Peace Pagoda - Vienna, Austria
Posted by: 
BakaGaijin
N 48° 11.472 E 016° 27.295
33U E 608127 N 5338575
The bell-shaped Peace Pagoda in 2nd district of Vienna is a monument rather than a temple and contains an almost 3m/10ft high seated statue of Buddha under a dome decorated with a band of ornaments and reliefs.
Waymark Code: WM7NW0
Location: Wien, Austria
Date Posted: 11/15/2009
Views: 38
The "Peace Pagoda" was erected nearby the Lindmayer's restaurant by the proprietor's daughter, who is Buddhist. In 1982 two monks of the Michidatsu Fujii Order visited her; members of their order had already erected some 70 peace pagodas in Japan, Sri Lanka, India and the U.S. during their pilgrimage for world peace. Elisabeth Lindmayer had the first peace pagoda in Europe erected on the banks of the Danube in 1983.
A stupa is the concrete expression of
eternal Dharma. The intriguing procedure of
cosmic manifestation and his reabsorption
through mystic knowledge into supreme
reality is symbolized in a stupa. Therefore,
the shape of each part of a stupa is symbolic.
The square base symbolizes the rigid
ritualism and fundamental virtues.
On this square base is rested a circular
dome symbolic of freedom from earthly
bones. Circular rings on the top are called the
wheels, each one signifying the mystical
power.
The topmost focal point in a
dimensionless form indicates the way of
Nirvana heavenwards. The entire structural
philosophy of the stupa is sanctified by
inserting Dhatu (Relics of Buddha) in it.
The purpose behind the establishment of
these Shani Stupas (Peace Pagodas) is to
disseminate love and peace in mankind, a
mission which Emperor Asoka had
undertaken more then two thousand years
ago by building stupas and erecting pillars
and engraving thereupon the message of love
and peaceful co-existence.
From the invitation to the 26th Anniversary of the Peace Pagoda, June 28th, 2009
Visit Instructions:Include in your log one or two complete sentences. Logs containing a few words like "visited it" are subject to deletion.
Photos of the shrine are strongly encouraged when permitted otherwise please refrain from taking pictures inside and in any case, generally have respect for the religious nature of the site.