October 17, 2023
In a momentous announcement, a monumental project is underway at Kopan Monastery that promises to be a tribute of remarkable significance. The Stupa of Complete Victory for Lama Zopa Rinpoche is set to rise to a towering height of 42 feet (12.8 meters) and is already capturing the hearts of many in the spiritual community.
This magnificent stupa, designed to facilitate the swift return of the esteemed Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, is currently in its planning stages. The project envisions a sprawling monument covering an expansive area of 180 square feet (55 square meters) at ground level, in addition to a semi-basement level stretching across 715 square feet (218 square meters). This impressive design is a testament to the reverence and dedication towards Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Positioned on the northeast side of the Stupa Garden at Kopan Monastery, the stupa will be strategically oriented to face precisely midway between the revered Swayambhunath stupa and the iconic Boudhanath stupa. While preserving the enchanting expanse of Kopan's gardens, this stupa will also expand the whole area, offering two retreat rooms beneath its grand structure. The project's architect has ingeniously incorporated a circumambulation path that encompasses all three stupas, creating a sacred space for purification and merit-making.
The construction process is not only a feat of architectural grandeur but also a spiritually charged endeavor. An array of holy objects will find their place within the stupa, including the Tengyur and Kangyur, the central "life tree," thirteen pounds (six kilograms) of nano film inscribed with vast amounts of mantras, and various other sacred relics. The collection and determination of the cost for these objects are currently in progress.
A significant moment in the project's journey was the visit of His Eminence Zong Rinpoche to Kopan Monastery. On the 49th day after Rinpoche's aspect of passing, Zong Rinpoche provided invaluable guidance, advising the construction of a Stupa of Complete Victory, symbolizing the triumph of Buddha over the mara of death.
The anticipated construction cost for the stupa monument is estimated at approximately US$459,252, with the primary expenses attributed to civil works, ground preparation, stupa body construction, and landscaping, amounting to US$272,699. The estimate also encompasses costs related to decorative painting, ornamentation, and the installation of 32 smaller stupas around the perimeter, alongside scaffolding expenses.
As this ambitious project progresses, regular updates will be shared to keep supporters informed about milestones, developments, and any arising needs. The actual construction of the stupa will commence on an auspicious day, marking the beginning of a journey that promises to be a momentous contribution to the spiritual landscape.
May this Stupa of Complete Victory swiftly create the conditions for the return of our beloved Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the fulfillment of all his profound aspirations.