Zalaszántó Stupa
Zala
Located on Kovácsi Hill near the village of Zalaszántó in Hungary, the Zalaszántó Stupa is a significant Buddhist monument built in 1992. Standing 30 meters tall and 24 meters wide, this snow-white stupa was consecrated by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama during his visit to Hungary. The structure houses original Buddha relics, teachings, a 24-meter-high life tree, and a gilded Buddha statue from South Korea. Designed for circumambulation, the stupa's three-tiered base symbolizes key Buddhist principles: the four foundations of mindfulness, the four right efforts, and the four paths leading to power. The top square element represents the abode of gods atop the world, with rings symbolizing stages of enlightenment. Surrounding the stupa is the Human Rights Park, adorned with colorful prayer flags. Adjacent to the stupa, visitors can find a meditation center and a gift shop. The site embodies a harmonious blend of spiritual symbolism, cultural exchange, and natural beauty, making it a unique pilgrimage and tourist destination in Central Europe.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to approach the stupa on foot from the village center, enjoying the peaceful forest path and a resting spot by a babbling stream. The best time to visit is during mild weather, as the access road is a rough dirt path and the ascent is moderately challenging. Tickets and donations support Dharma activities, and some events and ceremonies are open without registration, while retreats may require advance booking. It is recommended to check the official website for current programs and opening times.
Interesting facts
- •The stupa is one of the largest in Europe and the sixth Buddhist memorial established in Hungary.
- •Its construction included embedding plant seeds, religious documents, and Tibetan books into the foundation.
- •The stupa's three-tiered base represents important Buddhist concepts: mindfulness, right effort, and paths to power.
- •The top square symbolizes the home of gods at the world's peak, with rings denoting stages of enlightenment.
- •The site is surrounded by colorful prayer flags and is known as the Human Rights Park.
History
The Zalaszántó Stupa was constructed in 1992 on Kovácsi Hill, initiated by South Korean Buddhist monk Bop Jon (Jin Su Lee), who sought a site in a post-communist country receptive to Asian religious traditions.
Built with donations from South Korea, Hungary, and Austria, the stupa was consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama on June 17, 1993.
In 2007, the monument underwent renovations due to weather damage and was re-consecrated.
Alongside the stupa, a meditation center was established to enhance spiritual practice at the site.
Place Guide
The Stupa Structure1992
A 30-meter-high and 24-meter-wide white Buddhist stupa featuring a three-level base for circumambulation, symbolizing core Buddhist teachings, and a golden Buddha statue inside.
Meditation Center2007
Located next to the stupa, this center offers a tranquil space for meditation and houses a large Buddha statue. Visitors must remove their shoes before entering.
Human Rights Park
The area surrounding the stupa, decorated with colorful prayer flags, symbolizing peace and human rights.
Contact
Phone: 06 30 143 9460
