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Recent

Buddha Mind - get one, be one.

ANCIENT | RECENT | MODERN


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My classification of what 'recent' stupas are is relatively arbitrary - very roughly including those built after the initial expansion of Buddhism (around 600 - 800 CE; just before the Muslim invasions into northern India). The basic elements of the stupa tradition had been well established by this time and, over the later centuries, it has been a matter of refining various aspects of these - often according to specific national or cultural tastes or the development of philosophical symbolism. Technology has also played a great part in stylistic evolution with improvements in both material usage with new engineering techniques and transport systems. This generally meant that stupas could be built much taller and more slender with more delicate detailing as well as being positioned on sites to which delivering materials was previously not possible.

There are four links below - dividing stupas roughly into national groupings. The aim here being not so much to provide more historical or technical information (see the book for that) but merely to try and present the particular style that has evolved in that country. It is difficult to generalise as each country will have local variables.
Thailand & Burma - similar in style with slender, attenuated spires. The dome can vary with bell shaped or lotus bud forms seen. General detailing can often be quite ornate. There is an early stupa-like form seen in Thailand - the prang [images - discussion].
Sri Lanka - has tended to retain the empasis on the early domed form and square reliquary.
Tibet - the square base is very clearly evident with the dome becoming 'waisted' and the spire relatively truncated - although retaining the layered umbrella.
China & Japan - the tiered umbrella has evolved into an attenuated, multi-layered roof system. The central pillar has been clearly retained.

Click the images below for stupa pictures of that country.


Thailand - Burma


Sri Lanka

Tibet

China - Japan