The following is from a twitter dialog between Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo and one of her followers:
Stupas cost about $150K -200K to build including the required Stupa Master. It boggles that people with that kind of money don’t support Stupa building for peace, to pacify suffering, sickness and old age, delay death, pacify war and hunger, and balance the planet. That’s why we should build Stupas.
(Jetsunma asks follower how he is doing.)
Follower: Happy as a clam and fit as a fiddle, lovely one. Your pretty little self?
Jetsunma: Not too shabby even though I had a hopeful ring appraised to build a Stupa. It was a total flat out fake. Gotta fund raise. Fund raising is kind of embarrassing, but its for an excellent reason. We’ll figure it out. Stupas are worth it. If there was anything else worth it I’d give it up in a heartbeat.
Follower: Well, it could be argued that raising the funds for those in need takes precedent, which is, to an extent true.
Jetsunma: I have built Stupas already, over 30, want to build them anywhere there is suffering and hardship or war.
Follower: Good for you, angel. I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t. I spend part of my time raising money to keep a 13th century building up.
Jetsunma: To me and mine this is the best way to give to all, blessings bring result. What kind of blessing? For example, a tumor dissolves, and no money for medical costs. It’s a “vibrational” blessing, sphere of truth. Love. Like a Buddha.
Follower: What about the poor and needy? If only life where black and white, eh?
Jetsunma: And you are right. Its not black or white: compassion. And we do a food bank, animal rescue, we work for the benefit of all. Here’s a teaching offered by a Master Stupa builder on the blessings they bring https://www.tibetanbuddhistaltar.org/the-merit-of-stupa-building/. Thing is you can argue and such but this is what I do, charity and benefit are my reason for being.
Copyright © Jetsunma Ahkon Norbu Lhamo All rights reserved
Follower:
E MA HO