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The Tantric Symbolism of the Stupa

by Sangharakshita

Revered by Buddhists from earliest times, the stupa is here explained in terms of the five elements, the 'Vase of Initiation', and the 'Flaming Drop'.

Talk given in 1971.

This talk is part of the series Creative Symbols of the Tantric Path to Enlightenment.

Tracks (click play to listen)

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	1.	Introduction - the Buddha (5:30)
	2.	The Maha Parinirvana Sutra (16:23)
	3.	The death and cremation of the Buddha (3:48)
	4.	History of the stupa (6:27)
	5.	Development of the stupa (6:48)
	6.	The Four Elements of 'matter' (9:53)
	7.	Mahabhutas (The Four Great Elements) (3:10)
	8.	The 'space' element and five-element symbolism (8:03)
	9.	The Five Elements and psycho-spiritual energy (11:19)
	10.	The Five Elements and individuals - some similes (4:22)
	11.	The chakras (4:26)
	12.	How to activate one's spiritual energies (9:00)
	13.	Initiation: traditional and Tantric (6:28)
	14.	The symbolism of the Vase of Initiation (2:35)
	15.	The symbolism of the Flaming Drop and the Tibetan chörten (9:38)