4.7. Stupas

We have seen that Buddhist ideas and practices emerged out of a process of dialogue with other traditions – including those of the Brahmanas, Jainas and several others, not all of whose ideas and practices were preserved in texts. Some of these interactions can be seen in the ways in which sacred places came to be identified.

Buddhist ideas did not come from nowhere; they were shaped by conversations and exchanges with various other religious traditions, such as those of the Brahmanas and Jainas. This means that as Buddhism grew, it borrowed and adapted ideas from these interactions. Over time, certain locations began to be viewed as sacred spaces—places that held special significance for people, often due to their connection to important figures or events.

Think of this process like how cultures share and adapt recipes when they meet. For example, when Italian cuisine influences American food, you may see the creation of pizza with local toppings. Similarly, Buddhism adapted ideas from other religious traditions, leading to unique sacred sites.

From earliest times, people tended to regard certain places as sacred. These included sites with special trees or unique rocks, or sites of awe-inspiring natural beauty. These sites, with small shrines attached to them, were sometimes described as chaityas.

The term 'chaitya' refers to sacred spaces that were recognized before stupas existed. These could be characterized by natural wonders or man-made shrines. Over time, chaityas evolved and became central to Buddhist practice, much like how a town might grow from a little-known area into a major religious center over decades or centuries.

Imagine a small park in a city that is beautiful and well-loved by the community. Over time, as more people visit and feel a connection to it, that park may transform into a significant place for community gatherings, art fairs, and celebrations, much like how sacred sites in Buddhism expanded in importance.

Why were stupas built? There were other places too that were regarded as sacred. This was because relics of the Buddha such as his bodily remains or objects used by him were buried there. These were mounds known as stupas. The tradition of erecting stupas may have been pre-Buddhist, but they came to be associated with Buddhism.

Stupas serve as significant monuments in Buddhism, housing relics of the Buddha or important artifacts. They represent a physical connection to the teachings and life of the Buddha, creating spaces for meditation and worship. The construction of stupas became a symbol of respect and reverence for the Buddha’s legacy, with their significance growing over time.

Consider how memorials are built for important figures in society, like the Lincoln Memorial in the United States. Just as this memorial honors Abraham Lincoln and his legacy, stupas honor the Buddha and serve as a place for reflection and worship.

Inscriptions found on the railings and pillars of stupas record donations made for building and decorating them. Some donations were made by kings such as the Satavahanas; others were made by guilds, such as that of the ivory workers who financed part of one of the gateways at Sanchi.

The funding for stupas often came from a diverse group of contributors, including not only wealthy kings but also local craftsmen and ordinary people. This indicates that building stupas was seen as a community effort, reflecting a collective reverence for the Buddha and his teachings. Inscriptions provide historical records of these contributions, telling us about the society's values and priorities.

Think of a community fundraising event, like a bake sale or a charity run, where everyone contributes, whether they can give a lot or just a little. Each contribution counts and helps accomplish a larger goal, much like how contributions helped build and decorate stupas.

The stupa (a Sanskrit word meaning a heap) originated as a simple semi-circular mound of earth, later becoming a more complex structure. Above the anda was the harmika, a balcony-like structure that represented the abode of the gods. Arising from the harmika was a mast called the yashti, often surmounted by a chhatri or umbrella. Around the mound was a railing, separating the sacred space from the secular world.

The architectural evolution of stupas from simple mounds to complex structures with distinct features signifies their growing importance in Buddhist practice. Each component of the stupa is rich in symbolism: the harmika represents the divine abode, the yashti signifies the connection between the heavens and earth, and the chhatri symbolizes protection. Together, they create a sacred atmosphere, enhancing the spiritual experience for worshippers.

Think of a modern building, like a cathedral, which has specific architectural features that symbolize its purpose and importance. Just as the various parts of the cathedral serve to uplift spirituality, the elements of the stupa are designed to invoke a sense of sacredness.

Worshippers entered through the eastern gateway and walked around the mound in a clockwise direction keeping the mound on the right, imitating the sun’s course through the sky.

The act of circumambulating the stupa is a significant ritual in Buddhism, symbolizing respect and reverence for the Buddha. Walking clockwise aligns with the traditional practices seen in various religions where movement reflects a natural alignment with cosmic forces— in this case, the sun's journey across the sky. This practice connects individuals to a larger rhythm of nature, emphasizing mindfulness in worship.

Consider how in many cultures, people walk in specific directions during rituals, such as counter-clockwise during certain Native American ceremonies. This practice holds meaning beyond the physical act, reinforcing beliefs and intentions within the spiritual realm.

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