About the symbolic shape of the Stupa - they are mostly made up of 5 parts: a square base, a hemispherical dome, a conical spire, a crescent moon and a circular disc. Each part has its symbolic meaning. The shape of the Stupa represents the Buddha, crowned and sitting in meditation posture on a lion throne. His crown is the top of the spire; his head is the square at the spire's base with 4 pairs of eyes looking east, west, north and south; his body is the vase shape; his legs are the four steps of the lower terrace; and the base is his throne.