, CA, USA.

In the East corner will be an Enlightenment Stupa (janchub chorten). In the South corner, a Victory Stupa (namgyel chorten), in the West corner a Recocilliation Stupa  (yin.dom chorten), in the North corner a Miraculous Feats stupa (doo.dul chorten). 

The central stupa will have three floors - representing the three Buddha bodies (Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya and Nirmanakaya).

The central stupa should be shaped similar to the Bodhgaya Stupa, but not exactly, the design will be different. Inside the main stupa will be a statue.

We are currently creating an estimated budget for this project pending several factors that are not yet determined.

Benefits of Building or Contributing to the Building of Stupas

According to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, "Building stupas helps develop so much peace and happiness for numberless sentient beings. As a result, wars, disease, and desire will all be pacified. Instead of feeling hopeless, people will gain courage."

For more information about the benefits of stupas, what is needed to build them, and recommended practices related to these amazing holy objects, please explore this resource guide dedicated to the topic.

As both Khadro-la and Lama Zopa Rinpoche have indicated, the completion of this project has the potential to save many lives. Khadro-la recently commented that the stupa is going to be hard to actualize but we MUST do everything we can, as quickly as we can, and make every effort to build the stupa for the benefit of all beings.

Who is Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drolma (Khadro-la)?

You can learn more about Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drolma in this interview from 2008.

How Can I Make a Donation

We are accepting donations of any amount to help actualize this critical project as quickly as possible. To make a tax-deductible donation:

donate

Or simply send your check in US dollars payable to FPMT Inc. and write “Stupa to Minimize Harm from the Elements” on the memo line.

FPMT Inc.
1632 SE 11th Avenue
Portland, OR 97214-4702
USA

The Stupa to Minimize Harm From the Elements Fund is a project of FPMT Inc. and is administered by FPMT International Office located in Portland, Oregon, United States. All donations made to this fund are tax-deductible within the United States in accordance with IRS Code article 501(c)(3) to the extent allowed by law.

For more information please contact: Holly Ansett, Charitable Projects Coordinator.

 *NOTE: Originally Khadro-la gave advice for another stupa to be built in Washington state. According to updated advice from Khadro-la (December 2012), the first priority is the stupa in San Francisco, California. Khadro-la is advising that this project be dedicated entirely to the completion of the San Francisco stupa as the first, most urgent priority.