Bhutanese Chortens – Seats of Faith
Considered the oldest Buddhist monuments, Chortens are the most common architectural feature of the countryside in Bhutan. The Chortens can be seen close to the Dzongs, whilst many others are located in remote forests or mountain passes, far removed from human habitation…..on hilltops, in the valleys, on the highways, roundabouts, resting places and pretty much everywhere.
While some Chortens are simple square structures with only the most rudimentary motifs, others are multi-layered structures, pyramidal in shape and lavishly decorated. The shape of a typical Chorten is based on the ancient Indian form of a stupa and each of the Chortens five architectural elements has a specific symbolic interpretation. The square or rectangular base symbolizes the earth. The conical or pyramidal spire symbolizes fire; the spire has thirteen step-like segments that represent the thirteen steps leading to the attainment of Buddhahood. On the top can be found a crescent moon and sun symbolizing air, and a vertical spike symbolizing the sacred light of the Buddha. Inside the Chorten is placed a carved wooden pole referred to as the ‘Sokshing,’ and considered the life force/spirit of the structure.
While some Chortens are simple square structures with only the most rudimentary motifs, others are multi-layered structures, pyramidal in shape and lavishly decorated. The shape of a typical Chorten is based on the ancient Indian form of a stupa and each of the Chortens five architectural elements has a specific symbolic interpretation. The square or rectangular base symbolizes the earth. The conical or pyramidal spire symbolizes fire; the spire has thirteen step-like segments that represent the thirteen steps leading to the attainment of Buddhahood. On the top can be found a crescent moon and sun symbolizing air, and a vertical spike symbolizing the sacred light of the Buddha. Inside the Chorten is placed a carved wooden pole referred to as the ‘Sokshing,’ and considered the life force/spirit of the structure.
There are many variations in the architecture of the Chorten and each different style has a different story to tell. All Chortens contain religious relics, circumambulating and venerating which brings about immense benefits to all sentient beings. They are Buddhist monuments, receptacles of offerings of worship and veneration, built as a votive monument in memory of the Buddha and his many admirable deeds. They are classified based on form and function. In general there are eight different kinds of Chortens, each alluding to major events in the life of the Buddha. Just for a general idea, they are:
• The Lotus Blossom Chorten – it refers to the seven steps taken by the Buddha (at birth) in each of the four cardinal directions and the emerging of lotuses in those directions from the ground, symbolizing the four immeasurable qualities of love, compassion, joy and equanimity.
• The Chorten of Enlightenment – it symbolizes the attainment of enlightenment by the Buddha in present day Bodhgaya, on the 15th day of the 4th month of the Bhutanese calendar.
• The Chorten of Many Doors – it alludes to the first sermon given by the Buddha after having gained enlightenment
• The Chorten of Descent from The God Realm – it pays homage to the Buddha’s descending from the heavens in order to deliver his mother from the cycle of samsara.
• The Chorten of Great Miracles – it commemorates the various miracles performed by the Buddha in order to convince heretics.
• The Chorten of Reconciliation – it commemorates the Buddhas successful reconciliation of disputes that arose amongst the Buddhist community.
• The Chorten of Complete Victory – it celebrates the miraculous fact of how the Buddha prolonged his own life by three months upon the request of his devotees.
• The Chorten of Nirvana – it pays tribute to the eventual demise of the Buddha, when he left behind his earthly form and ascended towards the heavens.
Chortens are monuments dedicated to the memory of other important figures who contributed to the spread of Buddhism as well. Moreover, the construction and location of these sacred structures are also to do with the pacification and honoring of local deities.
All Chortens are sacred and exude a feeling of peace and serenity, bringing unparalleled spiritual benefits to the devout, which is perhaps why some literally translate the word ‘Chorten’ as ‘Seat of Faith.’ Overall, its primary purpose is to help remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in this rapidly changing world of ours. Circumambulating the Chortens is considered by Buddhists to be the most pious and effective means of purifying oneself. Hundreds of Bhutanese from all walks of life circumambulate it on a daily basis, and for those who have the time, from dawn till dusk. Indeed we are a society firmly entrenched in Buddhist values.
And the MOST beautiful aspect of it all, is that these marvelous structures are all constructed by the community on a voluntary basis. People volunteer for the manual work because it is considered an act of piety. The physical hardship that one endures in the process is believed to cleanse ones sins. The ones who have the strength and time provide manual labor, whilst the ones who have the means, make contributions in both cash and kind. Every act of contribution is carried out not merely for the self, but rather for the benefit of all sentient beings. This proves beyond a shadow of doubt that even in this globalized world, our people haven’t forgotten the alphabet of being a Bhutanese and a Buddhist. These are the traditional values that still continue to hold the Bhutanese society together. Where else can one witness the spirit of volunteerism celebrated in such a pure, selfless manner? Come check it all out, immerse yourselves in this spirit in all its purity with bhutantours.
• The Lotus Blossom Chorten – it refers to the seven steps taken by the Buddha (at birth) in each of the four cardinal directions and the emerging of lotuses in those directions from the ground, symbolizing the four immeasurable qualities of love, compassion, joy and equanimity.
• The Chorten of Enlightenment – it symbolizes the attainment of enlightenment by the Buddha in present day Bodhgaya, on the 15th day of the 4th month of the Bhutanese calendar.
• The Chorten of Many Doors – it alludes to the first sermon given by the Buddha after having gained enlightenment
• The Chorten of Descent from The God Realm – it pays homage to the Buddha’s descending from the heavens in order to deliver his mother from the cycle of samsara.
• The Chorten of Great Miracles – it commemorates the various miracles performed by the Buddha in order to convince heretics.
• The Chorten of Reconciliation – it commemorates the Buddhas successful reconciliation of disputes that arose amongst the Buddhist community.
• The Chorten of Complete Victory – it celebrates the miraculous fact of how the Buddha prolonged his own life by three months upon the request of his devotees.
• The Chorten of Nirvana – it pays tribute to the eventual demise of the Buddha, when he left behind his earthly form and ascended towards the heavens.
Chortens are monuments dedicated to the memory of other important figures who contributed to the spread of Buddhism as well. Moreover, the construction and location of these sacred structures are also to do with the pacification and honoring of local deities.
All Chortens are sacred and exude a feeling of peace and serenity, bringing unparalleled spiritual benefits to the devout, which is perhaps why some literally translate the word ‘Chorten’ as ‘Seat of Faith.’ Overall, its primary purpose is to help remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in this rapidly changing world of ours. Circumambulating the Chortens is considered by Buddhists to be the most pious and effective means of purifying oneself. Hundreds of Bhutanese from all walks of life circumambulate it on a daily basis, and for those who have the time, from dawn till dusk. Indeed we are a society firmly entrenched in Buddhist values.
And the MOST beautiful aspect of it all, is that these marvelous structures are all constructed by the community on a voluntary basis. People volunteer for the manual work because it is considered an act of piety. The physical hardship that one endures in the process is believed to cleanse ones sins. The ones who have the strength and time provide manual labor, whilst the ones who have the means, make contributions in both cash and kind. Every act of contribution is carried out not merely for the self, but rather for the benefit of all sentient beings. This proves beyond a shadow of doubt that even in this globalized world, our people haven’t forgotten the alphabet of being a Bhutanese and a Buddhist. These are the traditional values that still continue to hold the Bhutanese society together. Where else can one witness the spirit of volunteerism celebrated in such a pure, selfless manner? Come check it all out, immerse yourselves in this spirit in all its purity with bhutantours.