Biggest Buddhist Stupa in the West
The Enlightenment Stupa at Benalmadena, Southern Spain
Buddhist stupas are spiritual monuments built to bring peace and harmony. Find out about the largest Tibetan Buddhist stupa in the western world, situated in Benalmadena
The Enlightenment Stupa at Benalmadena on Southern Spain’s Costa del Sol was the concept of the Himalayan Buddhist master, Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche. Inaugurated in 2005, the Stupa is a spiritual monument which receives visitors from all over the world who wish to benefit from the peace and harmony it emanates. Majestically overlooking the sea, towards Africa, it is the largest Stupa in the western world at 33 meters (108 feet) tall with a base width of 25.8 meters (82 feet).
The 5 Elements
The Stupa comprises 5 parts each of which represents one of the five elements believed to make up all that exists. These are:
- A square base - earth
- A dome - water
- A spire – fire
- A crescent moon - air
- A circular disc - space
The Benalmadena building is painted white with a gold spire which sparkles in the Spanish sunlight whilst Buddhist prayer flags flap in the sea breeze.
Stupas are usually closed buildings around which believers walk whilst they imagine themselves to be in the presence of the historical Buddha. During this walking, beneficial energy and influence is absorbed and it is believed that those things that Buddhists might wish for will occur as a result of being near the Stupa.
Tibetan Buddhist Art in Meditation Hall
This Enlightenment Stupa is unusual in that it has an open meditation hall within the building. The walls of the hall are beautifully painted with scenes representing the life of the Buddha. These wonderful examples of Tibetan art were created over a 6 month period by Nepalese artists. After viewing the paintings, visitors may meditate alone, or join a specific group.
Holy Relics
In the same way that many Catholic churches may house the relics of saints, the Elightenment Stupa houses holy relics. Between the ceiling of the meditation hall and the top of the Stupa, is a large space filled with sacred objects including half a ton of Buddhist prayers printed on cotton paper and 6000 clay relief works representing the Buddha. These sacred objects are sealed in treasure chambers, and are never viewed. Their value is in their powerful energies which are then transmitted to believers. As the building is filled with positive energy, it acts to pacify and transform sources of negativity.
Tibetan Buddhist Culture
The basement of the building is used as an exhibition centre where fascinating items from the Himalayas representing Tibetan Buddhist culture are displayed.
There is a shop in the grounds which offers literature about Buddhism as well as items from the Himalayas. The upkeep of the Stupa relies on the income from the shop as well as donations.
Hours and Buddhist Meditation Information
- Open from Tuesday to Friday from 10.30 am to 2.00 pm and from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm.
- Closed on Mondays.
- Every day at 7.30 pm there is a guided meditation called "The Three Lights Meditation" from the Karma Kagyu School (Diamond Way) of Tibetan Buddhism. All are welcome regardless of faith or background.
- Every Sunday at 6.30 pm there are talks for beginners in the meditation hall about Buddhist teachings Tel +34 606 27 53 75.
Entrance to the Enlightenment Stupa is free and donations are welcomed.
Tel. +34 952 56 96 62
