I'm researching Lao stupas (thaat or that). I read an article on this forum in 2007 about an old stupa that stood next to the Australian embassy in Ventiane (under construction at that time) that was being neglected and not being addressed as an important cultural artifact. Does anybody know how it has fared?
Also, I am finding that similar to the Japanese little stupa, gorinto, the Lao seem to keep their stupa ambitions rather small. Anybody have any comments on this?
I am in Luang Prabang now. I see no evidence of any new stupa construction in the country. Can anybody point me to any new projects? If not, are the Lao giving up on the importance of the stupa as an important Buddhist expression?
Did the Lao ever have a love affair with the stupa like the Thai or the Burmese?
Any help in clarfying the above matters would be helpful. Thank You.
