Roughly 500 million people declare themselves as faithful followers of some branch of Buddhism. It is the fourth most populous religion on the planet, and since its Asian origins, its teachings and practices have spread worldwide. Therefore, it is not surprising that it has a good number of followers in Spain, who can attend almost 300 Buddhist centers scattered throughout cities and towns in the country.
However, there are several that are more than just a meeting and prayer space for devotees of Buddhism. Some of them, due to their architecture or location, have even become tourist destinations and excellent showcases to discover more about this religion, closer to a philosophy and way of life than matters of faith.
The followers in Spain can go to almost 300 Buddhist centers spread across cities and towns in the country
For example, in the Alpujarra granadina, the O Sel Ling center has been located since 1980 at 1,600 meters above sea level and in the shadow of Sierra Nevada, as if remembering the Tibetan origin of these beliefs. Or in Garraf, very close to Barcelona, the Buddhists recovered the Palau Novella and created the Sakya Tashi Ling monastery, which is now an attractive destination for those seeking to discover a different rhythm for facing day-to-day life.
The list of Buddhist centers in Spain worth a getaway doesn't end here. In the town of Benalmádena, located in Malaga, stands the Stupa of Enlightenment, gleaming in pristine white and reaching a height of 33 meters, making it the tallest in the Western world. Just a few years ago, in the Sella mountain of the town of Pedreguer in Alicante, the Paramita Center was established, bringing Buddhist images and traditions into the 21st century.
DSK de Panillo, a piece of Tibet in the Pyrenees
But this list of Spanish Buddhist centers of interest is not complete without the Dag Shang Kagyu in Panillo, located in the Pre-Pyrenees of Huesca. Forty years ago, they had never heard of lamas and mantras there, but four decades later, the Buddhist community integrates perfectly into this area of the Ribagorza region.
In 1984, a group of Spanish youth arrived at this remote location, captivated by the messages emanating from Lama Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche, who was then fleeing from Chinese repression and had settled in Europe to spread his beliefs in the West. In fact, he would eventually visit Panillo and the estate chosen by his disciples, blessing the place and guiding future constructions.
Groups in the guided tours at the Buddhist center in front of the mantras written in Sanskrit, Tibetan, and in Latin characters
Back then, there was nothing more than a traditional half-collapsed large house, without running water or electricity. Nothing to do with everything that is discovered today. And yet, of the 100 hectares that make up the monastery grounds, only a small part is visible, the public area where the temple and other ceremonial buildings are located, which can be visited either independently or on guided tours.
The Dag Shang Kagyu in Panillo showcases the most typical architectural elements of Tibetan Buddhism. From the ceremonial door adorned with intricate shapes and vibrant colors to the walls inscribed with the most beloved mantras of the community. Interestingly, these mantras are engraved in Sanskrit, Tibetan, and also phonetically adapted to Latin characters, allowing everyone to engage in the ritual.
The Stupa of the Multiple Auspicious Doors is a representation of the enlightened mind of Buddha and his wisdom
At the very top of the complex stands the grand stupa, in this case, the Stupa of the Multiple Auspicious Gates. It is a representation of the enlightened mind of Buddha and his immense wisdom, capable of contemplating the whole world thanks to the eyes that stand out at the base of the dome. Inside, accessible if one goes barefoot, awaits a statue of Buddha.
And around the stupa, there are other smaller stupas, and above all, the 108 prayer wheels that must spin clockwise while reciting a mantra. Visiting the DSK of Panillo allows you to immerse yourself in all these rituals, as well as learn about the history of the yogi Milarepa represented in a large sculpture, or discover that the typical Buddhist flags are placed in a specific order and their purpose is to send the prayers into the wind.
108 prayer wheels to turn around the great stupa
Guided tours also have access to the lower part of the temple. The external austerity does not anticipate the splendor of colors and objects inside. It is filled with flowers, figures, mandalas, carpets, lamps, or musical instruments. Everything is key to carrying out the daily ceremonies in which mantras are repeated and meditation is practiced to align the energies.
The temple is also the place where talks and seminars are scheduled by the resident lamas at the DSK or others who come from Asia. In addition, sessions of yoga, guided meditation, and even tai chi are offered there. These practices are open to visitors and to the community who reside permanently or temporarily in Panillo. This group occupies the private area of the monastery.
Interior of the temple to celebrate the ceremonies and activities of the community
On the mountainside, the small houses of the volunteers, monks, or lamas are scattered. There is also a hostel for visitors who attend the activities and are passing through. Everyone gathers to eat in the communal dining room. The only ones who do not eat there are those who come to the DSK to do retreats. Some only do it for a few days. But others choose this little piece of Huesca to get away from the world for 3 years, 3 months, and 3 days. A long period of solitude and meditation essential to become a lama.
Over the years, many Buddhists have attained the rank of lama in the Dag Shang Kagyu of Panillo. Some have chosen to settle here, while others have moved to other parts of the world to continue spreading this life philosophy that goes far beyond religious dogmas.
Museum of Orthodox Icons
Less than 10 kilometers from Panillo is the town of Graus, the administrative capital of the Ribagorza region. In this town, you can visit another space connected to a distant and exotic religion that merges Eastern and Western traditions. It is the Museum of Icons, located in the old rooms of the hermitage of the Virgen de la Peña, on the outskirts of Graus. Here, one can admire curious images of the Orthodox religion originating from places as diverse as Crete, Ukraine, Greece, Poland, Russia, and even Ethiopia. It is a very unique collection that, more than 20 years ago, was created with the intention of welcoming immigrants of Orthodox tradition who arrived in this area of the Pyrenees.