The lotus grows in the mud - working on the third level of the Stupa

Click here to read about the project 

to build the Stupa of All Buddhas

The lotus grows in the mud....  
The days are dark, cold and rainy, but inside my heart the sun of faith shines unobstructed and inspires me to keep going despite the difficulties, limited funds, and the low level of interest for this project.

In the photos you can see how me and uncle Victor work on the third level of the Stupa of All Buddhas. 

We also made two concrete ring beam arround the base of the Stupa and we plastered the first two levels before we started the third. A final plaster will be made when the Stupa is finished. 

The two concrete ring beams around it help to prevent water infiltration. As you can see, the top of the Stupa is covered now because it has rained a lot lately. However, I look forward to the time when it will be completed and I feel encouraged by the invisible protection and inspiration I receive daily:

„Shakyamuni, Amida, and the Buddhas of the ten quarters, 
all with the same mind, 

are no more apart from sentient beings 
of the Nembutsu than shadows from things.” 

(Shinran Shonin, Mattosho, 2)

Right there, while saying Nembutsu in the mud and circumambulating the unfinished Stupa, the image of the lotus on the top of it arised in my mind from the blessing of Amida and all Buddhas. Then I decided that the Stupa will look like this when its finished:

This is an artistic representation of a possible final form.
The actual appearance may differ slightly, but the lotus on the top and the three levels will remain.
The flags are a proposed decorative element, not necessarily a definitive component of the project.

The three blocks represent the three bodies of any Buddha: Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya and Nirmanakaya. They also remind us of the Three Jewels: the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha in which we take refuge. 

the lotus with jewel on top of the Stupa of All Buddhas

The lotus on the top containing a jewel represents, from a general Buddhist perspective,  the perfect Enlightenment of the Buddha which is attained for the benefit of all beings. The lotus grows in the mud which also reminds us of the Buddha nature that is eternally present witthin all samsaric beings. From the perspective of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, the lotus with eight petals represents the eight elements of faith in Amida Buddha which are the cause for the attainment of Buddhahood (Nirvana/perfect Enlightenment):

"Those who attain true and real shinjin (faith)
Immediately join the truly settled;
Thus having entered the stage of non-retrogression,
They necessarily attain Nirvana."
(Shinran Shonin, Mattosho, 14)

There are so many things to do until the Stupa is finished! However, I'll keep you updated of any progress I make. Your help is gratefully received and very much needed, so please consider a donation  if you wish to support the building of this Stupa,

Click here to donate via PayPal

At this link, https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/p/donation.html  you can also find a few Bank accounts where you can send your donation.

The work continues with faith in Amida and all Buddhas.
Namo Amida Bu