This is a view of the Stupa Park taken last year. Obviously, before renovations started. : ) The Stupas still have their old paint. I've posted it today because it was a work day, thus, I couldn't get to the temple to work on the Stupas.

It is my goal to always post at least a photo of a Stupa every day, that way, even I get to visit the Stupas on work days! : ) So we can share this opportunity too!

Khenpo Norgye introduced the teaching he gave us on statues and Stupas last month by saying the purpose of these ritual objects is to purify our view. To the Buddha, every being is a Buddha, every being is perfect, Enlightened, only we're confused about that. We've forgotten it. To ordinary beings like ourselves, everything else is ordinary. We could see the Buddha himself, and we'd see another guy. Maybe an interesting guy, but just a guy. That's because we've forgotten our own true nature. Stupas appear in form as a way of purifying our senses. Most things, when we look at them, only reinforce our delusion, our lack of understanding. They allow us to continue to think we are ordinary, and that everything else is too. But when you look at a Stupa, whether it registers in your mind or not (spend time around them and I bet it does register), you realize you're looking at something extraordinary. You realize there is something beyond our ordinary world.

I bring my dogs to them often. They have no idea what they are, and certainly no view that the Stupas are special, but I know they do carry blessings, even for my little guys who know no better. I took them to a dog park a few times and then realized, heck, I could walk them around a Stupa, and though they might find that more boring (circle after circle isn't as exciting as boucing around after other dogs), they'd still get their exercise, and they would receive amazing blessings to boot! Worth tolerating their looks of confused disappointment. And then, they're dogs, they got use to it, now they consider it their fun. : )

You can see from this photo the Stupas are located in a beautiful environment, surrounded by trees and greenery, and a few streams run through the property. It's worth the trip just to get away from the chaos of unregulated suburban sprawl. Yeah, there are parks you could go to. The C & O canal has a loch just down the road with a wonderful walking path along the river. But when you come by to see the Stupas (even if on your way to that walking path by the river!) the benefit is palpable. Try it! Ask anyone who has! And of course, if you can't make it out there (like I can't today), you can count on this blog to bring them to you! The Stupas exist for no other reason than to benefit beings, to bring healing, peace and prosperity (check out the links on this page for more detailed info). They're here for you, 24 hours a day, every day, online, and in Poolesville, Maryland. No strings attached.

We're working hard to keep them here for you!