http://www.tara.org/visit-us/amitabha-stupa/
Amitabha Stupa, Sedona Arizona
Sedona, Arizona, about halfway between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, is a must-visit place for spiritual seekers the world over. Since 2004, such visitors have been flocking to Sedona’s Amitabha Stupa. (Some call it Sedona’s newest vortex.) Sitting majestically among the pinion and juniper pines, and surrounded by a landscape of stunning crimson spires, it is a jewel to behold.
On any given day in beautiful Sedona, dozens of visitors trek up the short winding trails to the 36 foot Amitabha Stupa and the smaller Tara Stupa for prayer, meditation, healing, and the experience of peace in a sacred place. The Amitabha Stupa is open every day from dawn until dusk and your visit is free of charge. (Of course, donations to support the stupa are gratefully accepted.)
Map and Directions to the Stupa
The stupa is located on Pueblo Road, in the heart of West Sedona. You can print this map, or use these driving directions: From Highway 89A (the main road in Sedona), turn north on Andante Road beside the Circle K store. Proceed about a mile (toward Thunder Mountain) and turn left on Pueblo Road, the last left off of Andante. If the gate is open, turn immediately right onto the stupa land and proceed to the parking area. If the gate is not open, park on Pueblo. The stupa is a five-minute walk from Pueblo on well marked trails.
Group Visits and Handicapped Access
To arrange group visits, or to make special arrangements for handicapped access, please call 1-877-788-7229 or email amitabhastupa@tara.org in advance.
About Stupas
The stupa is one of the oldest forms of sacred architecture on earth, dating back to the time of the Buddha, 2600 years ago. Stupas are mostly found in the East, where Buddhism first took root and flourished. They are indeed rare in the West.
A stupa is considered to be the living presence of the Buddha and as such represents the Mind of Enlightenment. Stupas have been built to avert war, end famine, and promote prosperity and well-being. Their sole purpose is to bring benefit for all living beings, and the mystical accounts of the healing powers of stupas are well documented.
The sacred architecture of the stupa is deeply mystical and powerful, as it was birthed directly from the mind of the Buddha. For this reason, stupas are only built at the direction of realized Buddhist masters. The Amitabha Stupa came about as a result of the desire of Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo, spiritual director of Kunzang Palyul Choling, to build a stupa in Sedona, a place known for its powerful spiritual energies.
The process of building, filling, and empowering a stupa is detailed, precise, and awe-inspiring, and as far as we know, it has never been documented in modern times until now. Kunzang Payul Choling has recently published a beautiful, 62 page keepsake-quality book, The Story of the Amitabha Stupa, documenting its construction phases in magnificent photography inside and out. Please preview the The Story of the Amitabha Stupa and consider ordering copies for you and your friends.
"All negative karma and obscurations...are purified by dreaming of a stupa, seeing a stupa...and even being touched by the shadow of a stupa." Stainless Beam Sutra, Lord Buddha
© 2009 Kunzang Palyul
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