The Stupa of All Buddhas: A Symbol of Peace and Dharma Continuity in Romania
By Dr. Veronica Anghelescu Drolkar and Ven. Jōshō Adrian Cîrlea
“Especially, build in countries where there are no holy objects and where people have no opportunity to see them.
Just by seeing holy objects, the mind is purified, and one collects extensive merit.”
— Lama Zopa Rinpoche
From Tranișu to Amidaji: the continuity of Dharma in Romania
In the quiet village of Tranișu, Cluj County (Romania) stands the first FPMT stupa ever built in Romania. Completed through the dedicated work of the White Mahakala Study Group (FPMT), the Tranișu Stupa has become a landmark of Buddhist presence in the region and a tangible expression of faith, patience and collaboration. Rejoice, rejoice! Heartfelt gratitude towards all the colleagues who made it possible!
In the below photo, you can admire the beautiful stupa in the final stage of construction.
The project began as a community effort inspired by Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s advice to establish holy objects wherever possible, especially in countries where they are still rare. Over several years, the group coordinated architectural planning, manual construction and the collection of sacred materials for the stupa’s interior. So much work! The structure follows the Kadampa design, built according to precise proportions that represent the path to enlightenment. How fortunate we are, to have been able to fulfill one of the blessed aspirations of our beloved Lama Zopa Rinpoche!
From the beginning, the Tranișu Stupa was more than a construction project; it was a learning process in collective merit and responsibility. Volunteers from across Romania (and not only; I do not know everyone, but please know you are all in my mind and in my heart as I type these words) contributed their time and skills. Local craftsmen, architects and Dharma students worked side by side, guided by senior FPMT practitioners and visiting teachers. When the upper section was finally placed on the completed base, the atmosphere was one of calm joy and shared accomplishment. The colleagues sent live updates and photos, and I cried tears of joy.
Today, the Tranișu Stupa stands as a living spiritual landmark. It welcomes visitors from all traditions and backgrounds who come to circumambulate, meditate or simply rest in its peaceful surroundings. Its presence has become a reference point for anyone interested in the Dharma’s growth in Romania, showing that such a project can be realized through cooperation, sincerity and steady commitment. Our colleague and Dharma partner from the Jodo Shinshu tradition (Amidaji Branch), Rev. Josho Adrian has already completed two amazing, inspiring pilgrimages on foot! Rejoice, rejoice! May all the aspirations he carried in his mind and heart be accomplished.
Now… onwards for a second Stupa!
This achievement now serves as the model and direct inspiration for the next step: the construction of a new stupa at Amidaji in southern Romania. Building on the experience, blueprints and blessings of the Tranișu team, the Garden of Maitreya FPMT Study Group and Amidaji Temple have joined forces to continue this work of merit.
The new Stupa of All Buddhas will extend the same aspiration to create a sacred place dedicated to peace, unity and the continuity of Dharma in our country. We are happy beyond words, apprehensive of the work that has been entrusted to us with trust by the FPMT coordinators and with the blessings of Lamas,but confident that we will overcome any obstacle!
A place chosen with care and faith
The stupa will arise in the Amidaji Garden in Calopăr village, Dolj County, on a piece of land generously offered by Rev. Jōshō Adrian Cîrlea, a landscape that holds both simplicity and strength. (Don’t take my words for granted; visit his website and be in awe as you witness his achievements here – all through the hard work if his very own two hands). Twenty minutes from Craiova’s international airport, the location is open and accessible yet quiet enough to nurture contemplation. The small hill where the stupa will stand offers natural protection from floods and harsh weather. We see this place as a symbol of stability, of wisdom amidst the changing world and nature.
Amidaji itself, founded by Ven. Jōshō Adrian Cîrlea, is a Buddhist temple rooted in the Jōdo Shinshū tradition, yet open to practitioners of all lineages. I always felt welcome there, and for that I am grateful.
Within its library rest the voices of many masters, from Lama Tsongkhapa, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Shantideva to Patrul Rinpoche and the Amitābha Sutras. Amidaji has become a bridge of Dharma dialogue in Romania and the stupa now seeks to deepen that spirit of harmony, a meeting place of Pure Land devotion and Mahayana wisdom.
A Collaboration of traditions
The Garden of Maitreya FPMT Study Group in Bucharest, coordinated by Dr. Veronica Anghelescu Drölma, joins hands with Amidaji in this project with the guidance of Ven. Tenzin Gendun, François Lecointre and the blessing of Geshe Jampa Gelek (Istituto Lama Tsongkhapa, Italy). Together they have envisioned a Stupa of All Buddhas (Tib. Sangs-rgyas Tham-cad-kyi mchod-rten), designed according to FPMT’s Kadampa model, with the supremely-precious architectural support from Marius Micu, the creator of the Tranișu Stupa in Cluj-Napoca.
The stupa’s design follows the authentic Kadampa blueprint yet integrates gentle elements of Romanian aesthetics: hand-sewn tablecloths, ceramic offering bowls painted in traditional motifs and the use of local natural materials. No trees will be cut; no beings will be harmed. Every detail is approached as a mindful act of offering.
A Timeline of dedication
From the blessing of the project by Geshe Jampa Gelek (acquired with reverence and gratitude on October 3rd, 2025, a blessed day in which Drölma knelt to receive the signature on the project draft) to the construction and consecration in 2026, each phase of the work will unfold with precision and devotion:
- Winter 2025–Spring 2026: collection and preparation of mantras, texts and relics for filling; land consecration.
- Summer 2026: construction of foundation and structure.
- Autumn 2026: stupa fill-up and consecration ceremony jointly led by FPMT and Amidaji representatives.
Visitors and practitioners of all authentic Lineages will be welcome throughout all stages to observe, learn and participate in the creation of a holy object.
Below, you can admire one of the beautiful stupas at Lama Tsongkhapa Institute, in Italy, in front of which we expressed heartfelt aspirations for our ongoing project.
Spiritual heart of the project
This stupa is conceived as a free and open Dharma space. All teachings, rituals and activities held in its presence will be offered without charge. Donations may be accepted but never requested.
Inside, it will enshrine statues, mantras, relics and scriptures following Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s precise indications, including Amitābha’s name, Sutras and Dharani, as well as one volume of the Abhisamayālaṅkāra, symbol of transcendent wisdom.
Consecration rituals will include the FPMT prayers, praises to Amitābha and offerings to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, echoing the compassionate guidance of Rinpoche himself, whose example continues to illuminate this path of merit.
“One may speak a thousand verses consisting of useless words;
better is one verse of Dhamma, hearing which one is brought to peace.”
— Dhammapada 102
Transparency, Education and Outreach
The project will maintain complete transparency in donations and expenses, with any remaining funds directed to the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Stupa Fund.
A dedicated website and social media page will chronicle every stage from foundation laying to consecration, turning the process itself into a teaching. Educational brochures will explain the meaning of the stupa, its symbolism and the importance of holy objects.
Spoiler alert! The web domain was already registered and the site is under construction. We anticipate that it will be live early in November 2025.
The goal is not only to build a monument but to build understanding, to offer a visible, living Dharma presence in Romania that inspires reflection, generosity and inner transformation.
The Stupa of All Buddhas will rise as a prayer in form, a visible mandala radiating peace for all beings who see, touch or remember it. It will stand as a symbol of unity between Buddhist lineages, a gesture of gratitude to teachers and an offering to the future of Dharma in this part of the world.
…and now… we begin this project by visiting our colleagues at White Mahakala Cluj-Napoca, while our team-mate, Ven. Jōshō Adrian Cîrlea performs his third pilgrimage to Tranișu stupa, on foot, to pay homage on behalf of us all.
Exciting news to follow!
With love,
The Garden of Maitreya and Amidaji Teams
The Garden of Maitreya 