The Pluralism Project at Harvard University
Melinda Haley
Drew University
The Role of the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya at Shambhala Mountain Center in Colorado
Project Description
With a background studying Buddhist stupas in rural Nepal, Melinda Haley's research focuses on the role of the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya at Shambhala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. Melinda's research in Nepal concluded that the stupa is a physical object used to access spiritual power and in turn create both a Buddhist landscape and community. Her summer research focuses on the presence of the Stupa in the community's worship, practice and everyday life. Her findings conclude that the Stupa is an integral part of the center and that it bears significant impact on the center's development. Melinda's research also reveals that the stupa provides as exquisite space for practitioners, bonding the larger American Buddhist community. Additionally, she concludes that the stupa is an important aspect of the evolving American Buddhism, as it serves as an authentic example of Tibetan Buddhist architecture.