Urban Shrines, Sacred Architectures & Spiritual Landscapes

A pilgrimage to Philippine sacred sites. Written & Compiled By Ishilta.

Urban Shrines

Nedo Kagyu Bodhi Dharma Center
Any aspiring seeker of the Vajrayana tradition of Tibetan Buddhism will find no other place like the Nedo Kagyu Bodhi Dharma Tibetan Temple in Sta. Mesa, Manila. With the aspiration and vision of Ven. Lama Choyeng, the temple was built in the year 2000 by a group of Chinese and Filipino-Chinese. This beautiful edifice is the only Tibetan temple in the Metro patterned after Kagyu sect’s main temple in India.

Its full splendor is revealed further as one enters the puja room. Pictures of different Buddhas and Bodhisattvas line up the walls of the hall leading to the shrine. The left-wing altar is devoted to the Kagyu lineage’s protector, Mahakala, while at the right is a place allotted for the safe burning of butter lamps. Several dharma objects adorn the centermost altar like the three precious vases and eight auspicious symbols, together with an array of bronze statues like Tara, Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), and Shakyamuni Buddha on the top-most center.

Another feature of this temple is the different instrumental pieces used during puja (ceremony). A unique hand drum called damaru, traditionally made from the human skin and bones donated by lamas before their death, is often used during ceremony in praising the meritorious deeds of the Buddhas. Singing bowls and medium sized gongs are also important sights in the temple as they are used for general ceremonies. The bell and dorje lie side by side representing wisdom and skillful means. Both objects are held sacred in the Vajrayana tradition and are used in giving empowerments.

Nedo Dharma Center holds regular puja for different deities such as Tara, Chenrezig and Mahakala. They also observe auspicious dates like Buddha’s birthday, Enlightenment day, Maha Para-Nirvana day, Amitabha day, Padmasambava day and Dorje Sempa puja every full moon. In keeping with the Tibetan tradition, it is advised that one ask for a “lung” (oral transmission) from the resident lama before embarking on any ritual-practice. Footwear is left outside before one enters the puja room.

Address: 540 Mag. J. Abad Santos St. Bacood Sta. Mesa, Manila
Tel Nos.: (02) 782-1402
Website: http://www.nedobodhicenter.org/

Temple of Taoism
Perhaps the most popular of all oriental temples in the Philippines are the Taoist temples. They are prominent features especially in January and February during the height of the kung-hei-fat-choy fever. But one particular temple along Vasquez Street in Malate caught my attention as it proves to be seasonally unchanged.

The Temple of Taoism in Manila was founded in 1990 and is being ministered by Taoist Master Nelson Eucharisa. Its oriental design and architecture make it quite recognizable to anyone even from afar. Dragon figures embellish the façade and a huge yin-yang is painted on the main door of the temple. And as with all Taoist temples, the colors red, green and yellow make up the entire edifice.

Aromatic fumes from gigantic incense sticks (about the size of arnis sticks) greet each visitor at the entrance to this magnificent structure. Inside are eleven (11) human-sized incense censers with post numbers – much like the Catholic’s stations of the cross. These correspond to the eleven altars dedicated to different Taoist Gods and saints where one prays and leaves three incense sticks for each as an offering.

One distinct feature of this temple is its strict policies on “cleanliness”. One is not allowed to light an incense whenever one has visited a newly delivered mother (unable within 30 days), seen a corpse (unable within 49 days) and menstruating (ladies). The three cases mentioned above are considered source of impure energy from the Taoist perspective.

The Temple of Taoism holds ceremony during every the 1st (new moon) and the 15th (full moon) of the month in the Chinese lunar calendar, birthdays of saints and Chinese lunar new year. They also offer feng shui consultations to those interested.

Address: 1818 Vasquez street, Malate, Manila
Tel Nos.: (02) 524-9928

Hindu Temple
Going Hindu? Then definitely this is the place for you!

Just a few streets away from the Sikh Gurudwara Temple is the only Hindu temple in the country. Founded on the 24th July 1980, this two-story building is enveloped in splendid and intricate Indian art and design.

Like their Buddhist counterparts, Hindus leave their footwear outside as they enter the prayer room. In fact, there is a designated a spot very near the main entrance with cubbyholes as some sort of a “shoe counter.” According to Eastern beliefs, this serves two functions: the observance of cleanliness and absorption of sacred energy to the soles of the feet.

On the second floor of the building is the Hindu shrine. The spacious interior is ideal to accommodate people during rituals, ceremonies and forums. Plain and simple, there is no fancy decor except for a carpeted floor and a number of major Hindu pantheons on the altar in front. Some of the statues found here are Shiva, Parvati, Lakshmi, Ganesh and Krishna.

The Hindu temple holds ceremony every Sunday morning, every full moon and on feast days according to the Hindu calendar. Classes on Hindu religion and culture are also being offered every Sundays from 11:40 to 1:10 PM.

Address: 1426 Mahatma Gandhi Street, Paco, Manila
Tel Nos.: (02) 523-4369

Sacred Architectures

Stupa
On the grounds of the Philippine Karma Kagyu Buddhist Society Dharma Center along the lowly street of Silencio in Sta. Mesa stands the first and the only Tibetan style Philippine stupa. Built and inaugurated in 1998, this 23-feet stupa is a joint project of several dharma devotees and lamas who supported Mr. Vincent Gabriel’s idea to build a stupa after receiving the teachings from Lama Sherab Jungney.

The stupa is a symbol of the awakened state of the Buddha. In his 1998 Philippine visit, Lama Tenzin Dorje taught the eight types of stupa that commemorate the eight major events of Shakyamuni Buddha as he reached enlightenment. The stupa of enlightenment in Silencio depicts Shakyamuni’s victory over maras. The choice of stupa was guided by Lama Tenzin Dorje to fit the conditions of Philippine society at that time.

A stupa generates great spiritual energy as it enshrines the various relics and sacred objects acquired from the great lamas of the past as well as from the sacred lands of the Buddhas. These precious items are emanations of the enlightened state and include Mantra or Dharani (the relics of Dharmakaya), Ringsel (the relics of Buddhas, Bodhisattva and Guru), the relics of hairs and clothing of Buddhas, and finally the Dharma medicines (the relics of Dharma pills). Materials used in construction were carefully chosen most especially the life force stick made from pine specifically acquired from Baguio City. Also, the entire process of building the stupa is in itself a ritual. From ground breaking until the building is completed, the process is done with a pure state of mind accompanied by mantra recitations and pujas.

It is said that one can acquire immeasurable and tremendous benefits by participating in a stupa project, circumambulating it (walking around it several times in a clockwise manner) or simply by making a sincere connection with the stupa. Some of these benefits are accumulation of blessings and the purification of negative karma. Finally, this stupa project is intended for the benefit of all sentient beings and is open to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.

Address: 3 Silencio Street, Santol, Sta. Mesa, Manila
Tel Nos.: (02) 7145553
Website: http://www.kagyu.org.ph
For full-length history of the first Philippine stupa, visit
http://www.stupa.org.nz/stupa/philipines.htm


The Pyramid of Asia
The ancient wisdom of the pyramids set foot in Philippine soil in June 11, 1999 when the four wooden main pillars of the pyramid of Asia were laid on ground at Manaoag, Pangasinan. But unlike its Egyptian and Mayan counterparts, which are believed to have served either as burial grounds or initiation chambers, the pyramid of Asia was designed for the sole purpose of healing making it the first in the world of its kind.

For faith healer Alex Orbito, the pyramid of Asia was a dream realized. As a young healer, he dreamt of a pyramid that could heal people and become one of the major healing centers in the world. Due to lack of funds and knowledge of the pyramids, it took decades before his vision materialized. His first real-life encounter with the Egyptian pyramids in 1986 together with the expertise of German architect Dieter Loewer, Alex Orbito’s dream finally translated into reality.

This majestic pyramid is erected in a four hectare piece of land owned by Alex Orbito himself. It functions as a recreational ground for tourists in Pangasinan. It stands at 10 meters, has a floor area of 100 square meters and is oriented along the magnetic north. It is made of non-conductive materials such as stone and wood and a well nests on its center where energized water can be acquired.

In the previous years, healing festivals held at the pyramid site was actively participated by local and foreign healers alike. But due to its ruined condition (as of my last visit in May 2006), the pyramid is now idle and temporarily closed for visitors.

Address: The Pyramid of Asia Healing Center of the World Pilgrimage Road Cabanbanan, Manaoag, Pangasinan
Tel Nos: (75) 5194365, (75) 5194362

Image from

http://www.ib-blodt.de/aktuell/events/pyramid_of_asia.htm
For more information, visit
http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2004/11/28/TOUR2004112823427.html
http://www.travelsmart.net/article/100563

Spiritual Landscapes

Mt. Banahaw
Mt. Banahaw is a 2,450 meters tall active volcano which is part of the Banahaw-Cristobal National Park. It rests in the middle of the towns of San Pablo, Majayjay, Liliw, Nagcarlan, Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya, Lucena, Tayabas and Lucban. It is believed to be situated where the earth magnetic grids intersect making it a spiritual nexus of energy.

Perhaps a living testament of ancient Filipino roots, Mt. Banahaw has long been regarded as pilgrimage site for countless religious sects and spiritual movements in the country. Among the most prominent of groups is the Rizalista divided into smaller factions or sects. It is also a top destination for many psychics and healers as they seek refuge and recharging of psychic batteries especially during the Lenten season.

Cloaked by a veil of mystery and magick, this mountain is a sanctuary of nature spirits and supernatural stories. Stories of otherworldly encounters are very typical to visitors of the place. Extra terrestrial contacts are also a feature as the place is believed to be a landing site of spaceships from other planetary existence. This mountain is also famous for power objects known as anting-anting and mutya which can be found in the place. Above all, the site is known for spiritual retreat, cleansing and transformation.

However, due to environmental degradation brought about by commercialism and the increasing tourist population, some areas are currently being rehabilitated and are restricted from public access.

Ciudad Verdadero (co-written by Kether W.)
Ciudad Verdadero is I guess one of the few existing places here in the Philippines dedicated to spiritual exploration and healing. As one of the few people who had been to that place, I assure you that the beauty and the mystery of Ciudad Verdadero will mesmerize you.

The land was once a two-hectare plantation of coffee owned by Mr. Art Cataquiz during the 1950’s and 60’s. A few years later, adjacent lands were bought adding up to almost 3 hectares of tropical land. But since coffee wasn’t productive enough to meet the investments, the land was left untended for a long time. The absence of the plantation paved way for Mother Nature’s plan to renew the place and give it new purpose. And so Ciudad Verdadero came about, a paradise for those who are seeking spiritual refuge away from the city.

Inside this mystical paradise are five different energy stations, which anchor different types of astral light. So except for the bukal, structures were erected on these stations such as a chapel, a cretan, a healing tower, and a platform for a pyramid project. The locations of each energy center were precisely determined by the owner himself through channeled information from the spirit realm. And like its neighboring Mt. Banahaw, Ciudad Verdadero is a haven for countless nature spirits and mystical beings.

The picture provided here is an account of our visit to Ciudad Verdadero last February 21, 2004. The place is such a mystical experience for all us. Who can forget the mists that covered the place? It was like Avalon protected by this mystical force field and beyond this force field is a place of mystery and magic.


About the Author: ISHILTA is a seeker of various spiritual traditions and is particularly drawn to Tibetan Buddhism and Balinese Hinduism. He is a student of Bardon hermetics and a reiki & pranic healing practitioner. His main practice centers on healing, tantra, sacred space and sacred timing. Being a Buddhist-Wiccan, he seeks tools and ways to empower and benefit all sentient beings. He is finishing his degree in BS Geography at UP Diliman and currently works as chief editor and site manager of Manggagaway.

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