Buddhism has influenced the life and thinking of the people in Ladakh owing to its widespread presence in this region. The locals come across as irrepressibly happy, with a strong sense of self and remain connected to their land having developed a close bond with their natural surroundings. The region of Ladakh can be seen dotted with numerous stupas of different types. From painted white-heaped stones to meticulously constructed geometrical shapes, stupas can be seen on hilltops, valleys and on highways being one of the oldest practices of Buddhism.

It is believed that after the ‘Parinirvana’ of Buddha his ashes were collected and placed under 8 different ‘chortens.’ They are also built for reasons like peace, prosperity, punishment or good karma. The 8 great stupas that symbolize major events from Buddha’s life are : The Enlightenment Stupa, the Stupa of Many Doors, the Stupa of Descent from the God Realm, the Stupa of Great Miracles, the Stupa of Reconciliation and the Stupa of Complete Victory.

For more details: http://dsource.in/resource/practicing-peace