That was a quote from the Tibetan Book of the Dead (Bardo Thotrol), as translated by Chogyam Trungpa and Francesca Fremantle, published by Shambala. This text was revealed by Guru Rinpoche, or Guru Padmasambava, who is the central figure of this Stupa...

I shared it because of my work, as a nurse I am frequently in the face of death. However, despite this proximity, it remains easy to forget. While this may sound morbid to non-practitioners, the reality is death does await us all.

These Stupas offer blessings that extend far beyond this brief lifetime. The seeds planted in this lifetime by connecting with these Stupas will ultimately connect you to your own enlightenment. Thus, as we all will die, the Stupas have something to offer all of us, universally. They produce healing from illness, but more importantly, they plant the seed of ultimate liberation in our mindstream. What we experience as benefit in this life may only scratch the surface of the amazing blessing we have received being involved with them.

When you read the quote above, it may sound strange (there is much Dharma terminology I know). What it is trying to convey, however, is that the opportunity to connect with the blessings of the Dharma exists right now, in this moment, wherever you are. To have such an opportunity before you and walk away from it would be confusion, like returning from a treasure filled room empty handed. This treasure is here for you, with no requirements or understanding of this sort of thing needed. They exist to bring blessings to beings effortlessly.

So please do come out and see them for yourself. How amazing that they are right here, in Poolesville, Maryland! And even easier to get to online!