As soon as I arrived in Sedona two and half months ago, I have repeatedly heard people mentioning the Amitabha Stupa to me. Additionally, I have seen posters and charitable donation boxes with pictures of the Stupa around town. It seemed to me that I was being guiding to make my own pilgrimage to this sacred space. So, taking a cue from the Universe, I paid heed to my Inner Wisdom and made my journey there.
Ever the advocate of walking, I ventured on the 4.2 mile hike from where I am currently house-sitting to where the Stupa is located. It was a hot day and I had forgotten to bring a bottle of water. I could also feel that my skin was a bit sunburned, but I was determined to put one foot in front of the other as I continued on my trek. Even though my feet were sore from wearing my cute keds instead of my comfortable walking shoes, as soon as I crossed the threshold from the street onto the gorgeous acreage of the park, I began to feel lighter. I couldn't help but marvel at my surroundings.
As I climbed the winding path up to the Stupa, I witnessed several flags flapping in the wind with various renditions of the Buddha pictured on them. I saw a plethora of insects prancing around the flowers, while the birds chirped their symphony of sounds. The cars from the nearby street seemed to be far off in the distance. It was as though I had found a piece of Heaven in the heart of a subdivision of homes.
Reaching the top of the path, I was welcomed by a covered wooden dais with several chairs that gazed upon the front of the Stupa. After my long walk, I decided that on this day, I would practice a seated meditation. Immediately, I saw the Buddha in my mind's eye and I felt his gentle embrace upon me.
The Stupa, nestled amongst fourteen acres of consecrated land, is a symbol for the body of the Buddha. It is filled from top to bottom with sacred objects, and the ground surrounding it, has many rocks and crystals aligning its circular path. It was built in 2004 as a place of peace, harmony, prosperity, healing and personal and Universal empowerment. The grounds it sits on is also a wildlife sanctuary and it is easy to see why as this space hosts a home to many animal Beings that you may see on your path.
Generally speaking, it is suggested to walk in a clockwise formation around the Buddha. I observed some people with their shoes off, some people with prayer beads, while some were even laughing. Each of them were practicing the perfect meditation for themselves and I was grateful to be a part of the energy.
There are actually two Stupas in Peace Park. The Amitabha is the larger one, standing at thirty-six feet in height. A bronze sculpture of the Amitabha faces the dais. He is a symbol for the chief Buddha of the Lotus family and Amitabha can also be translated as the Buddha of Immeasurable Light. He represents gentleness, openness and boundless compassion.*
The White Tara Stupa is the smaller of the two, standing at six feet in height. Tara is a female Boddhisattva (or Enlightened teacher). She is known for her high-level of compassion, healing, serenity, longevity and beauty. She can be thought of as the embodiment of the Divine Feminine while the Amitabha would be its counterpart of the Divine Masculine.
It is possible to hike around the park and/or share your meditative practice with the space every day from sunrise to sunset. One does not have to be a practicing Buddhist. Everyone is welcome. Feel free to bring a sacred object to place on the bench in front of the Stupa or leave a donation if you are called to do so. To learn more information, please visit http://www.tara.org/visit-us/amitabha-stupa/.
If you would like to read this and other articles such as this one, please visit http://thespiritofsedona.blogspot.com/.
*Definition from http://www.amitabhahospice.org/public/who_we_are/meanin1.php
Lisa Tunney is a metaphysician with an accessible approach. She has been described as “Sex and the City meets the Dalai Lama”. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from U.C. Berkeley and a Master’s Degree in Metaphysics from the American Institute of Holistic Theology. Additionally, she is a Reiki Master, Shamanic Practitioner, Intuition Development Teacher, Philosopher and author of the upcoming inspirational books, Blossoming Butterfly and The Seed Planter. Through the various avenues of teaching she pursues, she integrates laughter, intuition, storytelling, and most importantly, it is her goal to help guide others to listen to their own Inner Wisdom.