Discuss how and why stupas were built. NCERT Class XIIHistory - Themes in Indian History I
Answers
The Stupa represents Dharmakaya or Buddha's holy mind. Each part of the Stupa shows us the path to Enlightenment. Building as Stupa is a powerful way to get rid of negative karma and accumalate a lot of merit.
First a site is chosen for building a Stupa. Then prayers are offered to the earth deities. The Stupa is built on a square base, the Lion's Seat. Its four sides are related to the four qualities of the mind which are basic for the attainment of enlightenment. They are - love, compassion, joy and equanimity. Five steps are built on this base. They represent the progress of the mind towards enlightenment.
A rounded form is built on the steps and is called the Bumpa. This may have a meditation room or contain some relics. The Sog Shing which means a Life Stick made of sandalwood or juniper is put up as the central axis. It extends from the Lion Seat and protrudes to the Stupa's highest point.
The reasons for building stupas after Buddha Shakyamuni passed away are -
1. To commemorate the eight great deeds accomplished by him during his life.
2. To enshrine the relics.