The Stupa

His Holiness Dalai LamaHis Holiness the Dalai Lama

His Holiness has given this stupa his blessing. He said:

"At this moment, when the Tibetan cultural heritage is facing extinction... this Tibetan style stupa will be very significant ... for Buddhist spirituality and Tibetan Buddhist culture. Support for such noble work is a good method to create virtuous karma."

 

 

Lama Yeshe

Lama Thubten Yeshe

In August 1981, Lama Yeshe, the founder of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition, selected Atisha Centre near Bendigo in Southern Australia as the site for an enormous stupa with a very large gompa (temple) inside.

 

 

Lama Zopa RinpocheLama Zopa Rinpoche

Rinpoche has said

"Just by holy objects such as the Great Stupa existing in the world it makes it so unbelievably easy for us sentient beings, whether we are in this world or will be born in this world or are from other universes, to purify the obstacles for happiness, peace and realisations on the path, and also to achieve liberation and enlightenment.................So now you can see the importance of this Great Stupa...how (it will) illuminate the world and bring inconceivable peace and happiness, and by building this holy object it prevents the destruction that is happening so much in the world, including war."

Tarthang Tulku

"It is wonderful to hear about this project which is so important for the well-being of our planet."

 

Land consecrationConsecration of the land

The site for the stupa was consecrated by Venerable Khensur Rinpoche, his attendant and Thubten Donyo in November 1994.

 

The Board of Directors

Under the guidance of Lama Zopa Rinpoche an Australian company, The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion Limited has been formed to take overall responsibility for the Great Stupa. This company takes effect from July 1st, 2003. The aims of The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion Limited are to:

  • Oversee the design and construction of the Great Stupa.
  • Oversee the design and construction of the many holy objects that are stored in the Great Stupa and its grounds.
  • Oversee the operation and maintenance of the Great Stupa and the holy objects.
  • Employ fundraising methods to raise the capital to build and to maintain the Great Stupa and the holy objects.
  • Employ various means to raise the awareness of the Great Stupa.
  • Ensure that the holy relics, texts and objects are properly preserved and protected.
  • Ensure that high levels of financial accountability are maintained in handling funds.

The Board of Directors chosen by Lama Zopa are:

  • Ian Green,
  • David Andrews,
  • Salim Lee,
  • Wayne Thomson,
  • Brian Ashen,
  • Eric Clarkson,
  • Garrey Foulkes.