Stupa Peace Park – Maryland
Meditation Gardens that Offer Spiritual Refuge for All.
Open during daylight hours, the Peace Park’s consecrated Stupas, serene woodlands, rustic walking trails and meditation gardens offer spiritual refuge and nourishment for all who seek it. It is traditional to walk clockwise around stupas and make prayers and offerings from the heart.
The Peace Park has been transformed into walking trails connecting meditation gardens representing a mandala of the five colors and five directions of Buddhist cosmology. Trails also lead to the KPC Stupa Park and the Migyur Dorje Stupa. It is a place of pilgrimage open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset, and free of charge to the public. It offers a place of serenity and spiritual refreshment for people of all faiths.
Peace Park Maps
View or print this beautiful map of the Peace Park showing featured spots for you to find quiet, spiritual solace in one of the most peaceful experiences you’ll have in Maryland.
The peaceful meditation gardens representing the traditional five colors of the Buddha Dharma are spaced along a trail in the wooded park, winding through natural meadows, a bubbling creek, and is often dotted with flowers and wildlife for those who are patient.
In addition, we now have a geo-located Hiking Map – that will help you know where you are and how far to go on any of the pathways in the Peace Park.
You can also view, download, or print the beautiful Hiking Map
Migyur Dorje Stupa
Though Terton Migyur Dorje, the founder of the Palyul lineage, passed away at a young age, the Nam Cho practices he gave to the world have brought an unbroken stream of enlightenment to countless beings for more than 300 years. His cremation generated bone relics, considered to be a result of his special compassion and wisdom.
These relics of Migyur Dorje are exceedingly rare, but due to the compassion and generosity of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, one of Migyur Dorje’s finger bones sits at the heart of KPC’s Migyur Dorje Stupa. Jetsunma dedicated this Stupa to the end of diseases for which there is no known cure.
Jetsunma’s Long-life Stupa Park
Jetsunma’s Long-life Stupa (banner photo), 18’ tall, is dedicated to upholding the long life of our Spiritual Director, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo. It is encircled by eight smaller stupas which represent the eight great deeds of Shakyamuni Buddha. The entire park has been blessed and consecrated by Jetsunma, His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, and many other Lamas of the Nyingma Lineage. These Stupas are situated between the Red and Green Gardens.
Enlightenment Stupa
The Enlightenment Stupa is located to the right of the main temple building, adjacent to the parking area. Jetsunma requested this Stupa be built in 1988. This was the first of many Stupas built at KPC. It was consecrated by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche during a 3-month visit to bestow the Rinchen Terdzod cycle of empowerments. This was the first time His Holiness had given the Rinchen Terdzod outside of Tibet. During the ceremonies, His Holiness also enthroned Jetsunma as a Palyul Lineage Holder, and offered her the remaining piece of the precious Kapala skull relic of her predecessor in Tibet.
Ngagpa Yeshe Dorje Stupa
Ngagpa Yeshe Dorje, was a great Yogi, originally from Tibet, and often referred to as The Dalai Lama’s Rainmaker. He visited KPC in 1992, giving teachings, empowerments, and ceremonies to remove obstacles. He and Jetsunma became very close. At his passing, Jetsunma had this Stupa built and dedicated to his swift rebirth.
Ngagpa Yeshe Dorje Stupa at KPC Maryland
Ngagpa Yeshe Dorje with Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo in front of the Enlightenment Stupa