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Lama Zopa Rinpoche Stupa of Complete Victory
at Kopan Monastery
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A magnificent Stupa of Complete Victory is being built for Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Kopan Monastery, this stupa will be 42 ft high (12.8 meters). The intention is to create a significant monument situated on a ground level covering an area of 180 square ft (55 square meters) and a semi-basement level spanning 715 square feet (218 square meters). The project is well underway, in March 2024 the work was completed up to the first story and the actual building of the stupa has now begun.
Rendering of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Stupa of Complete Victory.
The stupa is located on the northeast side of the Stupa Garden at Kopan Monastery where the stupas of Geshe Lama Konchog and Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundup are situated. This stupa will be facing exactly mid-way between Swayambhunath stupa and Boudhanath stupa. While maintaining the vastness of Kopan’s beautiful gardens, Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s stupa is being built from the level below thus enlarging the whole area and enabling for two retreat rooms under the stupa. The architect working on this project has integrated the circumambulation path to go around all three stupas and incorporating the whole area as a place for purification and creating merit.
Rendering of the placement in Kopan’s garden of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Stupa of Complete Victory.
Currently, we are in the process of gathering the holy objects that will be placed inside the stupa. These objects include, but are not limited to, the Tengyur and Kangyur, the life tree – that goes in the center of the stupa, forty trillion mantras inscribed on nano technology films, and various other sacred items.
His Eminence Zong Rinpoche recently came to Kopan Monastery to offer prayers for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche on the 49th day of Rinpoche showing the aspect of passing, he kindly offered guidance regarding the type of stupa to build. Zong Rinpoche advised for it to be a Stupa of Complete Victory, which represents the victory of Buddha over the mara of death.
The cost for the entire project is approximately US$935,890. This estimation was provided by the local Nepali architectural company undertaking the work. The major expenses involved are related to the civil works required to prepare the ground, including the excavation and building up from the lower level, the construction of the stupa, as well as all the decorative painting, ornamentation works of the stupa and the construction and installation of an additional 32 small stupas that will go around the perimeter.
In October 2023 special pujas for the groundbreaking and blessing of the area and asking permission from the local spirits were carefully conducted by Kopan Lama Gyupa monks. These elaborate pujas are very important for the overall success of the project and auspiciousness. In late December 2023 the extensive excavation of the project began, digging into the hill, removing the vast amount of soil, and then placing the pilings and foundations for the building on which the stupa will be built. To keep up to date with the progress of the stupa.
May this stupa quickly create the cause for the swift return of our precious Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and for all his wishes to be actualized exactly as he planned.
To Offer Your Compassionate Support
We also invite you to enjoy this animated video showing the plans for the stupa:
The Lama Zopa Rinpoche Stupa of Complete Victory Fund is a project of FPMT Inc. and is administered by FPMT International Office located in Portland, Oregon, United States. All donations made to this fund are tax-deductible within the United States in accordance with IRS Code article 501(c)(3) to the extent allowed by law.
For larger donations, wire transfers, or check donations, contact FPMT Donor Services.
For questions about this project, please contact the Charitable Projects Coordinator.