Early this morning, we went to the Amitabha Stupa here in Sedona. A Stupa is a structure that represents the physical embodiment of the Buddha’s enlightened mind. Stupas are a rarity in the west and we are blessed to have one literally within walking distance of our home. The Stupa here is graced with a bronze image of Amitabha, the Buddha of Limitless Light. It is filled with sacred relics, ritual objects and hundreds of millions of prayers for peace. We left the road and began the short hike up a well worn dirt pathway. As we approached the Stupa, I felt a sense of reverence for the sacred ground upon which I walked. As is Buddhist custom, we circumambulated the Stupa three times. We stood in silent meditation for a few moments and then left an offering. We followed the dirt path up the hill to a beautiful wooden statue of Buddha. Again, we circumambulated the statue and stood momentarily in silent reverence and meditation. 
We continued to walk up the hill, off the beaten path and came to a medicine wheel. Medicine wheels were originally constructed by Indigenous people and are representative of their belief in the “never-ending cycle of life.” It has no beginning and no end. Tribal healers and holy men regard the circle as sacred and have always used it in their ceremonies. Though this medicine wheel sits on the same ground as the Stupa, it is not considered to be a part of it and is therefore, not maintained. Grass and weeds were growing in the center of the wheel and around the rocks that formed the sacred circle. We entered and walked around the wheel several times. As I walked, I became very aware of my surroundings; the ground beneath my feet, the sky above me, the plants, the trees, and the beauty of the red rocks. I sat down and closed my eyes. I could hear rhythmic chanting coming from the Stupa. The voices of the Buddhist visitors down the hill joined quite harmoniously with the songs being sung by birds somewhere nearby. A gentle breeze blew across my face and thru my hair. I felt it was an invitation from Spirit to go within and listen. As I sat there in my silence and heard what Spirit had to say, I could feel the healing energies of the medicine wheel rising up from within and all around me. My heart knew and recognized the sacredness of this place. A gentle rain began to fall. As the drops of cool water fell upon my skin, I was brought back to the awareness of my surroundings. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes. I stood up and exited the medicine wheel. I walked away with a true sense of renewal and enlightenment. I AM grateful.
~D~
Photo 1: Amitabha Stupa, Sedona, AZ ~ July 2010
Photo 2: Wooden Buddha at Stupa, Sedona, AZ ~ July 2010
Photo 3: Medicine Wheel at Stupa, Sedona, AZ ~ July 2010
Copyright 2010 – Denise Gilreath ©
