Riwotsegya New Center Stupa Project

World Peace Enlightenment and Victory Stupas 2023 – 2025

In the year 2023, under the guidance and blessing of His Eminence Tsokhang Choktrul Rinpoche and Venerable Rangrig Rinpoche, two sacred stupas were built at the Riwotsegya Throma Buddhist Institute in Lynden, Ontario. Stupas are not just mere structures, but also embodiments of awakened mind and timeless symbols of Peace, Merit, and Wisdom. The process of building them was both a physical and spiritual undertaking, rooted in devotion, offering, and community effort.

The stupas were completed and officially consecrated on July 27th 2025 during the 15th Annual Dudjom Tersar Throma Nagmo Retreat.

Mahabodhi Stupa (Enlightenment Stupa)

This Stupa symbolizes the moment of the Buddha’s enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree. This stupa represents the triumph of wisdom over illusion, as the Buddha overcame temptations and assaults from Mara (the embodiment of worldly distractions). It is a sacred symbol of spiritual awakening and liberation. 

Stupa of Complete Victory 

This Stupa commemorates the Buddha’s miraculous extension of his life by three months. This event took place when the Buddha, then eighty years old, was requested by a devoted layperson to continue teaching. The stupa symbolizes the power of devotion and the Buddha’s compassion in granting more time for the benefit of sentient beings. Many say this stupa was built by various gods in honor of the Buddha’s selfless act.

Acknowledgments

With deepest gratitude to H.E. Tsokhang Choktrul Rinpoche for his spiritual encouragement and presence along the way, and to Ven. Rangrig Rinpoche for his ever-present guidance, blessings, and unwavering involvement throughout the entire stupa-building journey—from the seed of inspiration to its sacred fruition.

This offfering of two stupas was made possible through the immense generosity of our main patrons: Tim, Jerine and their family, and Enwie and her family, whose faith and commitment brought this vision into form.

We are especially grateful to Sasha and Yulia for their wholehearted volunteer commitment in leading the physical construction of both stupas.
With deep appreciation to Sasha, who oversaw the building of the inner and outer structures with great care, dedication, and precision.

Our sincerest thanks go to Jay, whose tireless support across nearly every aspect of the process has been a steady pillar from start to finish. 

Our heartfelt thanks to Jim, whose consistent presence and generous help contributed to many key parts of the work.

Our warmest appreciation goes to David, Siya, and their family for their generous support throughout the entire process. From taking charge of the kitchen duties and lovingly feeding the volunteers, to helping with various aspects of the stupa building itself, their presence and dedication nourished this project in both practical and heartfelt ways.

Finally, to all the sangha members, friends, and Rinpoche’s family who offered their time, energy, prayers, and devotion to this stupa project — whether through physical labour, offerings, guidance, or encouragement — we offer our deepest and most heartfelt thanks.

There are far too many to name individually, but every contribution — seen or unseen, remembered or quiet — helped bring this vision into form. Please know that your presence and dedication have not gone unnoticed. 

This sacred accomplishment is the result of our collective devotion and effort. We thank each and every one of you — you know who you are.

May the merit of this collective effort benefit all beings.