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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#E6E6E6″ divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” disabled_on=”on|on|on” disabled=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” horizontal_offset=”0px” z_index=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_font=”Lato|300|||||||” body_font=”Merriweather||||||||” z_index=”-429″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”|-10%||-10%|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”20px|30px|20px|30px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”About the Project” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”Merriweather||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Tai Situ Rinpoche, one of the most renowned teachers and meditation masters of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, has highlighted the Smoky Mountain region of Tennessee as possessing uncommon qualities and potential for the construction of a stupa, a traditional Buddhist structure meant to harmonize, purify, and enhance the elements of an environment and the inhabitants within it.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Sacred Design” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”Merriweather||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
In the Tibetan view, a human body possesses pathways and focal points of energy that are indicators and controls of health and balance. The Earth too possesses channels of energy flow and \u201cpower places\u201d that are of great importance. These dynamics affect the proper functioning and prosperity of a given region, and inform the health and flourishing of the biosphere as a whole. Like an acupuncture needle in the Earth, building structures such as stupas and hermitages in places that are connected to histories of trauma (environmental or social) can be a powerfully restorative force.<\/p>\n
In India and Tibet, stupas were built as reliquaries of positive energy, as objects of homage for the accumulation of merit, to guard against natural disasters such as earthquakes and storms, to bring new life and balance to areas scourged by war or disease, and to create a protective barrier of sanity and positive energy in the face of aggression and destruction. Likewise, the construction of a stupa in the Smoky Mountain area will have a great effect in bringing back to balance the interconnected personal, social, and environmental wounds that this area has experienced in the past due to colonization, war, and environmental desecration.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Sacred Ground” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”Merriweather||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
The\u00a0Appalachian mountains are among the oldest in the world and their biodiversity has remained untouched by oceanic and glacial disturbances. \u00a0This refuge has allowed the species of the area to enjoy literally eons of diversification, and no other area of equal size worldwide in a temperate climate can match the Smoky Mountains\u2019 amazing diversity of plants, animals, and invertebrates. \u00a0Like a Garden of Eden, the region also served as the \u201cseed cradle\u201d for much of North America after the ice age, and is now the origin for the majority of water used in the American Southeast.\u00a0Honoring these and other unique qualities, the\u00a0United Nations has designated the Smoky Mountains as an International Biosphere Reserve.<\/p>\n
Because of the natural preciousness of this geographic region, and through the interpenetration of\u00a0local\u00a0health and\u00a0global\u00a0prosperity and balance,\u00a0participation in the construction of a stupa here will have a global effect. In this way, a single individual\u00a0invested in such a project is therefore able to bring enormous benefit to themselves, the region, and the entire world.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Benefit Beyond Concept” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”Merriweather||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
It is said in the sutras (traditional Buddhist scriptures) that the merit of laying even one brick toward the construction of a stupa is inconceivable. This is true not only because of the power inherent in the design of such a structure, but also because of the expansiveness of the vision that fosters it. These are some of the ways in which the construction of a stupa can have unlimited, inconceivable effects:<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Ecological” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”Merriweather||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
Most ecological views and programs aim at conservation and protection. The Buddhist view upholds this vision but goes further to emphasize a relationship of reciprocity between the earth and those who rely upon it. Building structures such as stupas and facilities for meditation practice and ritual are unique ways of actually giving back to the earth\u2013 not only protecting the sanctity of the earth and restoring the natural balance, but actually enhancing the vital radiance of the environment and its inhabitants.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Social” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”Merriweather||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
A stupa is a symbol and expression of focused communal intention. The cumulative power of this intention actualizes the potential of a community in order to help all beings realize their fullest potential. It is a local, tangible artifact in the service of unlimited, universal ennoblement.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Personal” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”Merriweather||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
Larger stupas such as ours contain a sanctuary within them which serve as sacred spaces for individual or group meditation and spiritual practice.\u00a0 By participating in the building of a stupa or visiting such a sacred site, the blessing and power that is communicated to the environment also becomes an immediate felt experience that purifies and enriches one\u2019s own body and mind, leading to the realization of one\u2019s innermost nature as completely perfect awakened awareness.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”2902,2907,2903,2898,2899,2900,2901,2904,2905,2906,2916,2917,2920,2922,2896,2924,2927″ fullwidth=”on” disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” pagination_text_align=”center” animation_style=”fade” auto=”on” auto_speed=”3500″ sticky_limit_bottom=”row” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”2902,2907,2903,2898,2899,2900,2901,2904,2905,2906,2916,2917,2920,2922,2896,2924,2927″ fullwidth=”on” disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” pagination_text_align=”center” custom_margin=”|-10%||-10%|false|true” animation_style=”fade” sticky_limit_bottom=”row” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”no-loop” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.mocd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/ep_naturalblack.png” background_size=”initial” background_repeat=”repeat” background_enable_video_mp4=”off” background_enable_video_webm=”off” allow_player_pause=”on” z_index=”1″ min_height=”115vh” min_height_tablet=”140vh” min_height_phone=”33vh” min_height_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_height=”90vh” max_height_tablet=”140vh” max_height_phone=”63vh” max_height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0vh||0vh||true|false” top_divider_height=”26px” top_divider_flip=”vertical” custom_css_main_element=”height: 100vh;” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Lato|100|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”6vh||3vh||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”2vh||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”42px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
About the land and the stupa<\/h1>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/-Jo3WlL4Qa8″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”|-10%||-10%|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.mocd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/classy_fabric-gold-1.png” background_size=”initial” background_repeat=”repeat” z_index=”1″ custom_padding=”1vh||1vh||true|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Lato|100|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”6vh||3vh||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”42px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
In the words of the teachers …<\/h1>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Tai Situ Rinpoche” portrait_url=”https:\/\/www.mocd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Tai_Situ_Rinpoche-sq.jpg” quote_icon_color=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” portrait_width=”120px” portrait_height=”120px” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”Merriweather||||||||” body_line_height=”1.6em” author_font=”Lato|700|||||||” author_font_size=”12px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
If one knows how to explain from the texts, then all of the qualities and definition of a buddha is represented by the shape of a stupa.<\/h5>\n
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[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche” portrait_url=”https:\/\/www.mocd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/djkr.jpg” quote_icon_color=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” portrait_width=”120px” portrait_height=”120px” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”Merriweather||||||||” body_line_height=”1.6em” author_font=”Lato|700|||||||” author_font_size=”12px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Just the curiosity, of course of human beings, but even the birds, animals, “What is this mound, this structure?” Just that curiosity is planting the seed of Dharma.<\/h5>\n\u2026 For instance, this stupa, I am sure some people may be circumambulating and prostrating. And I am sure some birds will shit on it. They equally have a connection.<\/h5>\n
[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche” portrait_url=”https:\/\/www.mocd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_3045.jpg” quote_icon_color=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” portrait_width=”120px” portrait_height=”120px” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”Merriweather||||||||” body_line_height=”1.6em” author_font=”Lato|700|||||||” author_font_size=”12px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
There are different types of stupas, but one of the principles is to re-balance the energies of the region. Conflicts between different energies can always arise and the people become pas\u00adsive and there is no progress. This is one of the rea\u00adsons why these stupas are built.<\/span><\/h5>\n[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.mocd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/black_paper.png” background_size=”initial” background_repeat=”repeat” z_index=”1″ min_height=”190.6px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”1vh|0px|10vh|0px|false|false” box_shadow_style=”preset6″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Lato|100|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”6vh||3vh||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”42px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
In images …<\/h1>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”1188,2167,2168,2024,2025,2048,2026,2049,2052,2051,2050,2053,2042,2054,2055,2059,2058,2044,2043,2031,2032,2033,2060,2061,2062,2063,2064,2065,2047,2083,2088,2081,2075,2085,2029,2082,2080,2078,2070,2071,2068,2087,2079,2077,2086,2084,2069,1360,1362,1377,1372,1368,1359,1350,1358,1356,1371,1354,2093,1355,1353,1352,1370,2035,1351,2094,1363,1364,2027,2073,2067,2057,2056,2039,2045,2038,2037,1180,1349″ posts_number=”24″ show_title_and_caption=”off” zoom_icon_color=”#FFFFFF” hover_overlay_color=”rgba(179,196,0,0.45)” hover_icon=”0||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” pagination_font=”Lato|300|||||||” pagination_text_align=”center” pagination_text_color=”#FFFFFF” max_height=”790px” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”|-10%||-10%|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
StupaEarth Healing Stupa of EnlightenmentWhen a stupa with proper measurements is made, then whoever sees it will have a positive feeling. Wherever a stupa is, there will be positive energy. And that is what we need today. Because lots of words, lots of explanations\u2014most people don\u2019t have time. But if there is some kind of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"class_list":["post-686","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"campaignId":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mocd.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/686","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mocd.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mocd.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mocd.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mocd.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=686"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.mocd.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/686\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5356,"href":"https:\/\/www.mocd.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/686\/revisions\/5356"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mocd.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=686"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}