The perfect proportions of the Buddha’s body corresponds to the design measurements ( sacred geometry) of a stupa. As the correspondence is to his body it also reflects his mind.

It seems to  have originated as a pre-Buddhist Indian grave site for holy men. These saints were buried seated on the ground . These  graves sites were regarded as holy places. And became pilgrimage places as well as practice sites for meditators.

The structure of a Chorten consists of a square base, which symbolizes the earth.

The thirteen tapered stages of enlightenment symbolize the fire element.

On top of these a parasol, symbolizing air, above which is sun and moon,

the  crown of the stupa is the bindu symbol.

Above that a hemispheric dome symbolizing water.

The  sun and a crescent moon represents  the dualistic compatibility of the absolute truth and relative truth.

The stylized Parasol (Chattra) symbolically giving protection from all evil.

The thirteen Steps symbolize:  the  ten virtues or stages of enlightenment  and the three higher levels of consciousness .

The dome, is the holder of Relics or offerings .

The four-stepped square base is the four directions.

1. Birth Stupa: (Padtrul Chorten) Built at Lumbini, The Buddhas birthplace.

2. Enlightenment Stupa: (Changchup Chorten) Represents the conquest of Mara at Bodhgaya.

3. Turning of the Wheel Stupa, (Gomang Chorten) the first teachings at Sarnath (Varanasi).

4. Miracles Stups: (Chotrul Chorten)  Sravasti where the Buddha performed miracles.

5. Descent from Tushita Stupa: (Lhabab Chorten) Commemorating Buddha returning from Tushita heaven, where he give teachings to his mother.

6. Reconciliation Stupa: Commemorating Rajagriha, after Buddha reconciled the disagreements of the Sangha

7. Complete Victory Stupa: ( Namgyal Chorten) The Buddha meditated extensively and prolonged his life at Vaishali.

8. Parinirvana Stupa: (Nyezod Chorten)  Kushinagara where Buddha entered mahaparinirvana

The stupa is a mandala,  emanating all  the enlightened attitudes.