A Ritual to Purify Land for the Construction of a Stupa

Abstract

This video is shot at a single poplar tree that grows near the village of Khar-Buluk. This place is considered to be sacred and has eight stupas erected around the tree. In the beginning of the video, the lamas prepare a table with offerings, while the lay people go around the tree and the stupas. When Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche, a guest lama, arrives, all welcome him with white hadag scarfs. The lamas begin to read prayers. After the prayers, the lamas consecrate a spot for a future stupa by sprinkling rice and pouring water. Men and boys dig the earth with a blade one by one. Then both the lamas and the lay people go around the designated spot three times clock-wise while tossing coins into the hole. Afterwards the procession goes around the sacred tree.