Virtuous Action: The Merits of Offering to Stupas
This is with reference to a news report ‘Thailand 300kg gold for Mahabodhi temple in Bihar published in the online edition of The Times of India dated November 13, 2013. The news was reported in other major publications too. This is an admirably virtuous act of generosity by the Thai Royalty, Thai Government and the Buddhist devotees of Thailand. This deed achieves special significance because of the history associated with the Mahabodhi Vihar in Bodh Gaya. It is the most important place of devotion and worship for several hundred millions of Buddhists from all across the world. We are all aware of its sacredness. This was the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment. In light of this virtuous deed, I would like to elaborate a little on the rewards that can accrue to those engaging in such deeds of virtuosity. I would like to do this by quoting some of the Buddha’s Sutras.
In the Dharma-Paryaya Sutra (Sutra Pitaka Section ‘S’, Page No. 562, Tibet Culture Printing Press Edition)the Buddha says:
“OBhikshus, whoever donates toward the installation of an image/replica of the Tathagata will reap the following five rewards:
- Will have the good fortune of taking residence in a palatial mansion
- Will gain immense of happiness
- Will experience a lot of joy
- Will enjoy a long life
- Will attain a lot of fame.”
In the Karmanta-Vibhanga Sutra (Sutra Pitaka Section ‘S’, Page No. 848, Tibet Culture Printing Press Edition) the Buddha says:
“OBhikshus, whoever reverentially offers a parasol in honor of the Tathagata to His Stupa will reap ten rewards. These include:
- Freedom from the pain and torment that the body experiences from heat
- Freedom from mental suffering
- Fortunate rebirth in the higher planes of existence
- Quicker enlightenment.”
Again, in the Karmanta-Vibhanga Sutra (Sutra Pitaka Section ‘S’, Page No. 851, Tibet Culture Printing Press Edition) the Buddha says:
“OBhikshus, whoever reverentially builds a Stupa in honor of the Tathagata will reap eighteen rewards. These include:
- Rebirth in a noble class
- Endowed with great power,authority and reputation
- Endowed with immense wealth
- Enhanced life span
- Endowed with the auspicious bodily marks and signs.”
In the Shuddhodana-Pariprichha Sutra (Sutra Pitaka Section ‘S’, Page No. 577, Tibet Culture Printing Press Edition)the Buddha says:
“OBhikshus, whoever reverentially builds a stupa in honor of the Wise Sage will be endowed with a brilliant,radiant and pleasingly beautiful physique. Whoever, with a mind full of devotion, offers a ceremonial-canopyto the structure of the Tathagata’s Stupa will win lordship over vast territories without having to force or harm any person.
Such are the immense rewards that will accrue through such like these deeds of generosity. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the Thailand royals, Government and the Thai Buddhist devotees for this meritorious act. I sincerely rejoice in their meritorious actions. I also sincerely appreciate the help and support extended by theIndian Government and the concern Indian authorities to this activity. I appeal to all the Buddhist people to rejoice in this virtuous deed. Rejoicing in such virtuous actions results in immense merit accruing to oneself too.
Authored by Khangser Rinpoche
Scribed by Ujwal Tamgadge
