Spirit of Universality
One of the significant outcomes of learning is to attain the understanding of the self. We understand ourselves when we express ourselves. When we choose to celebrate Independence Day, Raksha Bandhan and Eid on the same day — the expression of Independence arises from an ability to discern, an ability to include varied points of views, an ability to create spaces for expressions that don’t necessarily emerge from a singular point.
In recent times and age we more often see narrow interpretations of freedom emerging. At such times, the inclusive energies of children at Shikshantar are a whiff of fresh air. Shikshantar witnessed the ‘spirit of universality’ in its pure form when the entire community came together to hoist the national flag and share the colourful bonds of rakhi that we cherish. At the same time, sounds of ‘La ilaha illa allah Muhammadur Rasulullah’ filled the school amphitheatre. The threads of warmth and the hugs of Eid coexisted, sans friction.
And then, there was more to unfold. A stupa installation ceremony on the same day deepened our relationship with familiar energies. Karmic connections could only be the explanation for the timing of the Stupa installation ceremony in the school space on the same day. How the Stupa mystically came to be a part of our lives is another story. While at retreat at Dharamshala, Minoti didi, cherished by all of us as our mentor at Shikshantar, had the immense good fortune to be blessed by Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche in person. The distinctive, Lama Zopa Rinpoche is a tibetan Buddhist scholar and meditator. Lama Zopa is most noteworthy as the co-founder, with Lama Yeshe, of Kopan Monastery and the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Rinpoche has for thirty years overseen the spiritual activities of the extensive FPMT network of over 165 centres, projects and services in 40 countries worldwide.
He is also known as the heart child of His Holiness, The 14th Dalai Lama.
The Victory Stupa was given by Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche to Minoti Didi for the children of Shikshantar. The connection from there has reached all of us at Shikshantar and we feel the extended grace and energies.
In one of the Buddhist teachings at Shikshantar, we made an attempt to understand ‘interconnectedness’, and now when we join the dots; it seems so relevant, so simple and right there for us to feel. A Stupa symbolises the ‘Buddha’s mind – empathy, compassion and kindness. This resonates deeply with our school philosophy. The Buddhist way of being encourages us to further tune our consciousness and uncover these qualities so that they are expressed in our daily practices in a natural and spontaneous manner.
Shikshantar is ever grateful to Venerable Kabir ji who facilitated the installation ceremony. Creating a sacred energy that was palpable to all. He arrived amidst the chants of ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ and sat silently through the lyrics of the multi faith prayer. There was a calm and tranquillity as children listened to Kabir ji and Minoti didi dialogue with the children on what is a Stupa, how it would integrate within the school surroundings and extend its grace. Intrigued by their narration, they came up with thoughtful responses and questions – “What are the eight kinds of Stupas? Why does this Victory Stupa have circular steps? How did the Buddha extend his life? Can we decide when we want to leave our bodies?”
Venerable Kabir further emphasised the benefits of the Stupa and that when we circumambulate the Stupa, we accumulate many known and unknown benefits. We can recite ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ or any other sacred mantra. It creates mindfulness so we are mindful of our own self to be the finest versions of ourselves.
In the words of Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche:
“Each time you see it there is great, great purification and that brings you to enlightenment; this is just by looking at the stupa…….”
“This is a great thing. It purifies negative karma collected from beginningless rebirths that are obstacles to happiness—temporary and ultimate happiness—and especially to actualising all the realisations on the path to enlightenment. And it creates the cause to achieve the path to enlightenment—to actualise the teachings that you have heard and read in your heart…….”
Prayers offered and the Stupa installed, it now stands as a symbol of true and harmonious relationships. A day to be remembered, a day to be marked, for in Faith and Trust we have evolved as a school community.
