{"id":530,"date":"2022-03-30T08:59:21","date_gmt":"2022-03-30T15:59:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/?p=530"},"modified":"2024-03-26T20:31:51","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T03:31:51","slug":"amitabha-stupa-and-peace-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/amitabha-stupa-and-peace-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park: Hidden Treasures in Sedona"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Discover This Hidden Treasure in Sedona: Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When a friend introduced me to Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park in Sedona, Arizona, I knew I had found one of my new favorite places.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I\u2019d lived in Arizona for seven years before I stumbled upon the gem that is Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park in Sedona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I was growing up, my mom lived in Utah and my dad lived in Arizona, so there were a lot of road trips between the two states throughout the years. Often, we\u2019d take a break from the drive and visit the little town of Sedona deep in the middle of Red Rock Country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I grew up loving the atmosphere of Sedona. It\u2019s a spiritual vortex and there is no denying that the town has got a certain vibe to it. So, after I moved to Arizona in 2013, I made it a point to make my way up to Sedona<\/a> every month or so to enjoy the hiking, shopping, and general energy of this special town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a friend recommended I should visit Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park<\/a>, they were surprised to find out I\u2019d never heard of it. I\u2019m a sort of spiritual junkie and this place is a hive for the avid spiritualist. The park is a magnet for people of any belief system to come and practice quiet meditation or enjoy a peaceful hike in nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s no surprise that I completely fell in love with the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park and totally recommend it to anyone visiting Sedona, whether you\u2019re a spiritual enthusiast like me, or simply looking for the best-hidden gems in town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Amitabha Stupa in Sedona, Arizona.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a 14-acre park at the base of Thunder Mountain. It was the vision of Buddhist leader Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo who visited Sedona in 1997. It took seven years, but in 2004, the park opened and Jesunma’s vision became reality. They named the consecrated stupa after the Buddhist deity Amitabha, the Buddha of limitless light and enlightenment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Amitabha Stupa?<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The Amitabha Buddha<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

A stupa is a Buddhist monument filled with prayers, holy texts, and other sacred objects. They\u2019re thought to be beacons of compassion and bless those who visit them. They are the embodiment of all Buddha\u2019s wisdom and compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of a stupa is to raise well-being and happiness for this planet. A stupa protects one from elements that cause harm like illness and war and promote harmony in the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Amitabha Stupa is 36 feet tall and represents spiritual transformation. You don\u2019t have to be a Buddhist to benefit from the power of a stupa and the Peace Park is welcoming to all no matter what your spiritual beliefs or background might be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to do while visiting the Amitabha Stupa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The stupa lies in the center of a 14-acre park. There are hiking trails, a river bed, and plenty of little nooks and crannies to hide away in to process deep thought. Whether you\u2019re visiting the park for a spiritual reason, want to connect with nature, or are curious to learn about the park\u2019s history, there is plenty to do and explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The park is at the base of Thunder Mountain and there are several trailheads that sprout off from the park if you feel like hiking. You can meditate on a meditation<\/a> platform set up across from the stupa. There are also several benches hidden throughout the park for more private practice. The last time I went, I walked down to the river bed and found the perfect meditation spot on a rock hidden out of sight from the path. And, of course, there is the stupa as well as a medicine wheel, which is available for anyone who visits the park to use.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The park covers 14 acres with plenty of places to explore or privately practice meditation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

How to use the Stupa<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Walk around the stupa three times in a clockwise direction while reciting a mantra or prayer. You can pray about anything, though the stupa is a beacon for compassion and the park recommends you pray for the benefit of a loved one, the state of the world, or all sentient beings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t have a prayer or a mantra in mind, you can borrow the Buddhist mantra of infinite compassion:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OM MANI PEDME HUNG.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When translated, this means, \u201cThe jewel is in the lotus.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each word in the mantra has a deeper meaning when used in meditation or prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Om <\/strong>is the primordial sound of all creation. Ma <\/strong>represents dissolving jealousy and attachment to fleeting pleasures. Pedme <\/strong>dissolves attachment to prejudices. Hung <\/strong>dissolves anger, hatred, and aggression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you have finished walking around the stupa, seal your prayer or mantra with a final thought. The stupa recommends using, \u201cBy this effort, may all sentient beings be free of suffering. May their minds be filled with the nectar of virtue. In this way, may all causes resulting in suffering be extinguished, and only the light of compassion shine throughout all realms.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to use the medicine wheel<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The medicine wheel is an ancient Native American symbol that represents the circle of life. When you need guidance, healing, or clarity, walk the wheel to help you find it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To use the medicine wheel, you enter through the East with your intention in mind and then walk clockwise around the circle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each section of the wheel represents a part of life. The East represents springtime, rebirth, and the awakening of consciousness. The South is summer, growth, and compassion. The West is fall. It represents looking inward. Finally, the North is winter and it embodies wisdom and cleansing of the past. <\/p>\n\n\n

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The medicine wheel is an ancient Native American symbol that represents the circle of life.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

How to get to the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Stupa is located at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2650 Pueblo Dr, Sedona, AZ 86336<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is at the base of Thunder Mountain not too far from the Main Street District.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Uptown Sedona at the intersection of 89A and 179, you\u2019ll go East on 89A to Andante Drive, which is across the street from The Golden Goose American Grill. You\u2019ll turn North (right) and drive up the road through a residential area. You\u2019ll turn East (left) on Pueblo Drive. Then you\u2019ll take an immediate right onto a dirt road and follow signs for the stupa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parking and entrance to the park are free. The park is open from 7 am to 5 pm Monday\u2014Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you’re parked, it’s just a short trek up a hill to get you to the stupa. Unfortunately, the trail is not wheelchair friendly, but you can call 1-877-788-7229 a couple of days in advance of your trip and request a service road be opened that grants direct access to the stupa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hiking near the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Each of these hikes is dog-friendly as long as your furry friend is on a leash. They\u2019re pretty popular, so expect to see other people on the trails as well as mountain bikers. The best time to hike in Sedona is in the spring and fall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy gorgeous views of red rocks and desert scenery when hiking along any of these trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andante Trail Head<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Andante is an easy and quick hike near the stupa. Hike Andante as a point-to-point trail that\u2019s just over half a mile long, or use it to connect with Thunder Mountain trail to create a 3-mile loop<\/a>. When combined with Thunder Mountain Trail the hike goes from fairly easy to moderately challenging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thunder Mountain <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This point-to-point trail is moderately challenging and is 1.4-miles long. Use it to connect with Andante Trail<\/a> which creates a 3-mile loop around the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chimney Rock Pass<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This loop trail<\/a> is moderately challenging and is 1.7-miles long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Little Sugar Loaf<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This easy loop trail<\/a> is 1.9-miles long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking for more things to do in Sedona? Check out this list of activities.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staying in Sedona overnight? Use Booking.com<\/a> to find a room that fits your needs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Did you enjoy this hiking guide? Check out some of our others here:<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n