Sedona, Arizona has become a mecca for spiritual journeys, revitalizations, connections, and a place to awaken and welcome the spirit within. Whether it is the magnificent red rocks, vortexes, past history or natural energy that surrounds Sedona, there is definitely something here that can elevate your senses and nurture your soul.
I was a little skeptical of the energy Sedona has to offer, at first. On my first trip to Sedona I was blown away by the gigantic red rocks jutting into the Sedona blue sky, thrilled by the jeep ride I took into the back country and thoroughly entertained by some of the locals I met. I had no special spiritual lifting or eureka moment, but I knew Sedona was special and that I wanted to come back.
It was not until I moved closer to Sedona that I found that special energy that everyone was telling me about. Soon after I moved here I encountered some real challenges in my life and began struggling. My mind was troubled. Luckily for me, I had befriended two wonderful people who are of the Buddhist faith. They told me about a very special place in Sedona that welcomed people of all faiths to come and unburden themselves of their worries and troubles.
This special place is the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park located on 14 acres of some of the most beautiful Sedona scenery I have ever seen. Not knowing much about the Buddhist faith, I was a little concerned that I would do or say something that would offend my friends or other visitors at the Stupa. They offered us a few tips which I will share with you later. With that said, one of my friends and I went to visit the Stupa.
On the pathway up to the Stupa I was already starting to relax and open my mind to anything I may see or feel. The stroll up the pathway was a journey in itself. With each step I could feel the tension just falling from me and a very peaceful and relaxed feeling taking its place. It was all I could do not to weep as the ugliness that had touched my life recently started falling by the wayside. I could feel the relaxation erasing the stress from my face.
After a few moments on the pathway we came upon the first of two Stupas, the White Tara Stupa (the female Buddha, who is the very embodiment of long life and compassion). I started to walk around the Stupa when my friend took a hold of my hand and changed my direction. You are supposed to walk around the Stupa clockwise. As I walked around this six foot Stupa I felt a little tickling in my heart. Somewhat surprised by this feeling, I stopped mid step and a single memory from my younger days presented itself. I was somewhat confused by it. I had not thought about the incident for a long time. I decided then and there to release it and allow myself to forgive, something I had never truly done. Whether it was the Stupa, or the energy, or just the peace that was surrounding me, I was grateful to rid myself of that memory.
As we continued 
up the pathway the excitement of reaching the second Stupa was overwhelming. There it was, the 36 foot Amitabha Stupa (the Amitabha Stupa is filled with thousands of printed rolls containing mantras or prayers), and I was overwhelmed. The red rocks of Sedona play as the backdrop to this amazing Buddhist architecture and I could feel the energy emanating from this sacred structure. I can not even describe the feeling of walking around this Stupa. All I could tell you is that when I left I was lighter and laughter returned to my home. I am not a Buddhist, but on that day, my own personal faith was strengthened and my heart and mind were opened to allow my personal faith back into my life. I suggest visiting the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park to everyone that comes to Sedona, Arizona. This special place has something to offer everyone and if nothing else, it is truly amazingly beautiful.
Directions to the Amitabha Stupa – The Amitabha Stupa is located in West Sedona and is open every day from dawn to dusk. From Highway 89A, turn onto Andante Rd (by the Circle K Store) and proceed about a mile toward Thunder Mountain. Turn left on Pueblo and park. The entrance to the Stupa land will be on your right.
