Tibetan Chorten With Seated Buddha In Center, Flanked By Statues Of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig) And Padmasambhava, Nepal Stock Photo

The basic structure of a Chorten consist of a square foundation symbolizing the earth, a dome symbolizing water and 13 tapering steps of enlightenment symbolizing the element of fire. These steps lead to a stylized parasol, the symbol of wind, which is topped in the ethereal sphere by the well-known 'twin-symbol' uniting sun and moon, which is the shimmering crown of the Chorten.