Published February 14, 2023, for State 48 A2Z
It’s probably safe to say that most people are aware of Sedona’s reputation as a spiritually focused destination. Between its vortexes and the Holy Cross Chapel, this red rock city draws people annually from across the globe that consider the town a spiritual mecca. Personally, I have been traveling to Sedona since I moved to the Phoenix area in 2007 and always find myself a bit more centered when I leave. But I only learned recently of a spiritual attraction that has been there for nearly 20 years.
Sedona’s reputation for meditation and mindfulness traverses the world, and it was that reputation that inspired Buddhist leader Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo to make her pilgrimage to Sedona in 1997, specifically to visit a location at the base of Thunder Mountain
While hiking the area, Jetsunma is said to have had a vision that the location was an ideal spot for a “Stupa”. The word stupa is from Sanskrit and translates in English to mean “to heap” or “to pile up”. In the Buddhist following Stupas are monuments, usually in a pyramidal or dome-like form that are created over sacred relics of Buddha or on areas that are deemed to have been consecrated of his acts. Jetsunma, who is a native-New Yorker that became the first Western woman to be named a reincarnated Buddha Lama, envisioned the spot as a place that would bring peace in turbulent times and blessings to those that visit. Don’t we all need that today?
Her vision came to life in 2004 with the help of volunteers from around the world to build and consecrate the stupa. The structure’s interior is filled with sacred offerings that were blessed by performing Buddhist rituals that date back more than 2,000 years. Volunteer caretaker and a member of the team that helped build the stupa Olin Robie told Arizona Highways, “The offerings and prayers are for the growth of compassion in the world and the end of suffering. They are also for each individual visitor to have growth on their spiritual path.”
Jetsunma named her stupa after the deity Amitabha, the Buddha of limitless life and enlightenment. But this park is not just for those who follow the Buddhist life but for all those seeking peace and spiritual enlightenment, no matter your faith. Robie also told Arizona Highways that those visiting the park find their prayer and meditation enhanced on its land. “If someone has a belief in prayer or meditation or any kind of visualization, then they would benefit from coming to the stupa. I think they would gain a profound experience and peace there.”
In addition to the other stupas and statues that you find when visiting Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, you will also notice the 6-foot-tall Stupa of White Tara, a female Buddha, at the north end of the park. This figure is said to embody of the principles White Tara, who is known for mothering and nurturing energy. You will also find a large, magnificent mahogany statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in the park.
Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, which draws between 35,000 to 45,000 visitors a year, is open daily from dawn to dusk and is free to all visitors. Please contact them ahead of time to schedule your visit. The park is supported solely by donations, which are gratefully received. You will find two donation boxes on the property, one at the Amitabha Stupa and one close to the entrance. You can learn more about the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park here.
That’ll wrap things up for this week. As always, thanks for reading, stay safe, and happy travels. Be sure to like and follow us on social media (links below), share our blog posts, and feel free to give us your feedback. We’d love to hear from you. Peace!
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