Thangka painting is not merely an art form; it is a spiritual journey requiring unwavering dedication and years of meditative practice. Every brushstroke is a conduit for divine inspiration, reflecting the artist's communion with the sacred and echoing the wisdom of generations past. Through meticulous attention to detail and symbolic motifs, Thangka painting transcends the ordinary, inviting contemplation of profound truths and guiding both artist and observer on a path of self-discovery.
In the intricate dance of color and form, the Thangka becomes a portal to higher realms, where the boundaries between the mundane and the transcendent dissolve. Each stroke is imbued with intention, inviting the viewer to explore the interconnectedness of all things and to awaken to the beauty that lies within and beyond the canvas. Thangka painting is more than an artistic endeavor; it is a spiritual practice that speaks to the timeless quest for meaning and enlightenment.
In the sacred silence of the artist's studio, time itself seems to pause, allowing for a communion between the mortal and the divine. Here, amidst the scent of incense and the soft glow of candlelight, the Thangka artist enters a state of divine grace, where inspiration flows like water from a mountain spring. Each brushstroke becomes a prayer, a whisper of hope in a world fraught with uncertainty, as the artist channels the very essence of existence onto the canvas before them. It is a dance of creation, a symphony of spirit and form, where the boundaries between the material and the metaphysical blur and fade into the ether.
In the sacred imagery of Thangka paintings, every line, every contour, tells a story of spiritual significance and profound meaning. Each brushstroke is a testament to the artist's reverence for the divine and their commitment to capturing its essence in tangible form. The intricate details invite viewers to embark on a journey of discovery, where the eyes wander and the soul finds solace in the exquisite beauty of the celestial realm depicted. In the intricate tapestry of a Thangka, the mundane dissolves, and the viewer is transported to a realm where time holds no sway, and the eternal dance of creation unfolds with breathtaking splendor.
As the price ascends, so too does the depth of meaning and craftsmanship embedded within the artwork. Masterpieces by seasoned Thangka artisans are not merely paintings but gateways to spiritual realms, where each brushstroke whispers ancient truths and echoes the wisdom of generations past. The investment in a mastercrafted Thangka extends far beyond its monetary value; it is an investment in a piece of living history, a conduit through which the spiritual essence of Tibetan Buddhism flows into the world. In the intricate patterns and luminous colors of these masterpieces, one finds not just art, but a reflection of the human soul reaching towards the divine.
These levels of expertise form a continuum of artistic growth and spiritual development, where each stage builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. At the student level, budding artists explore the nuances of technique and form, laying the groundwork for their creative journey. As they progress to semi-professional status, they begin to refine their style and vision, drawing inspiration from both tradition and contemporary influences. With each brushstroke, professionals hone their craft, transforming raw talent into refined mastery, while masters stand at the apex of Thangka artistry, their creations a testament to the culmination of years of devotion and discipline.
In the early stages of their journey, fledgling artists imbue their creations with raw energy and unbridled enthusiasm, daring to explore uncharted territories of creativity. Despite the rough edges of their works, there exists a palpable sense of vitality and promise, a glimpse into the boundless potential that awaits their artistic evolution. With each stroke of the brush, they navigate the labyrinth of artistic expression, guided by the fervent belief that within the chaos of creation lies the seeds of greatness waiting to bloom.
In the realm of the semi-professional, artists find themselves at the threshold of artistic maturity, poised to explore the vast expanse of creative possibility that lies before them. Armed with newfound confidence and a deeper understanding of their craft, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, daring to challenge conventions and redefine the boundaries of traditional Thangka art. Here, innovation and tradition converge in a delicate dance, as artists weave the threads of the past into the tapestry of the future, creating works that resonate with both reverence and renewal.
At the pinnacle of their craft, master Thangka artists stand as beacons of artistic excellence, their mastery evident in every meticulous brushstroke and intricately crafted detail. With unwavering dedication, they devote their lives to the pursuit of perfection, honing their skills and refining their techniques with each masterpiece they create. Their works transcend mere paintings; they are portals to the divine, inviting viewers on a journey of spiritual discovery and enlightenment. In the hallowed halls of museums and galleries, these masterpieces stand as testaments to the timeless beauty and enduring legacy of Thangka artistry, inspiring awe and wonder in all who behold them.
In the presence of master Thangka artists, one encounters not just creators, but custodians of a sacred tradition, entrusted with preserving the spiritual essence of Tibetan Buddhism for generations to come. Their works transcend the limitations of the material world, serving as conduits for divine grace and enlightenment. With each brushstroke, they weave a tapestry of transcendent beauty, inviting viewers to transcend the confines of ordinary perception and glimpse the infinite expanse of the cosmos. In the luminous hues and intricate patterns of their Thangkas, the human spirit finds resonance with the divine, echoing through the corridors of eternity with timeless grace and reverence.
But what of the materials that breathe life into these sacred works of art? The pigments sourced for Thangka paintings are more than mere colors; they are vessels of tradition and spiritual significance. Derived from natural minerals, precious metals like gold and silver, and organic materials, these pigments hold within them the essence of the earth itself. With each stroke of the brush, the artist imbues these pigments with intention and reverence, infusing the canvas with vibrancy and vitality that transcends the physical realm. In the alchemy of creation, these materials become conduits for divine expression, illuminating the path to enlightenment for both artist and viewer alike.
Crafting the perfect canvas is akin to a sacred ritual, a meticulous process that demands unwavering attention to detail and reverence for the craft. Each layer of primer is not merely applied; it is imbued with the artist's hopes and aspirations, laying the foundation for the divine imagery that will soon grace its surface. With each brushstroke, the artist navigates the delicate balance between technique and intuition, allowing the spirit of creation to guide their hand. In the quiet solitude of the studio, amidst the scent of incense and the soft glow of candlelight, the canvas becomes a sanctuary of artistic expression, a sacred space where the mundane gives way to the transcendent.
At the heart of every Thangka lies the soul of the earth, encapsulated within the vibrant pigments that adorn its surface. For the novice artist, commercial paints may suffice to capture fleeting glimpses of beauty, but for the master, only the most exquisite materials will do justice to their vision. Gold, silver, and lapis lazuli are not merely pigments; they are alchemical treasures, shimmering with the essence of divine inspiration. With each stroke of the brush, these sacred hues breathe life into the canvas, transforming mere paint into portals of transcendence that beckon viewers to explore the depths of spiritual enlightenment.
In the realm of Thangka artistry, the price of a painting embodies far more than monetary value; it encapsulates the artist's skill, devotion, and the rich tapestry of tradition. Each stroke of the brush reflects a profound spiritual journey, a testament to the human spirit's capacity for greatness and transcendence. Beyond commerce, Thangkas remind us that true beauty emerges from dedication, sincerity, and an unwavering commitment to craft. They inspire us to seek depth in our endeavors and to honor the sacred traditions that illuminate our paths toward enlightenment and artistic expression.
]]>Whether you're seeking to adorn your living space with spiritual beauty or infuse your workplace with a sense of tranquility and inspiration, understanding the nuances of Thangka placement can deepen your appreciation for these sacred artifacts while honoring their traditional significance.
When considering where to hang Thangka paintings in your office or room, it's essential to choose spaces that promote tranquility and reflection. Thangkas, with their intricate designs and spiritual significance, can transform an environment into a sanctuary of peace and inspiration.
Green Tara Thangka, Chengresi Thangka, and Medicine Buddha Thangka are among the many sacred artworks that hold deep meaning in Tibetan Buddhism. Each Thangka depicts divine figures revered for their compassion, wisdom, and healing qualities. By adorning your space with these representations, you invite their benevolent energy to permeate your surroundings.
In your room, choose locations where you engage in personal contemplation or relaxation. Above your meditation space or near your bedside, Thangkas can evoke a sense of serenity and spiritual connection, guiding your thoughts towards inner peace and balance.
Zambala, the Tibetan god of wealth and prosperity, is a popular example of a deity whose Thangka might find a place in your office. However, it's important to note that Thangkas depicting compassionate deities, such as Green Tara and Chengresi, can also be hung for meditation purposes. Their serene presence serves as a reminder of the inherent compassion and wisdom within ourselves.
In your office, consider placing Thangkas in areas where you spend moments of reflection or decision-making. A quiet corner or above your desk can serve as a focal point for grounding and clarity amidst the demands of work.
Green Tara, known for her compassion and protection, is a beloved figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Consider hanging her Thangka in a place where you seek solace and guidance. This could be near your meditation area or in a quiet corner where you can reflect on her benevolent presence during moments of contemplation.
Chenrezig, the embodiment of compassion, is another popular subject depicted in Thangka paintings. His serene countenance reminds us to cultivate kindness and empathy in our lives. Hang Chenrezig's Thangka in a central location where its radiance can permeate the space, fostering an atmosphere of warmth and compassion for all who enter.
The Medicine Buddha Thangka represents healing and well-being, making it a fitting addition to spaces dedicated to health and wellness. Consider placing it in your bedroom or a healing room where its presence can inspire hope and promote physical and emotional healing.
By integrating symbols of abundance and prosperity like Zambala alongside Thangka paintings, individuals can cultivate an environment that not only fosters spiritual growth but also nurtures material well-being and success in their professional endeavors. As with any spiritual element, it's important to approach the inclusion of Zambala with reverence and mindful consideration of diverse beliefs and practices among colleagues and stakeholders.
In conclusion, the placement of a Thangka painting in both home and office settings requires thoughtful consideration of space, direction, and cultural sensitivity. Whether adorning your living room walls or enhancing the ambiance of your workplace, the presence of a Thangka painting can serve as a source of inspiration, spiritual reflection, and artistic appreciation. By honoring its sacred symbolism and embracing diversity in beliefs, you can create environments that resonate with harmony, mindfulness, and cultural respect.
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Central to Buddhist teachings are the Four Immeasurables, or Brahmavihāras, which encompass:
Metta, often referred to as loving-kindness, lies at the very core of Buddhist teachings. It is a practice that encourages the cultivation of an attitude of profound love and benevolence towards all living beings, without discrimination or exception. Metta is a wellspring of unconditional affection that transcends personal inclinations and biases. It involves the heartfelt aspiration for the well-being, happiness, and ultimate freedom from suffering, not only for oneself but for all sentient beings in the universe. This practice fosters a deep sense of interconnectedness, recognizing that our own well-being is intimately tied to the well-being of others. Through Metta, we seek to create a world where compassion and love flourish, creating a harmonious tapestry of beings supporting one another on their respective journeys.
Karuna, the embodiment of compassionate action, is a fundamental aspect of Buddhist practice. It is the empathetic response that arises upon witnessing the suffering and pain of others. Unlike mere sympathy, Karuna compels us to take tangible steps towards alleviating this suffering. It is an active force that motivates individuals to extend a helping hand, offer solace, and provide comfort. Karuna is not bound by proximity or familiarity; it transcends all barriers, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every being. In the spirit of Karuna, we become beacons of solace, radiating warmth and understanding to those in need. Through this practice, we participate in the universal endeavor to alleviate the collective suffering of humanity, leaving no one behind.
Mudita, often described as sympathetic joy, is a profound emotional state that arises from witnessing the happiness, success, and well-being of others. It is a celebration of the accomplishments and joys experienced by those around us. Mudita is characterized by an absence of envy or jealousy; instead, it fosters an authentic sense of rejoicing in the good fortune of others. This practice encourages us to transcend ego-centric tendencies, recognizing that the success and happiness of one contribute to the greater tapestry of human well-being. By cultivating Mudita, we become supportive companions on the journey of life, sharing in the joys and triumphs of our fellow beings, and reinforcing the interconnectedness that binds us all.
Upekkha, often translated as equanimity, is a state of balanced and even-minded mental stability. It is a quality that remains unshaken, especially in the face of difficult or challenging situations. Upekkha is not indifference or apathy; rather, it is a poised and steady response that arises from a deep understanding of the impermanence of circumstances. It allows us to navigate the ebb and flow of life with grace and composure, without being swayed by extremes of emotion. This practice provides a firm foundation for facing the inevitable ups and downs of existence, enabling us to remain centered and clear-sighted even amidst the storms of life.
These four qualities form the cornerstone of compassionate living in Buddhism, offering a roadmap to genuine and enduring happiness.
Thangka paintings, intricate and spiritually charged artworks, serve as visual aids to deepening our understanding of Buddhist principles. Among the many revered figures depicted in Thangkas, Green Tara stands out as a quintessential representation of love and compassion.
With her radiant green complexion, Green Tara symbolizes the nurturing energy of nature, embodying the boundless love that encompasses all living beings. Her eyes, brimming with loving-kindness, and her hand extended in a gesture of granting boons, radiate a palpable sense of compassion and care.
Engaging with Thangka paintings of Green Tara can serve as a form of visual meditation. By simply gazing upon her compassionate countenance, we are reminded of the limitless potential for love and kindness that resides within us. It serves as an invitation to nurture these qualities in our own hearts and extend them outwards to all beings.
While Thangka paintings offer a contemplative gateway, the real essence of love and compassion lies in their practical application in our daily lives. Acts of kindness, empathy, and understanding form the bedrock of compassionate living. This may involve being present for others, offering a listening ear, or providing support when needed. Moreover, it encompasses the practice of forgiveness and the release of resentment, fostering a climate of harmony and understanding.
In Mahayana Buddhism, practitioners are inspired by the Bodhisattva ideal. A Bodhisattva is an individual who has attained a high level of spiritual realization but chooses to delay their own enlightenment until all sentient beings have also reached liberation. This selfless commitment to the welfare of others exemplifies the pinnacle of love and compassion.
By embracing the Bodhisattva ideal, we recognize that our spiritual journey is intricately linked with the well-being of all beings. It propels us to act not only for our own salvation but for the liberation and happiness of every being in the universe.
In a world often characterized by division and strife, the cultivation of love and compassion can be challenging. Yet, it is precisely in the face of adversity that these qualities find their greatest potential for transformation. By actively working to nurture love and compassion, we transcend the limitations of reactivity and aversion. We learn to respond to life's challenges with wisdom, kindness, and equanimity.
In Buddhism, love and compassion are not just sentiments, but powerful forces that lead to enlightenment. As we deepen our understanding and practice of these qualities, we not only free ourselves from suffering but become beacons of light, radiating warmth and kindness to all beings. Thangka paintings, particularly those depicting Green Tara, serve as visual anchors for our contemplation, reminding us of the boundless potential for love and compassion that resides within us. Through dedicated practice and a genuine commitment to the welfare of all beings, we can walk the path of love and compassion, ultimately finding our way to profound wisdom, peace, and spiritual liberation.
]]>Furthermore, this exploration of thoughts and awareness is not merely an intellectual exercise, but a practical endeavor with profound implications for daily life. As individuals deepen their understanding of these concepts, they gain valuable tools for navigating the complexities of existence. Through mindfulness practices like meditation and reflective contemplation, one can actively cultivate a state of heightened awareness, allowing them to witness thoughts without becoming entangled in them. This newfound clarity and equanimity extend beyond the meditation cushion, influencing how individuals interact with the world around them. It empowers them to respond to life's challenges with greater wisdom, compassion, and resilience. In essence, the distinction between thoughts and awareness serves as a guiding light, illuminating a path towards a more enlightened and liberated way of being.
Thoughts are the mental processes that occur when the mind engages with information, memories, and sensory perceptions. They manifest as the internal dialogue, images, and concepts that constantly flow through our consciousness. Thoughts are often rooted in attachment, aversion, and ignorance - the three primary sources of suffering according to Buddhist philosophy.
Attachment-driven thoughts are those that arise from our desires and cravings. These can range from wanting material possessions to seeking approval and affection from others. Aversion-driven thoughts, on the other hand, are rooted in avoidance and resistance. These thoughts emerge in response to experiences or circumstances that we find unpleasant or uncomfortable. Finally, ignorance-driven thoughts are born out of a lack of understanding or a misperception of reality. They cloud our discernment and perpetuate a cycle of confusion.
In contrast, awareness serves as the silent witness to this constant mental activity. It is a state of non-judgmental presence, allowing us to observe thoughts without being consumed by them. This faculty of awareness is not bound by the limitations of time or circumstance; it remains steadfast and unchanging. Through dedicated practice, individuals can cultivate this profound capacity for mindfulness. By doing so, they create a sanctuary within themselves, a space where thoughts can come and go, like passing clouds in the vast sky of consciousness. This separation between the observer and the observed is a cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy, offering a transformative perspective on the nature of reality and self.
Awareness, or mindfulness, is the capacity to observe thoughts, emotions, and sensations without becoming entangled in them. It is a state of non-judgmental, non-reactive presence. In contrast to thoughts, which are transient and subject to change, awareness represents an unchanging and foundational aspect of consciousness.
In Buddhist teachings, cultivating awareness is considered a vital practice for transcending suffering and attaining enlightenment. By observing our thoughts without identification, we can break free from the cycle of attachment, aversion, and ignorance. This allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the impermanent nature of reality and the interconnectedness of all beings.
To grasp the profound difference between thoughts and awareness, it is essential to recognize their interdependence. Thoughts arise within the field of awareness, much like clouds passing through the sky. However, it is crucial not to mistake the clouds for the sky itself. Similarly, thoughts are not synonymous with awareness, but rather a temporary expression of it.
Through dedicated mindfulness practice, individuals can cultivate a heightened sense of awareness, enabling them to observe thoughts without being swept away by them. This separation between observer and observed is a cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy, as it leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of reality and the self.
Meditation: Meditation is a powerful tool for developing awareness. By focusing on the breath or a specific object, practitioners learn to observe their thoughts without attachment or aversion. This practice helps create a mental space where one can witness the arising and passing away of thoughts.
Mindful Breathing: Paying attention to the breath is a simple yet profound way to cultivate awareness. By bringing attention to the sensation of inhaling and exhaling, individuals anchor themselves in the present moment, allowing thoughts to come and go without entanglement.
Observing Sensations: Another effective technique is to observe bodily sensations. By bringing awareness to physical feelings without judgment, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection and the impermanence of sensations.
Reflective Contemplation: Taking moments of introspection to contemplate the nature of thoughts and awareness can also be highly beneficial. Reflecting on experiences and observing the mind's reactions fosters a deeper insight into the workings of consciousness.
In the pursuit of spiritual growth and enlightenment, understanding the distinction between thoughts and awareness is paramount. While thoughts are transient and rooted in attachment, aversion, and ignorance, awareness represents a timeless and foundational aspect of consciousness. By cultivating mindfulness, individuals can observe thoughts without becoming entangled in them, leading to a profound shift in their perception of reality and the self.
Embracing this awareness-centric approach opens the door to a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings and the impermanent nature of existence. Through dedicated practice and a commitment to mindful living, individuals can embark on a transformative journey towards a more liberated and enlightened way of being.
If you've enjoyed exploring the distinctions between thoughts and awareness in this blog, you'll find even more insightful perspectives on mindfulness and self-awareness over on our companion blog listed below:
]]>The term "Bodhi" finds its roots in Sanskrit, a language revered for its profound spiritual connotations. It carries a weight of meaning that extends beyond mere linguistic interpretation. In its essence, it encapsulates the very essence of awakening and enlightenment, signifying a transcendental shift in consciousness. This term, pulsating with spiritual significance, is intrinsically entwined with the transformative moment of Siddhartha Gautama's enlightenment beneath the majestic canopy of the Bodhi tree, ultimately metamorphosing into the revered figure of the Buddha.
This event, steeped in the annals of spiritual history, marks a pivotal turning point for humanity, offering a beacon of light for seekers across epochs. It's within this sacred context that the seeds produced by the Bodhi tree, scientifically classified as Ficus Religiosa, take on an aura of sanctity and reverence. They serve as living witnesses to that momentous awakening, carrying forth the energy and essence of that transcendental experience through the ages, rendering them as not mere seeds, but as custodians of an indelible spiritual legacy. Each Bodhi seed, through its very existence, stands as a testament to the enduring power of enlightenment, an unbroken lineage that links the contemporary seeker to the ancient roots of spiritual illumination.
Bodhi seeds are small, dark-brown seeds with a smooth, almost pebbled texture, a testament to the unique nature of these sacred seeds. Encased within small fruits that bear a striking resemblance to figs, they are concealed, waiting to be discovered by those who recognize their significance. These seeds, though unassuming in appearance, carry a weight of spiritual energy that transcends their physical form. They are hard, compact, and possess a natural sheen, as if polished by the hands of time itself.
This inherent luster adds an extra dimension to their allure, making them not just seeds, but vessels of potential and promise. It is this distinctive combination of attributes that renders them ideal for crafting into prayer beads and meditation tools, allowing practitioners to forge a tangible connection with the essence of enlightenment. When held in the palm, these seeds exude a reassuring weight, grounding the practitioner in the present moment and serving as a conduit for the flow of focused intention during meditation and prayer.
Bodhi seeds have been used for centuries as prayer beads, known as mala beads in Buddhist traditions. The smooth surface and comfortable weight of the seeds make them excellent tools for counting mantras during meditation. This tactile connection helps practitioners maintain focus and rhythm, enhancing their meditation experience. The gentle touch of the seeds against the skin serves as a grounding force, allowing the practitioner to anchor their awareness in the present moment. Each seed carries a subtle energy, almost like a heartbeat, resonating with the seeker's own rhythm of breath and heartbeat.
This synergistic connection aligns the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects, creating a harmonious flow of energy during meditation. As the practitioner moves from one seed to the next, there is a sense of continuity and progression, mirroring the journey towards enlightenment itself. This sacred cycle of touch and recitation becomes a meditative dance, a profound union of the individual with the universal.
The Bodhi tree, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, is the very essence of awakening in Buddhism. Its sprawling branches and deep roots evoke a sense of ancient wisdom, a living testament to the transformative power of spiritual insight. Bodhi seeds, being direct descendants of this sacred tree, symbolize the potential for enlightenment within all beings. They carry within them the echo of that moment when Siddhartha Gautama transcended the confines of human existence to touch the realms of ultimate truth.
Wearing or using Bodhi seeds serves as a constant reminder of the ultimate goal of spiritual practice - the attainment of enlightenment. It is akin to carrying a piece of that sacred Bodhi tree with you, a portable beacon of illumination in the journey towards self-realization. Each seed, with its unique texture and pattern, carries the imprint of the wisdom of the ages, a silent testament to the boundless potential that lies dormant within every seeker.
Bodhi seeds are revered for their dual role as protectors and healers. They're believed to shield against negative energies, providing a profound sense of calm. Additionally, these seeds are cherished for their potential to support physical rejuvenation and spiritual balance.
In various cultures, Bodhi seeds are seen as more than accessories; they are spiritual guardians. They deflect negativity, creating a sanctuary for the wearer. These seeds also act as catalysts for inner balance and enduring well-being, making them valued companions on the spiritual journey.
In Hinduism, the Bodhi tree holds profound symbolism as a representation of wisdom and eternal life. Within this context, Bodhi seeds, also known as "Rudraksha," emerge as sacred beads of immense spiritual significance. These seeds find their purpose in the crafting of prayer malas, embodying a connection with the divine. Specifically associated with Lord Shiva, they are believed to carry the very energy of this deity, acting as conduits for invoking his blessings. Additionally, the faithful wear Rudraksha beads as protective amulets, believing in their ability to ward off negative influences and bestow a sense of spiritual shield.
Within the realm of Tibetan Buddhism, Bodhi seeds assume a position of particular prominence. These seeds are frequently employed in the creation of malas, serving as instrumental tools for meditation and prayer. They are held in high regard for their auspicious nature, their presence believed to enhance the potency of mantras and prayers. As integral components of Tibetan spiritual practice, Bodhi seeds are seen as conduits for channeling divine energies, ultimately aiding practitioners on their path towards spiritual enlightenment.
When selecting a Bodhi seed mala, consider factors such as size, shape, and texture. It's important that the mala feels comfortable in your hand and has a texture that resonates with you. Additionally, inspect the seeds for any irregularities, as smooth, evenly-sized seeds are preferred for an optimal meditation experience.
To ensure the longevity of your Bodhi seed mala, it's advisable to treat it with care. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, as this may cause the seeds to deteriorate. Regularly cleanse your mala through gentle wiping and store it in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Bodhi seeds hold a profound and enduring symbolism across diverse spiritual traditions. Their significance transcends their physical form, resonating as potent symbols of enlightenment and awakening. When woven into the fabric of our spiritual endeavors, these seeds unfold a narrative rich with layers of meaning and deep spiritual significance. Whether held close in meditation, worn reverently as protective talismans, or integrated into the sacred choreography of prayer rituals, Bodhi seeds become conduits of ancient wisdom and potent reminders of our own potential for inner transformation.
In the quiet interplay between hand and seed, there is a subtle yet palpable exchange of energies. These seeds, borne from the very tree that witnessed the Buddha's awakening, carry within them the essence of that transformative moment. As we engage with them, we align ourselves with a lineage of seekers, ancient and contemporary, who have embarked on the path towards illumination. The Bodhi seeds, through their unassuming presence, become bridges to a higher understanding, inviting us to explore the depths of our own spiritual practice. By recognizing the profound symbolism encapsulated within these tiny seeds, we embark on a journey of profound self-discovery and spiritual awakening, forging a connection that reverberates through the tapestry of our entire being.
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The genesis of Thangka paintings can be traced back to the ancient Buddhist traditions of India, from where it spread to Tibet. The term "Thangka" is derived from the Tibetan word "thang," meaning "unfolding" or "scroll." Thangkas were initially conceived as portable religious scrolls, used as visual aids for meditation and spiritual contemplation. Tibet, with its deep reverence for Buddhism, embraced and elevated Thangka paintings to new heights. The art form flourished under the patronage of Tibetan rulers and monastic communities, becoming an integral part of Tibetan Buddhist practices. The earliest surviving Thangkas date back to the 11th century, showcasing the cultural exchange between Tibet, India, and Nepal.
A Thangka painting is a labor-intensive process that demands remarkable skill and attention to detail. Thangka artists, often trained from a young age, follow traditional methods passed down through generations. The canvas used for Thangka paintings is typically made of cotton or silk. The surface is meticulously prepared with layers of glue and gypsum to create a smooth, durable foundation. This process ensures the longevity of the artwork. Pigments used in Thangka paintings are derived from a wide range of sources. Minerals, including crushed gemstones and precious metals like gold and silver, are ground into fine powders. Natural materials such as plants and minerals are also utilized, each pigment chosen for its symbolic and aesthetic qualities. These pigments are mixed with a binder, often animal glue, to form a paintable medium. Thangka artists employ a variety of brushes, made from animal hair, to apply the pigments onto the canvas. Fine brushes are used for intricate details, while broader brushes are employed for larger areas. This meticulous brushwork, executed with precision and patience, brings life to the vibrant and awe-inspiring Thangka compositions.
Thangka paintings have evolved over the centuries, incorporating influences from different regions and artistic styles. While adhering to the traditional techniques and iconography, contemporary Thangka artists have also explored new materials and themes. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Thangka art beyond religious contexts. Contemporary artists have embraced innovative approaches, combining traditional aesthetics with modern sensibilities. They experiment with unconventional materials, incorporate abstract elements, and explore contemporary social and environmental themes while maintaining the essence of Thangka paintings.
The symbol of Vajra is deemed the symbol of the impenetrable, immovable, and indestructible state of enlightenment. This is the general meaning of Vajra.
That said, the meaning of the Vajra Symbol is not limited to this. So, what is the meaning of Vajra?
Let's talk about it.
The Vajra represents "male," which symbolizes Upaya or skillful means. In Buddhism, the Vajra symbol represents many things, including but not limited to the diamond-like indestructible, and unchangeable quality of the mind. Additionally, it also symbolizes the unshakeable and powerful nature of enlightenment.
In many depictions, Vajra is also depicted with the bell, which is the female counterpart of the Vajra, symbolizing the Prajna or wisdom. In addition, some Hindu gods are depicted holding Vajra and Bell, which is considered the symbolic gesture of oneness of compassion and wisdom.
Additionally, the Vajra and bell-like the ones from Himalayan Shop are also often used to signify the oneness of compassion and wisdom.
If you carefully look at the symbol of Vajra, you will find that they are not all the same. The vajras are commonly depicted with One, Three, Five, and Ning prongs. Even among these depictions, the most common Vajra you can find is the five-pronged. Their meaning can also vary depending on the number of prongs on a Vajra.
This symbol of Vajra represents the central channels at Mount Meru's central air. The single prong on this symbolism of Vajra represents a union of all the dualities, which includes but is not limited to :
Note: Mount Meru is a sacred Five peaked mountain in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism that is considered the center of all the physical, metaphysical, and spiritual universes
This symbol of Vajra represents three different aspects. The first aspect represented by the three-pronged Vajra is the trinity of time, which includes the past, present, and future. Another aspect that the three-pronged Vajra represents is the three Kayas of the body: Sambhogakaya, Nirmanakaya, and Dharmakaya.
Kayas directly translates to the body but can often mean dimensions of or basis of a body, and the three kayas represented by the Three-pronged Vajra symbol mean:
The three-pronged vajra symbol's third aspect is the three gates, i.e., Body, Speech, and Mind.
Five-pronged Vajra is the most common type of Vajra, and the five prongs of this Vajra represent the five pearls of wisdom that one can attain through the transcendence of the five kleshas. Kleshas in Buddhism are mental states that are attained through unholy actions, and the five Kleshas represented by the five-pronged vajra symbols are:
This vajra symbol also represents the five cosmic directions' five buddhas, namely Vairochana, Amitabha, Ratnasambhava, Amoghasiddhi, and Akshobhya.
Five pronged Vajra symbol also represents the five kayas of the Anutttarayogyta Tantra. Besides the ones we previously mentioned, the two additional kayas are:
The Nine-pronged Vajra represents the buddhas of the five cardinal directions along with the four mothers who are Lochana, Manki, Pandara, and Tara. This vajra symbol also symbolizes the nine vehicles of Vajrayana, which are:
Besides these four common types of Vajra, there is another type of Vajra that you may have noticed.
The crossed Vajra or VishvaVahra is a double Vajra. The connecting point of the Vajra represents the foundation of the Universe of Mount Meru. This vajra symbol also represents/ means the principle of absolute stability and is characterized as the solidity of mother earth.
Along with this, you can also find four swastika signs on each corner of the crossed vajra. In Vajrayana Buddhism, the swastika symbolizes the element of the earth and its stability. That said, the meaning of Vajra changes a bit when they are depicted in Thangka (Thanka).
Thangka (Tangka, Thanka, or Tanka) is a Tibetan Buddhist art form depicting Buddhist deities or mythological events on a cotton canvas. Because the depictions are primarily Buddhist deities and other mythological events, the depiction of Vajra is common.
The Vajra in this art form is depicted in different forms as a hand ornament or as a crown ornament, depending on the deities.
In this Tibetan art form, five- and nine-pronged Vajra are depicted similar to each other. The only difference between them is that five-pronged Vajra is depicted with closed ends while nine-pronged Vajra is depicted with open ends.
In general, the five and nine-pronged Vajra are depicted in gold. However, sometimes they are depicted in deep blue if an extremely wrathful deity holds the Vajra. The meaning of the vajra symbol does not change regardless of the color.
Unlike the five-pronged and nine-pronged Vajra, the symbolism and meaning change slightly from the general meaning. In thangka, the Vishvavajra is depicted in the five colors of the Buddha Mandala, with each color representing the five cardinal directions. The colors and the cardinal direction that they represent are:
VishvaVajra is generally depicted as a three-pronged Vajra in a flat tangka art. This totals up to twelve prongs, and each of these prongs in the representation of the Vajra Symbol means the twelve great deeds of the Shakyamuni Buddha. These deeds are:
That said, both the depiction/ symbol in Thangka and the real Vajra share the same meaning of stability.
Although the core of the symbol remains the same, i.e., a powerful weapon that aids in the destruction of evil, the spiritual meaning of the vajras changes slightly depending on the depiction of deities that hold the Vajra. Some Buddhist deities holding Vajra and their spiritual meanings are as follows.
Vajrasattva is a bodhisattva in Vajrayana Buddhism that embodies the qualities of purification and cleansing of negativities. The name "Vajrasattva" translates to "diamond being" or "indestructible being," and he is considered an embodiment of the primordial purity and unchanging nature of the mind.
Vajrasattva is often visualized in Vajrayana practice as a white-colored deity, holding a vajra and a bell in his hands and seated on a lotus throne. The vajra in his hands symbolizes his ability to cut through and purify obscurations, delusions, and negative karma. Additionally, the vajra in Vajrasattva's hand can represent the union of skillful means and wisdom, which are the two essential aspects of Buddhist practice.
Vajrayogini is a Tantric Buddhist deity in the Vajrayana tradition that is associated with the practice of Chakrasamvara. She is often depicted as a wrathful, red-colored, dancing deity adorned with human skulls and other symbolic ornaments. In Vajrayana practice, Vajrayogini is considered to be the embodiment of the realization of emptiness and the union of wisdom and skillful means.
The Vajra in the hands of Vajrayogini has several spiritual meanings. The vajra in the hands of Vajrayogini represents the powerful and transformative nature of her practice, which is focused on the realization of emptiness and the awakening of inner wisdom. Additionally, the vajra in the hands of Vajrayogini also represents her power to cut through delusions and obstacles that prevent sentient beings from reaching the state of enlightenment.
Vajrapani is often depicted as a wrathful deity with a blue or green body, one or multiple heads, multiple arms, and a fierce expression. He is typically depicted holding a vajra (thunderbolt) in one hand and a lasso in the other,
The vajra in the hands of Vajrapani symbolizes his ability to vanquish obstacles and cut through delusions with the power of skillful means. Along with this, the Vajra in the hands of Vajrapani also represents his unwavering commitment to the path of enlightenment. It also represents the extreme clarity and true indestructible nature of reality, which Vajrapani helps to reveal and embody.
Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is a legendary figure in Vajrayana Buddhism who is widely revered as the "second Buddha." He is credited with introducing Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century and is regarded as the founder of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Guru Rinpoche is often depicted as a peaceful, loving, and compassionate deity and is one of the central figures in Vajrayana Buddhism.
The vajra in the hands of Guru Rinpoche symbolizes his mastery of the Vajrayana path and his ability to subdue and transform negative energies and obstacles into positive qualities and enlightened activity. It also represents the indestructible and unchanging nature of emptiness, which is the ultimate nature of everything, as per Buddhist philosophy.
In conclusion, the vajra is a powerful symbol that represents the indestructible and unchanging nature of an enlightened mind. Vajra or Dorje is often depicted as a diamond-shaped object with a central sphere and two sets of prongs. Each set can contain a different number of prongs depending on the depiction. The meaning of the vajra symbol often depends on the number of prongs on each set of Vajra. Additionally, the meaning of the Vajra symbol also depends on the deity holding the vajra.
Q: What is vajra used for?
A: Mythically, Vajra is a throwing weapon used by Vajrapani to stum the victim, who is later bound with the Vajra lasso held in his hands.
Q: What is the symbolism of double Vajra?
A: The Double Vajra or Vishvavajra means the principle of absolute stability. Furthermore, the twelve prongs also signify the twelve great deeds of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Q: What does the three-pronged Vajra mean?
A: The three-pronged Vajra means the trinity of time, the three kayas of body, and the three gates.
Q: What does a vajra look like?
A: The Vajra looks like two-sided tridents with prongs at the ends of the shaft. Each side's total number of prongs can differ from one, three, five, or nine.
Q: Why is Vajra so powerful?
A: The Vajra is considered the weapon of lord Indra, who is the Vedic king of Devas and heaven. This weapon represents the firmness of spirit and spiritual power. Because of these reasons, Vajra and vajra symbols are considered powerful.
Q: What does Vajra mean in Buddhism?
A: In Buddhism, the Vajra is the symbol of indestructibility and immutability.
Q: What is the meaning of the Vajra Symbol?
A: Vajra is the symbol of the Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle) Path of Buddhism, and in Sanskrit, this symbol means Hard or mighty.
]]>Wrathful deities are shown as terrifying, demonic monsters in Tibetan art, and are frequently decorated with human skulls. Even though these terrifying pictures appear to violate Buddhist principles, they are neither wicked nor demonic powers. The wrathful deities, like the peaceful deities, represent the dynamic activity of an enlightened being, called forth to calm the restless desires and more unpleasant emotions in the human mind.
As a result, these deities' wisdom-wrath represents the victory over hate and other mental toxins poisons. Both ourselves and others suffer as a result of them. There are several vindictive gods in the Tibetan Book of the Dead, or Bardo Thodol. These are the negative karma that a person has accumulated during his life. Anyone who flees in terror is reincarnated in one of the lowest worlds. They can't hurt you if you have insight and realize that they're only projections of your own mind.
To achieve enlightenment, one must see all forms as expressions of primal purity. Every sound is an echo of nothingness, and every thought is a game of wisdom. It is not necessary to discriminate between attractive and unattractive, harmonic, and disruptive. Beauty is all around you, and you feel pleased and at ease all the time. Ordinary beauty brings pleasure, but spiritual beauty has a special worth. It instills in us the belief that enlightenment is both real and achievable. Sacred art, whether in the form of music, dancing, painting, or simply contemplation, strives to portray this beauty.
Wrathful deities are most often found in Tibetan Buddhism, however some of them have their origins in ancient Vedic religion and may be found in all Buddhist schools' texts.
Wrathful gods come in many different kinds and sizes, Dakinis are virtually always wrathful women who are shown naked, indicating escape from defilement, and are a common topic of tantric art. Their job is to help the practitioner change unpleasant emotions and thoughts into pure awareness.
There are serene and wrathful expressions of many great personalities. The Five Dhyani Buddhas, for example, have five wrathful opposites. These are the vidyarajas, or wisdom kings, they are dharma defenders who take on horrific forms in order to remove obstructions to enlightenment. The five are as follows:
Mahakala
Lord Shiva, the universe’s creator and destroyer is related to or shown as an incarnation of Mahakala, one of the eight guardian deities. Mahakala's ferocious stare may appear intimidating, but it isn't meant at you. Mahakala is the terrifying and strong incarnation of compassion's bodhisattva. Mahakala is a bodhisattva, an enlightened being who has chosen to postpone his ascension into heaven to help others achieve enlightenment. He is always portrayed as a ferocious and fearsome deity. His mission is to assist in the removal of negative barriers on the way to enlightenment, as well as to defend the path of righteousness (also known as "dharma") from impediments.
Mahakala's crown is made up of five skulls, which symbolise the transformation of five bad human traits into virtues. His crown of skulls neutralizes what remains and attempts to convert it into something beneficial as he faces bad energies and destroys them with his rage. As a result, ignorance transforms into wisdom, pride is humbled, attachment transforms into discerning wisdom, jealousy transforms into satisfaction with one's own accomplishments, and wrath is released and comforted.
Mahakala can be thought of as your spiritual bodyguard. He looks to be harsh and larger-than-life terrifying, yet he is someone you want on your side as you confront life's challenges. That furious face is only angry for a bigger good: your happiness, wisdom, and karmic well-being.
Yamantaka
Yamantaka is a ferocious incarnation of Manjushri, a Bodhisattva who takes this form in order to defeat Yama, the deity of death. The cycle of rebirths (samsara) that inhibits enlightenment is interrupted by overcoming Yama. Yamantaka is known for his blue skin and the many attributes listed below, which he shares with Mahakala. Five lesser manifestations encircle him, each a Yama-conqueror on a buffalo.
In Buddhism, there are a slew of other vengeful beings. To list all of them and describe all their variants and symbolic implications would require an encyclopedia. However, you may now appreciate what they genuinely signify when you encounter them in Buddhist art.
Yamantaka can be represented in with various factor. The deity’s hue is a deep blue. It represents his omnipresence of rage. Nobody can escape his wrath since he has nine faces, thirty-four limbs, and sixteen legs. With blazing eyebrows, eyelashes, and a beard, he has the face of a buffalo. Above the main head and between the two horns, a furious red visage appears. Manjushri's face is above that, young and a little enraged. Three faces appear on his right: blue in the middle, red in the right, and yellow on the left. On the left, there's a white center, a smoky-colored middle, and a smoky-colored Right and Black left. Each face of the deity has three eyes. The hair spikes upwards, and the face of the deity looks terrifying. The head of Yamantaka is adorned with five dried skulls.
Vajrayogini
Vajrayogini is a Tantric Buddhist goddess who embodies the road to feminine enlightenment. She's also a dakini ("sky dancer"), a phrase that refers to a feminine supernatural creature or a skilled yogini, and she's known as the queen of the dakinis. In Tantric Buddhism, or Vajrayana, she is known as Vajravarahi, and she is regarded as the greatest goddess, more adored than any male Buddha.
Vajrayogini is symbolized as the goddess of destruction and grace, the deity destroys illusion and ego. She is usually represented in a ferocious, blood-red appearance. Vajrayogini is frequently shown in a frightening pose, clutching a skull and a knife in her hands, her right leg extended out and her left slightly bent (alidha). Because she is encircled on all sides by cremation sites, the ordinary world has died in comparison to the rich world of inner existence and its undistorted sense of reality. Although she can be seen alone, she is commonly seen in union (yab-yum) with Heruka, who is known as Hevajra when he is joined with Vajrayogini.
Yoga of Vajrayogini Tantra is said to provide a quicker road to enlightenment. Vajrayogini's mantras and rituals have traditionally been kept secret, despite the fact that many mantras are now readily available on the internet and in publications.
Vajrapani
Vajrapani (Sanskrit: Thunderbolt-Bearer) is the guardian of the ngas (half-man, half-serpent deities) and occasionally takes on the form of a bird to fool their ancient foe, the hawklike Garua. In times of drought, he is summoned because of his connection to the rain-controlling ngas and the Hindu deity of rain, Indra.
Thunderbold bearer/ Vajrapani’s mantra emphasizes his status as a Bodhisattva who represents the energy of the enlightened mind. Vajrapani is shown as a wild dancer surrounded by flames, which symbolise metamorphosis. On his right hand, the deity carries a vajra/thunderbolt, indicating his ability to transcend illusion's darkness. Vajrapani appears enraged, yet as a symbol of the enlightened mind, he is absolutely devoid of anger.
The mantra of Vajrapani is just his name, which means "wielder of the thunderbolt," with the mystical syllables Om and H sandwiched in between. This mantra allows us to tap into the unstoppable force that Vajrapani represents. Of course, prior knowledge of Vajrapani is beneficial, while the mantra's sound is energizing in and of itself.
Heruka
Heruka is a Sanskrit term that can have a variety of meanings depending on whatever tantra it is used in. The Tibetan phrase for heruka is 'drag tung,' which literally translates to 'blood drinker.' He is a manifestation of the Buddha Aksobhya, whose picture is depicted on his hat. He has two arms, one holding a vajra (thunderbolt) and the other holding a kapala (skull cup) full with blood. He is known as Hevajra when he is shown in conjunction with the female consort Vajrayogini, and he is commonly revered in Tibet in this form.
The term Heruka has three different meanings in art and iconography, old tradition, new tradition, and Gelug tradition which are described below:
How These Wrathful Thangka Helps us in our Spiritual Learning?
Tibetan Buddhist practitioners rely on thangkas for a variety of purposes. The pictures are used to teach students and monks about many aspects of Buddha, as well as to depict major historical events and mythology related with important deities. During rituals and celebrations, devotional pictures serve as a focal point and are frequently employed as conduits for prayers and specific requests. Most significantly, thangka art is a useful meditation aid that provides a visual and cerebral stimulation manifestation of the divine.
In context of Deity thangkas, they are brimming with allusions and symbolism. Because the artwork is plainly religious, all symbols and references must follow the strict requirements of Buddhist scripture. The artist must be well-trained and have appropriate religious understanding, knowledge, and background to create a genuine and approved god thangka.
As the Thangka depicts Buddha's physical manifestations and distinctive characteristics, it may readily be converted into a meditational tool for anyone who seek to reflect on Buddha's life and existence.
Believers who concentrate on the sceneries and depictions on the wrathful god Thangka are said to obtain the ability to demolish impediments to enlightenment. According to ancient buddhist traditions, these thangkas if kept on the room, it protects against danger, misfortune, subduing adversaries, preventing mishap, and achieving one's goal if believed with an empty heart.
Green Tara has green skin and a unique posture that sets her apart from other Taras and female goddesses. Green Tara is depicted with her right hand in the giving mudra of generosity and her left hand holding a half-opened blue lotus blossom. A mudra is a symbolic hand gesture, and the lotus represents the beauty that may be found even in the darkest of circumstances. Green Tara, in particular, has her right leg extended, ready to jump into action. She is always willing to help and support anyone in need. It is stated that you can just call out her name or chant her mantra,Om Tare Tuttare Ture Swaha. The night is represented by the green tara, which is also associated with activity and abundance. She is prayed for wealth, protection and freedom from delusions and negative emotions.
Her eyes, which are full of love and compassion, are not wide open but rather fine and slightly rounded like the loving kindness shown by a mother to her beloved only child, Tara's eyes express compassion for you. The mudra of granting sublime realizations can be seen on Tara's right hand, which is holding the stem of an Utpala flower. Her left-hand holds the stem of another Utpala blossom, with three fingers standing upstanding to connote shelter in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Tara has fully developed breasts and wears a jewel necklace, jewel garlands, and a variety of scarves. Her right leg is loosened up and the left one is contracted.
Green Tara possesses the immense power of a divine being and the immense opulence of a divine being, as well as all of these precious jewels, which she can use to alleviate the suffering or poverty of all living things. She has a crown ornament that resembles a hat on the crown of her head, and a red figure is in the very center of that. The Buddha Amitabha, who is always red in color, is represented by that red figure at the very center of the reddish halo around her head. Green Tara signifies the energy winds of the body and breath, as well as the element of a Buddha that protects us from fear. Tara's influence is our ability to act, to move through life and to achieve our goals. Her name literally means "woman who ferries across."
We can find ten different types of green tara on the basis of their symbolism, appearance, mudra, and iconography, each Tara is distinct from the others.
In the Sadhansmala, Khadiravani Tara is depicted as being green and holding the Utasla on the left and the varada mudra on the right with two hands. She can be recognized by the presence of Asokakanta Marici and Ekajata. On her crown, she has Amoghaslddhi's image.
The European style of sitting known as Bhadrasana is Vasyatara's signature pose. She is, however, described as being single, and as such she is not accompanied by any gods or goddesses. She is portrayed by the Khadiravani class accompanied by Taras.
This form of Tara is distinguished by the fact that she sits in the Ardhaparyahka posture and like Vasyatara she is completely alone. Vasyatara is said to have another name for Arya Tara. In the Ardhaparyahka posture, she is seated alone. She is green and has two arms.
Mahattari Tara is distinguished by the Vajraparyahka posture in which she sits, as well as by the fact that she is represented alone. Mahattari Tara is a green goddess.
Mahasri Tara is depicted as sitting on a golden throne that is covered in a variety of flowers. She has one face and two heads that are in the Vyakhyana Mudra. She wears ornaments and a crown with an image of Amoghasiddhi on it. Ekajata is seated in the ardhan pose and carries an angry face with a swelling abdomen. She holds the kartri and the kapala in her two arms and wears a dress made of tiger skin. Arya, jahguli is to the left of Mahasri Tara, Asokokanta, and Mahamayuri are to the right. Her green color comes from the Dhyani Buddha Amoghasiddhi.
Varada Tara sits in the Ardhaparyanka position like Aryatara however she can be effortlessly perceived by the presence of four goddesses Asokakanta Marici, Mahamauri, Ekajata, and Janguli.
Durgottarini Tara has a green complexion, sits on a lotus, and wears white clothing. She has four arms, and the first pair of her hands are used to hold a noose and a goad. The second pair of her hands are used to show the Varada mudra and the lotus.
Wealth Granting Tara is another name for Dhanada tara. Her second right hand is holding a rosary, and her first right hand is making the ultimate gesture of generosity. Utpala and a book are held in her two left hands. She has an animal as her Vahana, is accompanied by eight goddesses named after the eight vowels in her mantra, and her crown features an image of Amoghasiddhi. She sits in the sattva posture and is adorned with jewels and silks. She is surrounded by eight other Taras of varying hues and appearances, in addition to the four guards at her palace's entrances.
Jahguli Tara can be yellow, white or green depending on where it comes from in Aksobhya. She carries the Trisula, the peacock's feathers and a snake in three of her hands when she is green, and she performs the Abhaya mudra with the fourth hand.
Parnasaban comes in different forms and colors. Some of them are as follows:
When Parnasaban is green, it is emitted by Amoghasiddhi.
Aksobhya is represented by Parnasaban in its yellow form. Parnasaban is typically three-faced and six-armed, but may have four arms in rare cases. The green variety is unique in that all three faces depict irritated smiles.
]]>Manjushri is considered as a supremely wise bodhisattva. In the Buddhist pantheon, he is shown as a sixteen-year-old lad to signify wisdom. Ideas arise from the expansion of intellectual brilliance, which penetrates straight to the core of reality, rather than from ordinary experience. Manjushri appears in five distinct Tantric forms, which are described below:
This form represents a red-haired form of Manjushri with four limbs and a single face. The right hand holds a blazing sword and an arrow. The lotus stem, the book on top of the flower, and the bow are all held in the left hand. Red Manjushri is a famous depiction, sitting cross-legged on a lotus-flower throne and dressed with royal silks and diamonds.
Green Manjushri is another name for Tikshna Manjushri. His body is yellow and he has one face and two arms. On the lotus stems, the knowledge sword is on the right, and the wisdom book is on the left (Utpala). He is dressed in silks and diamonds and sits with his feet in the vajra pose.
This version of Manjushri has a special connection to Kathmandu Valley since he drained the valley's water to make it habitable. Manjushri has a single face and is shown in the center in this shape, showing his non-dual knowledge. In his right hand, he wields a knowledge sword, signifying the severance of the root of delusion, the cause of grief, ignorance, and self-grasping. He has a holy text called "Perfection of Wisdom" that purges all illusions. In Vajraparyanka position, he is sitting.
Vimala Manjushri, Manjushri's wrathful healing form, is employed to clear both internal and external impediments. This Manjushri represents a single face and a blue-black body with two limbs. A sword blazing with fire is raised to the heavens by the right hand, cutting ignorance. While holding the wisdom book above, the left hand grips the stem of a utpala.
Manjushri is also known as Jnanasattva Manjushri, the deity of wisdom in this incarnation. His body is white and he has one face and two arms. He shows himself in this shape with his legs crossed in vajra posture, his right hand in the mudra of great generosity, and his left hand gripping the stem of a lotus on which a burning sword rests. White Manjushri has the fundamental trait of a book resting on a utpala flower, several faces and arms, or riding a lion in different variations.
In Nepal, he is revered as the builder of Kathmandu Valley and the originator of Nepalese civilization. According to legends, the god of wisdom, Manjushri was a Chinese Saint before. His intuition told him about a blue flame on a lotus in Nepal's huge lake symbolizing Adibuddha or Swayambhu. To drain the lake, he carved a chasm with his blazing sword. People have been able to dwell in the Kathmandu valley since then. Manjupattan is thought to be the name of the earliest human habitation in the Kathmandu valley.
Manjushri traveled from China and spent three nights on Mahamandap, a hill east of Bhaktapur, where she witnessed the "Swayambhu lights." He determined that he wanted to go closer to the source of the light, so he built a gorge at Chobhar to drain the Nagdaha (lake of spirited serpents). Manjushri put his two goddesses, Barda and Makshada, atop Phulocha and Dhyanchha, with himself in the center. The mountain, which he named Kotwal, was then cut through. Several nags and other creatures dwelling in the tank fled, but he convinced Karkotaka, the king of nags, to stay, and on Mesh Sankranti day, after showing him a huge tank to live in Taudaha, he donated the tank to him.
Manjushri is frequently linked with Buddhist tantric practice.
Manjushri, according to Pandit Hem Raj Shakya's book Sri Swayambhu Mahachaitya, was well-versed in all disciplines of science and desired to approach the brilliant light of the self-born-one (Swayambhu) after seeing it.
Manjushri is often shown as a male Bodhisattva with a blazing sword in his right hand, indicating the pinnacle enlightenment of transcendent knowledge that eliminates duality, sorrow, and ignorance. Manjushri's achievement of ultimate realization through the flowering of knowledge and wisdom is symbolized by the sacred text supported by the lotus (padma) carried in his left hand, the Prajnaparamita sutra (the Perfection of Wisdom).
Majur is frequently represented as riding a blue lion, sitting on a lion's hide or in an elephant. This signifies the application of knowledge to the mind's control. Avalokitevara and Vajrapani are frequently represented as a triad with Majur. Manjushri is considered the most important and oldest bodhisattva. His pure land is expected to be one of the two greatest pure lands in the entire universe, past, present, and future.
Manjushri is also represented as a sixteen-year-old boy as a bodhisattva. This demonstrates that wisdom is a direct result of anyone's rational enquiry into the underlying nature of reality, rather than being connected with maturity and age.
The Prajna Paramita, also known as the Perfection of Wisdom, is primarily concerned with the Sanskrit term Prajna or the Pali term Panni. Wisdom is translated as Prajna, and Prajna Paramita is the perfection of Wisdom.
In Buddhism, wisdom is defined as one's perspective on the nature of genuine reality, which includes Dukkha (pain and suffering), sunyata (enlightenment), and sunyata (enlightenment) ( emptiness ). Prajna paramita is the most difficult of the Paramita teachings because grasping the sunyata or emptiness is difficult, and many Buddhist monks have misinterpreted the genuine truth and true meaning of this phrase " Sunyata ". Sunyata, or Emptiness, is regarded the essence or heart of most Mahayana Buddhist beliefs.
The Prajnaparamita sutra, which is held by the lotus (padma) in Manjushri's left hand, represents Manjushri's achievement of ultimate realization via the blossoming of knowledge and wisdom (the Perfection of Wisdom). The Prajnaparamita sutra, which is held by the lotus (padma) in Manjushri's left hand, represents Manjushri's achievement of ultimate realization via the blossoming of knowledge and wisdom (the Perfection of Wisdom).
Manjushri's mantra expresses the characteristic of knowledge, which he represents as a Bodhisattva. The Manjushri mantra grasps the following lines:
OM: Om is a sacred syllable in Hinduism and other religions, especially in India, that is regarded the greatest of all mantras, or sacred formulae. Om is composed of three words A-U-M which is sacred and mystical. This mystical word represents the essence of the entire cosmos in a magical way. It's said at the start and conclusion of Hindu prayers, chants, and meditations, and it's also used freely in Buddhist and Jain ceremonies.
AH: refers as a gateway to the realisation that all dharmas are produced from the start.
RA: From a Hinayana perspective, it signifies the awareness of emptiness. These profound teachings on emptiness from the "Hinayana" are appropriate for practitioners who are having difficulty grasping emptiness in its ultimate form.
BA: is a gateway to the realisation that all dharmas have been taught in their most complete form (paramrtha).
TSA: This mystical word symbolises the significance of Peace/nirvana and samsara. Both samsara and nirvana are characterised by emptiness. However, if we do not comprehend the true essence of samsara, it arises in three forms. It's critical to comprehend the significance of both nirvana and samsara.
NA: reflects the concept of karma (action). In a nutshell, it means that all of our suffering is the consequence of our prior non-virtuous activities (negative karma) and that all of our happiness is the result of our previous virtuous efforts (positive karma) (positive karma). Karma is divided into two types: community karma and individual karma. We must realise that every action we take with our words, bodies, and minds sows the seeds of our future experience.
DHI: DHI is the seed syllable of the Boddhisatva Manjushri's bij. Imagine the dhi on your tongue descending down and integrating into the dhi on the moon disk at your heart, which becomes exceedingly bright, after chanting 108 dhihs. From that seed syllable, incalculable red-light rays emanate, filling your entire physical body and purging all negative karma (actions), disease, and difficulties.
As to conclude, the vision aids us in identifying the proper way. Meditation is the real practice of developing an experienced comprehension of the path, which leads to a shift in our thoughts and feeling.
When activity is joined with wisdom, we have the ability to serve sentient creatures in an efficient and timely manner. Fruition is the joy and confidence that comes from carrying out our good goals.
All of Boddhisatva Manjushri's practices are extremely effective at clearing our ignorance and delusions, as well as improving our learning abilities, debate, writing, memory, and wisdom.
This mantra should be recited 100, 21, or at least 7 times, according to one ancient Tibetan tradition. On the last iteration, the final syllable, DHI, should be sung as many times as feasible (mentally or loudly).This mantra is excellent for gaining knowledge and penetrating insight in order to combat ignorance. It also symbolizes the culmination of our spiritual work, which melts the ice of our samsaric mind into water, revealing its true Buddha-nature.
]]>The Medicine Buddha is a divinity who is credited with alleviating mental and physical suffering. His portrait is typically shown with lapis lazuli light beams originating from his crown. The Eight Medicine Buddha Design represents the ultimate source of healing.
He appears alongside seven other Medicine Buddhas in the Medicine Buddha thangka. Shakyamuni is considered one of the Buddhas.
He is generally believed to reside in the realms of Vaidryanirbhsa, or "Pure Lapis Lazuli," where he is ministered to by Suyaprabha and Candraprabha, two bodhisattvas who represent the sun and the moon.
Bhaishajyaguru Vaiduryaprabha is another name for Medicine Buddha. He is Vajrayana's Healing Master. He wears the monk's garb and sits cross-legged like the other Buddhas. In meditation mudra, his left hand rests in his lap. A begging bowl with therapeutic nectar and fruit can be found. He holds a stem of a myrobalan plant in his right hand, which is in giving mudra (Terminalia chebula).
Looking back in time, the Bhaiajyaguruvaiuryaprabharaja Sutra, also known as the Medicine Buddha Sutra, bears the first mention of Bhaiajyaguru. Bamiyan, Afghanistan, and Gilgit, Pakistan, both of which were previously part of the Buddhist kingdom of Gandhara, have uncovered Sanskrit copies of this sutra dating from the 7th century.
Referring through the sutras the Medicine Buddha is claimed to have taken twelve vows as a bodhisattva in the distant past, out of his enormous compassion. These vows encompassed the responsibilities of awakening people's thoughts to bodhichitta, giving beings with the elements they needed to live, directing them to enlightenment and virtuous acts, and healing deformities and illness.
His 12 different vows denote his sacrifice and deeds towards the well-being of universe. He declared that his body will be bathed in brilliant light, illuminating many Universe. Those who live in darkness would be drawn into the light by his bright, clean form. He would provide the material requirements of sentient creatures. He would lead people who wandered from the beaten route to the Great path (Mahayana). He would make it possible for innumerable beings to follow the Precepts. He would cure bodily ailments so that all beings may be fully functional. He would provide healing to those who are sick and have no family, as well as a family to care for them. He would persuade ladies who are dissatisfied as women to change their gender. He would free people from the clutches of devils and the shackles of "external" groups. He would free people who are incarcerated and facing execution from their worries and pain. And finally, He would satisfy those who are hungry and thirsty, and he would provide good attire and pleasant surroundings to those who are destitute, without clothing, and tortured by cold, heat, and stinging insects.
The Buddha indicated in the sutra that Bhaiajyaguru will definitely have immense healing ability. For decades, devotion to Bhaiajyaguru on behalf of individuals who are sick has been especially prominent in Tibet, China, and Japan.
The rich blue of lapis lazuli is the most distinguishing aspect of this Medicine Buddha. This valuable stone has been highly valued by Asian and European cultures for about 6,000 years, and its decorative worth was on level with, if not exceeding, that of the diamond until recently. This gemstone has a mystique about it, maybe because its primary mines are in the distant Badakshan region of northeast Afghanistan, a nearly inaccessible location nestled behind the Hindu Kush. "The finest examples of lapis, vividly blue with speckled waves and swirls of sparkling gold-colored pyrite, like the night aglow with myriads of stars," according to one critic.
As per the traditional beliefs, this lovely stone is associated with purity and rarity. It may be polished to a high brightness because of its inherent smoothness, and it is thought to have a healing or strengthening effect on individuals who wear it. Lapis is the hue of the main Medicine Buddha for all of these reasons, as well as the fact that deep blue light has a proven therapeutic effect on individuals who employ it in visualisation activities.
The Medicine Buddha Mantra invokes the Medicine Buddha to alleviate the anguish and pain of disease. The mantra is chanted numerous times with increasing fervor, requesting the Medicine Buddha to hear and alleviate the depths of suffering. It then praises the Medicine Buddha's enlightenment and expresses heartfelt reverence as the prayer is handed over to him. These are frequently repeated on behalf of sick people. Common is:
Namo-bhagavate bhaiśajyaguru vaidūrya-prabharājāya tathā-gatāya arhate samyaksam-buddhāya tadyathā, oṃ bhaiśajye-bhaiśajye-bhaiśajya-samudgate svā-hā.
Sanskrit Pronounciation:
Tad-ya-ta-Om Bhaishajye-Bhai-Sha-jye Maha Bhaishajye; Raja-Sa-mud-ga-te Sva-ha.
Tibetian Pronounciation:
Tad-ya-ta Om; Be-kandze-Bekandze-Maha Be;kadze Ra-dza Sa-mung-ga-te Sva-ha.
Edited and condensed from a talk during Medicine Buddha Puja
by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, 28 July 2001
“To the Bhagawan with equal compassion for all
Whose name when just heard dispels lower realms’ suffering
Dispeller of disease and the three poisons
I prostrate to Medicine Buddha Lapis Light.”
The benefit, the power of simply hearing the name, the mantra, is that no living person who hears it will ever be reincarnated in the lower worlds. Medicine Buddha's compassion is the reason there is so much strength. He prayed and committed innumerable times as a bodhisattva with deep compassion for his name to grant requests and offer happiness.
The power of prayer is one of the ten abilities bestowed upon a Buddha once he achieves enlightenment, implying that all of his requests are granted. As a result, practicing Medicine Buddha and chanting his name for the animals is incredibly vital in our daily lives. It's a really simple approach to free oneself while also assisting others. Medicine Buddha practice also cleanses any failed pledges or precepts, such as Pratimoksha vows. It has exceptional purifying and healing properties. Medicine Buddha is commonly associated with healing, but it is also effective at purifying negative karma and promoting prosperity. The Medicine Buddha practice is really valuable.
Medicine Buddha Puja appears to be suitable for every goal, difficulty, or issue. You may employ the Medicine Buddha practice to solve any situation, including court trials, ending conflicts, and preventing bloodshed. It's great for business, for expecting moms to give birth safely, for anything.
The chanting exercise can be used for a variety of purposes. It is really beneficial for success, and the most essential success is to achieve the realizations of the Lam Rim, the way to enlightenment: to understand emptiness, acquire wisdom, bodhicitta, and guru devotion – and to be able to serve many sentient beings.
How to Awaken Yourself with Medicine Buddha?
Many people in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition see Healing Buddha meditation as a therapeutic technique. This technique is something we can do for ourselves or for a sick friend or family member. His vows emphasized comprehensive treatment of the mind and body, promising to help erase pain, sickness, and impairments of all types, as well as promote good health and full thriving. In Tibetan medicine, illnesses are defined differently than in Western medicine, and meditation therapy is frequently based on plants. We don't practice Medicine Buddha meditation to replace conventional medical therapy; rather, we do it to complement it. The practice purifies and removes the karmic causes of illness while nurturing the factors that lead to overall health. It's possible that the power of our practice is so strong that we're seeing big changes in our symptoms as well. However, we must be clear about our intentions.
Medicine Buddha is about the mind as much as the body. Empirical research suggests that meditation activates a self-healing mechanism in our bodies. We reduce cortisol and adrenalin production and increase immune-boosting endorphins and seratonin production, protecting our bodies from invading germs, viruses, and other disturbance.
For thousands of years, Medicine Buddha's meditation has been practiced. We're off to a great start if we have faith in its ability to work for us. Medicine Buddha practice's profound influence might also be attributed to resonance. On one sense, we could be reclining inside a room meditating, but on another sense, we are resonating with the hundreds of thousands of individuals who followed same procedure already. We're gaining from their knowledge while also contributing to the knowledge of those who come after us.
We summon Medicine Buddha by using precise visuals and music to connect with the awareness of the many beings who have already gained enlightenment and decided to embody Medicine Buddha's attributes. Medicine Buddha is a Kriya tantra practice, so keep that in mind. As a result, if you wish to fully embody the valuable Medicine Buddha lineage, you must first learn about the sutra tradition and receive appropriate initiations and teachings from a qualified teacher.
To awaken and link yourself to practice the meditation of Medicine Buddha, you must follow these procedure:
Medicine Buddha Thangka
Medicine Buddha thangka is very popular to heal our Mind & Body. In the Kathmandu Valley, expert painters hand paint this magnificent and one-of-a-kind Tibetan thangka. This artwork, a real masterpiece, is the ideal complement to your house, meditation place, or shrine space.
The thangka is unframed and ready to be framed in any Western manner. It has an intricate depiction of the Eight Medicine Buddha. Each thangka depicting the Buddha of Medicine is said to have the ability to heal simply by being there. We handpick these Thangkas to present you some of the most ideal versions of this subject, painted with competence and talent. The complete hand craft is painted on cotton canvas with natural mineral and vegetable paints and 24K gold embellishments.
]]>Despite the fact that we commonly refer to them as "the Buddha," there are numerous Buddhas in Buddhism. Furthermore, the many Buddhas have different names and forms, as well as different roles. The term "Buddha" literally means "one who has woken," and in Buddhist teachings, every such enlightened being is referred to as a Buddha. The name Buddha is also widely used to allude to the concept of Buddha-nature. The Buddha, on the other hand, is a historical figure who is generally referred to as such. In Mahayana Buddhism, the historical Buddha is known as Shakyamuni Buddha.
When people mention Shakyamuni, they are almost invariably referring to the historical person Siddhartha Gautama. The person later was given the name Shakyamuni when he became the Buddha. Gautama Buddha is another name for this individual after he attained enlightenment.
Simply defined, Buddhism teaches that we all exist in a cloud of illusions caused by erroneous perceptions and "impurities" like as hatred, greed, and ignorance A buddha is a person who has been released from the blurring cloud. When a buddha dies, it is stated that he or she does not reincarnate but instead enters the serenity of Nirvana, which is not "heaven" but rather an altered condition of being.
When people usually mention the name of Buddha, they typically mean the historical individual who founded Buddhism. This was a guy named Siddhartha Gautama who lived around twenty-five centuries ago in what is now Nepal.
The Buddha's life narrative begins some 2,600 years ago in 463 B.C. Lumbini, which is now Nepal. Despite the fact that he was born a prince, he knew that conditioned experiences could not bring long-term enjoyment or protection from misery. He entered into profound meditation after a long spiritual journey, when he learned the nature of mind. For almost seven years, Siddhartha lived a life of great self-denial and discipline. He believed that by employing these methods, he would be able to get the knowledge he need to find his answers. After seven years, despite his frail and near-death physique, he was no closer to his goal than when he started. He realized that self-denial, like self-indulgence, was a hurdle to self-awakening.
After regaining his health, he sat in deep meditation at the root of a fig tree. After emptying his mind of all distractions, he awoke to the ultimate reality. The term Buddha, which means "Awakened One," was bestowed upon Shakyamuni. Shakyamuni Buddha, the Shakya clan's mentor, was his name from then on. He went out to offer his knowledge out of compassion. The Buddha then toured across India for the following 42 years, instructing individuals according to their understanding abilities.
He gradually increased their comprehension until they were ready to hear his ultimate instruction, the Lotus Sutra. The Buddha taught the Lotus Sutra for the last eight years of his life. Amid the year 383 B.C., he died quietly in a grove of sala trees.
There are many mythical entities in Buddhist literature, but Mara is one of them. He's one among the first non-human beings to appear in Buddhist writings. One of the first non-human figures to emerge in Buddhist scriptures is Shakyamuni Buddha. Mara is most recognized for his role in the Buddha's historical enlightenment his story got mythologized as a massive battle with Mara, whose name means "destruction" and who represents our entangled and deceiving impulses.
During his meditations, The Buddha was interrupted by Mara during his meditations. Mara sent his army, a slew of temptations, and a challenge to the Buddha to defend his claim to enlightenment. The Buddha reached out and touched the earth, inviting it to see his accomplishment. In this artwork, "touching the soil" is viewed as a meaningful gesture (mudra). The Buddha's imagery became immensely popular across Asia.
Mara can be seen not just as a character in a narrative, but also as a symbol for inner temptations—most notably one's ego—that hinder one's journey to enlightenment. As a result, defeating Mara is the same as defeating the self.
Three elements, "dharma," or spiritual belief, and the "sanga," or Buddhist community, are supposed to assure Shakyamuni Buddha's presence on Earth. They are known as the three gems of Buddhism when they are together (Buddha, Dharma and Sanga).
Hundreds of copies of these motifs may be found all over the world. Despite this, practically every depiction will have a set of qualities that are almost similar. These are the characteristics that allow us to distinguish amongst the numerous Buddhas.
Shakyamuni Buddha is depicted in a thangka seated on a lotus throne on which the sun and moon are symbolically placed, painted in gold or beige, and dressed in monastic robes. His lotus seat represents the act of existing in this world while remaining unaffected by its flaws. The sun is associated with "prajna," or knowledge. The moon symbolizes "upaya," or the deliberate act of kindness.
Shakyamuni's thangka also includes the dhyani, or meditation mudra which is held in the left hand. While the right hand is in the Bhumisparsa mudra, which means "taking the ground as a witness" alludes to his victory against Mara just before his complete awakening. He is frequently shown alongside his two students, Sariputra, who is known for his knowledge, and Maudgalyayana, who is known for his miraculous abilities. Both disciples are thought to be Brahmins who studied the Vedas before becoming Buddhist initiates.
The Buddha is frequently shown on a throne flanked by two lions, however this is not always the case. Buddha is a king among the godly, much as lions are supposed to be among the animals. Occasionally, we encounter an opulent backrest with six magical animals. This refers to the six paramitas, or perfections, which are the essential attributes for achieving Buddhahood.
The Buddha's teachings are condensed into the Four Noble Truths. During his meditation under the bodhi tree, the Buddha came to grasp these four concepts:
Our lives are a struggle, and we don't attain ultimate happiness or contentment in anything we accomplish, according to the Buddha. This is the existential conundrum.
In other words, Suffering is a true and nearly universal experience. Suffering can be caused by a variety of factors, including loss, illness, suffering, failure, and the fleeting nature of pleasure.
There is a reason for the pain. Attachment is the cause of suffering. It's the drive to own and exert control over things. It can take various forms, including a desire for sexual pleasures, fame, or the drive to avoid negative feelings such as fear, wrath, or jealousy.
Suffering does have an end. It is possible to break free from an attachment. The final freedom of Nirvana brings an end to suffering (Nibbana). Complete freedom, emancipation, and non-attachment are experienced by the mind. It satisfies all desires and satisfies all cravings.
Because we are the root of our issues, we are both the cause and the remedy. We have no control over what occurs to us, but we do have control over how we respond to it. The Eightfold Path must be followed in order to put a stop to suffering. There is a road for you to take.
The Eightfold Path avoids both indulgence and severe asceticism, which the Buddha found to be ineffective in his quest for enlightenment.
The true knowledge of the four noble truths is correct view. Accepting the teachings of Buddhism. The Buddha never meant for his disciples to accept his teachings at face value, but rather to put them into practice and determine for themselves whether they were correct.
The sincere desire to be free of attachment, ignorance, and hatred is known as right aspiration. A dedication to developing positive attitudes.
Avoiding slander, gossip, and unpleasant speech by speaking genuinely.
Right Action entails refraining from harmful acts such as murder, theft, and indiscriminate sex. The Five Precepts are what they're named.
Sustain oneself without causing harm to others. Making a living in a way that avoids dishonesty and harming others, especially animals, is what it means to live a just life.
Cultivating pleasant mental states; removing oneself from harmful and unwholesome states and preventing future occurrences.
The practice of concentrating one's attention on one's body, feelings, thoughts, and awareness in order to transcend desire, hate, and ignorance is known as right mindfulness.
Developing the mental attention that is required for this level of awareness. It is meditating in such manner that a true awareness of imperfection, impermanence, and non-separateness gradually emerges.
The Buddha compared the Eightfold Path to a raft for crossing a river bridge on the way to enlightenment. When one reaches the opposite shore, the raft is no longer required and can be left behind.
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A mandala is a circular round shaped in symbol widely popular in Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism. Different Mandala represents different meaning but mostly a mandala is the representation of the universe with an inner & outer world. Here, in this article we have categorised different kinds of Mandala that can help you to understand and possibly choose the best Mandala Thangka painting for your spiritual practice or simply just for your home to attract positive vibrations.
The Kalachakra term means Wheel of time. It is one of the most explicit kinds of modern mandala which is the discovery of the Dalai Lama himself. It represents the external as well as microcosm substances of the cosmos.
A wheel is a circular figure which has no beginning or endpoint. And the same term is used to represent the energies of life and reality, no energy disappears and comes from nowhere. Everything in this world runs in a chain and energy borrowed from one’s life is transmitted to another. With the practice of the Kalachakra Mandala, one can reach the state of enlightenment.
The mandala is the mirror of the cosmos, not only in its external form but also in the microcosm. It is based on the assumption of a very close relationship between the universe, the mandalic circle, and human beings. The Kalachakra mandala is derived from the Kalachakra tantra founded by Shakyamuni Buddha. This highest yoga tantra offers ontological understanding of existence.
The external kalachakra refers to all the environment: mountains, planets, solar systems, homes, constellation of stars, and so forth. OM AH HUM HO HAM KSHA is not really a Kalachakra mantra but more of a symbol to the six chakras individually. The union mantra, Kalachakra monogram is HA KSHA MA LA WA RA YAM. Using OM in the beginning of this mantra is always an excellent option and we tend to use SVAHA or PHAT at the end of any sacred mantras. Such action aims to increase your spiritual capacities. This Kalachakra mantra explains the whole universe and internal individual’s body, mind, structure, and enlightenment of the generation and completion which can be classified as the aspects of Kalachakra: Internal Kalachakra, External Kalachakra, and Alternative Kalachakra. Any sickness and human problem can be cured with this mantra and any external problems or obstacles can be expelled from this mantra. So there’s nothing excluded by this divine mantra.
Everything in this universe from huge galaxies, stars, and planets to the tiniest atomic smallest particle level everything is in a cycle. Everything co-exists and form within the range of this cycle. Time is the process of everything that moves, changes, and occupies space, even the tiniest microscopic elements. That means the whole universe is Kalachakra. It covers Astronomy, Astrology, and Mathematics.
As per Kalachakra tantra, we are the key to unlock the mystery of the universe.
At the most peripheral level, everything is contained in the natural phenomenon of cycle of changes.
The internal Kalachakra refers to the person’s body having a nature of channels, winds, and drops of essential fluids.
The internal Kalachakra is the understanding of every sentient being. It deals with understanding to a subtle level not only body or mind structures. The proper understanding of internal Kalachakra corresponding external Kalachakra builds our capacity to affect the external universe.
Since every individual is internal Kalachakra so we all have the capacity to contribute to the benefits of the external Kalachakra.
Our human body has everything that’s out there in the universe. Everything has a coalition. Our mind and body resonate with the wheel of time. It denotes the structure of the human body and its system of energies and the alternate Chakra. The qualities we possess as a human has resemblance with the wheel and the time. The loving nature makes us stay connected to all that depicts the wheel, compassion is like the time: inevitable without time. It’s the wheel of time inside us as the quality of kindness, loving and compassionate nature. Kalachakra states, every sentient being has Buddha-nature, which means everybody has temporary potential nature, but ultimately absolute Buddha-nature.
The Kalachakra mandala is made as a replica of a 3-dimensional divine palace. This mandala consists of five levels: body, speech, mind, pristine consciousness, and bliss mandala. Kalachakra mandala came from the source of Kalachakra tantra, teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha around 2600 years ago. This highest yoga tantra links human beings with the universe and cosmos as a whole.
The body mandala represents a year: 12 months. It’s the ground level of the mandala where 536 deities live. The speech mandala is on the second floor of the palace where 116 deities live. There are five colored bands in the foundation walls: green, black, red, white, and yellow which represent trust, effort, attention, concentration, and wisdom respectively. Next, the mind mandala has 70 deities residing on the third floor of the palace. There are three color bands in the foundation of the walls: white, red, and black which represent three paths of Buddhism: diamond, greater and lesser respectively. The pristine consciousness mandala is on the fourth floor of the Kalachakra mandala. The sixteen black pillars of this level, four on every four directions symbolize the phase of emptiness. Last but not least great bliss mandala is the representation of one’s phase of entering into happiness. It is the highest level of this sacred palace. The four dots on the four corners of this level represent the qualities of mind, consciousness, word, and body of the Kalachakra mandala.
The central part of this mandala has a lotus flower which is a sacred symbol in Buddhism. In some thangka paintings, this lotus flower is replaced by the two deities: Vishvamata and Kalachakra. There’s an imaginative roof over the palace and the whole palace of this painting is placed over four disks which represents the four main elements. They are fire, earth, water, and wind.
The power of mantras influences everything. The right creation of the Mantra mandala opens the doorway into creation. There are different types of mantras that help us recognize the life and many facets of life. Sound is the essence of creation and mantras are derived from it. Its existence is before us and beyond us. These mantras help us in getting into the psychological structure of human beings.
If you don’t have the keenness to pay attention and be driven away by the mantra mandala itself, you cannot enjoy any aspect of creation actually. A mantra is a chant, simply a sound, a reverberation. First of all, what you are uttering is a mantra and you must look at it, mantra is a pure sound. It need not have any meaning. These are words that make you involved, engaged and for that, you have to look at the picture. The mantra is, you involve yourself in the sound because you, yourself, your physical body are a certain pattern of sound. When you look at the mantra thangka and reverb the sound, you’re trying to make yourself into a different pattern of sound so that this sound becomes an access point to the larger sound, which you call a cosmos.
Mantra mandala thangka paintings from LUCKY THANKA are handmade paintings by master artists and practitioners of Kathmandu Valley. These are encircled by the chanted mantra of Buddhism “OM MANI PADME HUM” which means praise to the jewel in the Lotus. It is the universal peace, iconic mantra which is probably the most famous of all Buddhist mantras.
So mantra mandala thangka is a combination, you get the combination right, it will open doorway into creation. Mantras are the existential meaningful words that give power to the surrounding, all living things and lives around. As a whole, mantras have influence on everything. The chanting of the mantra helps us feel the vibrations of the symbol and makes us visualize the connection of mind and universe. It helps to establish sacred space and get into a meditative, regenerative state of mind. The mantra helps us uplift values to our daily lives.
All you need to do is rely on this mantra, it is very very powerful that merely listening to it or chanting this mantra helps to remove negative auras. Any kind of problems that you have, you must practice gazing at these mantras and chant them to see magical changes in your lives. It will help you progress, get new ideas, and takes you to your goals and success.
OM MANI PADME HUM is a six syllables word. The meaning of these six syllables is quite vast. The mantra OM is certainly common in Buddhism, Hinduism, and also other religions. In Buddhism, the word OM spelled as AUM and it represents body, mind, and speech. It also symbolizes the exalted pure body, speech, and mind. In summary, OM is the representation of the transformation of one’s impure 3 elements to the pure and ever-present state of the same 3 elements.
The path to pureness is indicated in the remaining four syllables. Buddhism believes that all beings have the potential to become a Buddha and one can practice the path and purify themselves by developing body, speech, and mind.
MA NE means jewel, joy and this represents the method aspect of the path, infinite altruism. Just like a jewel removes a person’s poverty, this bodhicitta mind can actually take away the poverty of all the kind of difficulties a person has in samsara and also lead you to full awakening. This is a powerful treasure, infinity altruism, the intention to become enlightened, compassionate, and loving.
PADMA, these two syllables represent lotus which means wisdom. There’s no contradiction when we have wisdom. There are many kinds of wisdom that we can develop but the main wisdom this mantra talks about is the wisdom of emptiness.
HUM represents the invisible unity of altruism and wisdom to achieve purity of those 3 elements. It carries the meaning of combination.
The six syllables as a whole means that the combined practice of infinite altruism, compassion, and wisdom, one can transform their impure body, speech, and mind into that of the Buddha. The substances for achievement of Buddhahood are within us and reciting of the mantra OM MANE PADME HUM can bring it to fullness.
The mantra thangka painting consisting of this magical, divine mantra helps to eliminate negative karma, remove internal and external obstacles that lie in the way of our spiritual development.
These are two dimensional mandalas having multiple circular bands commonly made on cloth i.e. thangka painting.The cosmos mandala depicts the circuitous movement of planets, sun, moon, and the entire cosmos around Mount Meru.
This holy mountain is considered as the axis of the geocentric universe. Mount Meru is also termed Sumeru which is represented as the meeting point of both the physical and spiritual universe. Many temples, monasteries, and other art forms have been built as the symbolic representation of this mountain.The Meru Mountain is represented with various symbols and geometric designs in other art forms as well. In cosmos mandala, the mountain is made with an aerial point of view which appears as a small dot or is symbolized with the mantra OM in the center of the mandala.
This mandala represents the infinite relation betweem bodies and minds with the wholeness of a cosmic diagram. This classic mandala thangka can be made with more complex planetary cycles in larger paintings.
The various geometric shapes and symbols used in this painting depict various metaphysical state of mind. Its sacred design tends to propitiate the planets and invoke their blessings.
Cosmos means the universe and the Sun and the moon are the major bodies of the cosmos and the cosmos mandala itself.
The central OM symbol is surrounded by continuous rotation of wind and sound of om mantra. This continuous rotation around the om symbol condenses into basic elements: Wind, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. This condensation represents the state of accumulation.
The red triangles in the central circle depict fire, the fire stands for manifestation of transformation. Likewise, the element water represents liquid matter and is depicted by half circle or circles of the mandala. Earth is symbolized by yellow squares or cubes which represent solid matters. Gaseous matter is represented by the wind or air. The Cosmic Mandala is bordered/circumscribed by bands of flames in whirl manner.
The blue ether at the central background portrays comprehensive source of all elements. The expanding order of the elements is emulsified in the blue band circumcising the center.
When people look at the cosmos mandala, people are often confused to address a meaning to the planets and different forms of lives, elements engraved in the mandala. The meaning isn’t something objective or verified in the mandala itself.
It allows us to be open in order to continue to get in touch with the wonders of life. It helps us discover more. It has the capacity to nurse you, heal you.
The holy mount Meru of this mandala is often mistakenly assumed to be heaven. In Hindu mythology, the mountain is considered to be the home for deities like Indra, various sages, and gandharvas. Religious mythological accounts show this to exist on top of this mountain.
The power of using mandalas in your daily life evokes deep state of relaxation and healings. It has the capacity to make an impactful therapeutic benefit in our day-to-day lives. There are hundreds of different mandalas that every individual can choose from to match their connectivity and benefit themselves.
Healing mandalas help your for soul activation and radiant manifestation through sacred words, symbols, color, and shaped engraved in the mandala. It’s definitely something to behold. These mandalas are definitely beautiful, magnificent, and filled with gorgeous colors in every area.
This sacred circle represents wholeness, health, unity, and harmony of life. These pieces of artwork are used in thangka paintings to evoke healing, spiritual development, and meditation. It symbolizes being one with the universe and directs the positive high level of energies in our lives.
It’s a great opportunity to use this as a technique to get yourself into the optimum window of regeneration. The really cool thing about our mandalas is that it allows you to access both parts of the brain when you gaze at it or keep in your daily workspace, room. It puts an impact on the prefrontal cortex of the brain which deals with our capacity of reasoning and judgement. And as we gradually go through the colors of the mandala it accesses our right side of the brain. You can use a mandala to model containment because they are self-contained images. They are also an auto hypnotic function. So, when we begin to focus on the coloring, staying within the shapes and the lines to focus and very specifically on the colors, shapes, and lines within that pattern, It brings the hyper focus to what we are doing. It makes us feel more grounded and more present at the instant moment.
Take about 10 minutes ahead of time to get into your daily work and allow your brain to tap into its imaginations and creativity. It’s soothing, containing and increases your concentration levels. It just allows us to be more focused so we can meet whatever challenges confront us.
Bodhisattva is a divine being who abandons all egotistical, unmindful interests and seeks only the greatest equality, freedom, independence and happiness of all mortal beings. They have the capacity to reach nirvana but delay in doing so by going through compassion for suffering beings. The historical Buddha, SIDDHARTHA GAUTAM was a bodhisattva prior to his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
Bodhi Dharma is also one of the most popular bodhisattvas who helped people in the time of crucial need embodying the perfection of virtuous ideas. Similarly, Avalokitesvara is also a popular bodhisattva commonly represented in the bodhisattva mandalas. Many other bodhisattvas have been depicted in Tibetan Buddhism art forms especially mandala thangka paintings. The main bodhisattvas that are included in artifacts are Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, Samantabhadra, Ksitigarbha, Maitreya, Vajrapani, and so on.
Avalokitesvara is known with many different names in different countries. The Dalai Lama is believed to be the incarnation form of him. The thangka painting of Avalokitesvara consists of a lotus flower on his hand and he is depicted in some paintings as female also. The Padma is the term for lotus flower in Sanskrit and since he holds a lotus flower, Avalokitesvara is also called PADMAPANI.
MANJUSHRI is also a bodhisattva, depicted as a male bodhisattva wielding a flaming sword in his right hand. He is the source of manifestation of great wisdom and meditation. Manjushri sits in the center of the mandala and is considered the peaceful form of Manjuvajra. This bodhisattva slashes past ignorance.
Bodhisattva thangka paintings can be seen with many bodhisattvas surrounding several Buddhas. This type of painting represents path for the awakening of a practitioner while taking the bodhisattva vows. These paths are the path of accumulation, application, seeing, meditation, and learning.
Shri yantra mandala is a sacred geometric pattern of three chakras. It’s a diagram formed by interlocking nine triangles radiating from a dot. As per Advaita Vedanta Sage, Shri Yantra is the key to mastering the science of the creation of what you want and the destruction of what you don’t want.
The Shri yantra mandala thangka painting represents a microcosmic level of the universe as well as the human body. Each circuitous route in Shri yantra is equivalent to one of the chakras in the human body. The twirling and diversifying Shri yantra act as the universe. The tonoscopic image of the sacred sound OM matches with the geometric pattern of Shri yantra which is quite an interesting fact.
The earthward triangles represent the female philosophy, i.e. SHAKTI and the skyward triangles represent the male philosophy, i.e. SHIVA. This interlocking of 9 triangles: 5 downwards and 4 upwards lead to the creation of 43 smaller triangles.
A Shri Yantra mandala is worshipped and mediated as each of these 43 triangles represent a deity. The core dot is the spot of origination and unification where one amalgamates with the highest level of awareness, responsiveness, and consciousness. For yogis, this mandala is much like a tuning fork that helps connect them to the universal consciousness. These are great tools to sharpen our precise imaginative skills while meditating along.
Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists were the first practitioners of spiritual mandalas as spiritual tools. These are used for meditation purposes allowing the individual to become one with the universe. The symbolism for the creation of a mandala can be through the journeys of their lives. They reflect the individual’s path in life. The spiritual mandala can be chosen from which one you connect with the most. These bring you the sense of sight and the ability to seek light in the darkest times of your life. The mandala invokes your positivity and helps you reach for the best decisions in life. The spirit of the mandala acts as a key to unlock your inner wisdom. It brings the nurturing capabilities and complete dedication to all the things and beings you aim, and love respectively. The mandala believes that only when you truly forgive someone, only then your true healing begins.
These paintings can do a cleansing of the atmosphere inside a place. If you are generally very disheartened, sad, and full of all mixed feelings for someone, it will work in helping you heal faster. These are great to extract out any kinds of emotional wounds that you may have.
Mandala thangka painting has the potential to bless the heart and mind of the practitioner. There are times when we feel stuck in constant negative patterns of failure, stress, and discomfort in our daily lives. If you are facing this repeatedly over and over again despite your efforts to make things better, then a lucky thanka painting is just for you. These paintings are so powerful to break the chain of the negative flow of energies around.
Any kind of fear that is constantly causing a lot of uneasiness in your life can be easily swept away with the practice of making a thangka painting or gazing at one. Gazing at a thangka painting opens up our minds and lets us address our worries, fears, and other concerns. It helps you solve your problems and bring clarity for what your next step should be.
Your mind will be refreshed and relaxed when you meditate along with visualizing the painting in your imagination.
In Buddhism, Buddha has stated that one’s master is the person himself. And one’s future entirely depends on them only. It’s mentioned in Buddhism that knowledge is very important to utilize human intelligence fully. And to utilize one must know the mental function system.
Mandala thangka paintings are pieces of artwork that are used to evoke healing, spiritual development, and meditation. They help us direct the flow of energies in our regular home space, workspace, religious gatherings, temples, and so on. Gazing at a mandala thangka can help you turn negativity and suffering into powerful manifestation forces. Different colors used in a mandala design represent different desired outcomes. Color in the spiritual realm supersedes physical color. That is why some mandalas can also be made colorless for you to fill with your imaginative colors and energies. These are great engaging tools for one to invest time in and be driven away by the magical healing powers of a mandala. They absorb the negative thoughts, emotions, and aura of a chaotic environment and transform them into constructive energies. It will bring you closer to divine manifestation.
These stunning design mandalas with beautiful craftsmanship harness powerful forces to begin your journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. The symbol of the mandala represents the core of the universe in its purest form, pulling powerful energies in your way. Having a mandala thangka painting develops balance, harmony, and joy in life. It relaxes and heals the body, mind, and spirit, stimulates creative thinking and problem solving, combats depression and anxiety, reduces stress. The benefit of a mandala thangka painting is uncountable and one must really invest into buying one to experience the undeniable magical powers it adds into your life.
]]>It is a religious form of art that depicts lord Buddha, stories from his life, and his teachings. Usually, thangkas use natural minerals like lapis, lazuli, and painting one is time-consuming because of its devotional nature.
Thangka is a mark of devotion in Buddhism and often serves as an object of worship.
They are common in monasteries, lama residences, family halls for worshiping Buddha, and homes of Tibetan Buddhists. You can hang thangkas in the office or home at your altar basically places that are respectful.
In ancient times, the Tibetan monks used to travel around a lot. So, it wasn’t convenient for them to bring along Buddha statues in their journey. That’s when Thangkas were originated. Thangkas can be easily carried around by rolling them up, so, they are portable. Thangkas have a real engagement with art as a religious practice.
Thangka paintings date back to the 11th century A.D. when Buddhists and Hindus in Asia began to make illustrations of the deities and natural scenes. These thangkas serve as important teaching tools depicting the life of Buddha, various influential lamas, other deities, and bodhisattvas.
The art of thangka is entirely based on the spirituality of Buddhism. The main source of Tibetan art that has flourished for centuries is the iconographical art of India, its strong influence is from China.
Traditionally, thangka paintings are not only valued for their aesthetic beauty but primarily for their use as aids in meditational practices.
Understanding Buddhist philosophy and symbolism is the key element in creating a Thangka. The artist has to have a visualization of the image in advance. It also depends on how much complexity and details you want.
It invokes the blessings of the Buddha and is meditative. The meditative component of thangka has to be upheld. The very reason we have tradition is to maintain them but it is important to be inventive at the same time to make this art more useful and help it continue.
Thangkas are usually placed upright in a rectangular shape while there are a few that deal with subjects of mandala that are square. Cotton and linen are common fabrics on which pictures are painted with mineral and organic pigments while silk is reserved for important subjects.
Buddha and his principles are about enlightenment. There are two ways for enlightenment; they are Samatha meditation and Vipassana. Samatha means mindfulness meditation and vipassana means insight meditation.
So, Samatha is regarded as contemplative technology, it entails no belief system, no commitment to any ideology or institution or any group. It is simply a way of refining the mind in very specific ways that make a mind serviceable, flexible, supple, malleable, and useful for all types of activities.
The physical ramifications of the practice of Samatha:
As long as we are alive, our minds are embodied minds, they’re profoundly entangled with, interrelated with not only the brain but the entire nervous system, the entire body, and the body is related with the environment. And so if we’re going to be training the mind: cultivating, refining the mind, there must be correlated shifts in the body in terms of one’s nervous system. So as the mind becomes more supple, more light, more buoyant, and also filled with a greater sense of well-being, you will discover that the body is also shifting: stress starts to decrease, a sense of malleability, pliability, pliancy, suppleness, buoyancy arises with this practice.
There are various types of thangka paintings, the way to heaven Thangka painting depicts Samatha meditation.
Samatha is a Sanskrit term, it means quiescence, tranquility, serenity, calm, calm presence, or peaceful presence but that’s just the etymology. What Samatha is referring to us here in thangka and meditational practices are methods that are designed to develop your attention and metacognitive skill.
You can maintain continuity of attention and vividness of attention. So, in order to develop our attention skills through the methods of Samatha, you must be also honing your metacognitive or introspective skills. So, you can recognize when your mind is becoming distracted or dull.
You’ve got to learn how to stay focused in any type of contemplative practice. Buddhism is exceptionally rich in this regard.
🙉 Monkey: The monkey is often depicted in Thangka paintings as a symbol of restlessness, distraction, and the untamed mind. It represents the uncontrolled and undisciplined aspects of our thoughts and emotions that hinder spiritual progress. The monkey serves as a reminder to practitioners to tame and discipline their minds through mindfulness and meditation.
🐘 Elephant: The elephant, on the other hand, symbolizes strength, wisdom, and steadiness. It represents the qualities of stability, power, and mental fortitude that are necessary on the spiritual path. The elephant embodies qualities such as mindfulness, concentration, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
🚸 Road: The road or path depicted in the Thangka represents the spiritual journey towards enlightenment. It represents the steps and stages that practitioners must traverse to attain liberation. The road signifies the commitment and perseverance required to follow the teachings of Buddhism and progress on the path of self-transformation.
🐇 Rabbit: The rabbit is often associated with the moon in Buddhist symbolism. It represents gentleness, tranquility, and humility. The rabbit's presence may symbolize the need for cultivating these qualities on the path to enlightenment. It reminds practitioners to approach their spiritual practice with a calm and humble mind.
🧘♂️ Monk: The presence of the monk in the Thangka painting represents the practitioner or aspirant who is dedicated to the pursuit of enlightenment. The monk symbolizes the committed spiritual seeker who embodies the values and principles of Buddhism. The monk serves as an inspiration and role model for others on the path, representing the embodiment of wisdom, compassion, and discipline.
It's important to note that interpretations of symbols in Thangka paintings may vary, and specific lineages or traditions may have their own nuanced interpretations. Consulting with experienced teachers or masters within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition can provide a deeper understanding of the symbolism and meaning within a particular Thangka painting.
SIGNIFICANCE OF WAY TO HEAVEN THANGKA
There are nine stages of meditation in Samatha meditation. The diagram in this Thangka shows a symbolic representation of the pathway to heaven.
The nine stages of mind training:
As the mind develops through the practice of meditation, it goes through a series of stages or levels. Buddhist practitioners over the centuries have identified nine stages along the path. In the Tibetan tradition, this process of mental development has been diagrammed symbolically as a series of stages in which a monk gradually tames his mind represented by an elephant with also a monkey and a rabbit. In Japanese tradition, similar series of depictions have been used, it is known as the Ox-herding.
Samatha represents the highest union that occurs in the seat of the consciousness. The first stage shows a picture of a monk who represents the meditator or the yogi and he is following after the elephant which represents the mind to be tamed and trained but the mind is being led around by the monkey which represents discursive emotions, ignorance, lusts and so on. In this first set out that’s said to be called searching for the mind, this is done in formal meditation following the techniques of tranquilization of the mind.
In this pictogram, we see fire: fire represents the publication process. Here, we see the meditator chasing further in the second panel. The mind which again is the element being led by the monkey, the monkey represents discursive thought patterns, habitual tendencies. The yogi is trying to unite with the power of yoga which represents the rope he is holding in his hand. And the white on the head of the monkey and the head of the elephant represents the process of purification that takes place when one applies tranquility and insight meditation.
In this third panel, we see that the mind has been finally caught. This is where the great discovery has taken place. The elephant and the monkey are white under all discursive grime. The mind is actually pristine. So, now the monk has slowed down the mind and the discursive emotions at this stage. The yogi experiences the realization of his bad practices and his erratic mind. This is where many meditation practitioners actually have a very difficult time experiencing the control of habitual energy, lusts, and so on.
In this fourth panel, the mind has actually been purified and the monkey is no longer controlling the mind. We have a new subtle aspect that has arrived in the picture and this is the rabbit. The rabbit represents restlessness and quickness of the mind to be unsatisfied with the state of meditation and so on. This erratic nature of mind often leads one into disregarding the practices again because of that restless nature. But this is soon conquered.
In the fifth stage, the meditator has finally taken the lead of the mind and also of the erratic nature of the undisciplined emotions and habits of the monkey and also the rabbit: the dis-satisfied aspect which seeks to stop practice starts developing true meditative absorption.
The mind is able to have absorption into tranquility and insight on its own. The yogi rarely needs to apply any strenuous hook or rope of yoga in order to achieve this. The monkey aspect becomes less interested in leading around the mind. So, it can be said that this is truly a stage where the yogi has achieved the beginnings of mental discipline in a true sense.
The seventh stage represents stillness because the mind and its cravings have finally stopped. The restless monkey mind has abandoned this picture as well as the rabbit. Here, the yogi is absorbed in the genuine Samadhi of tranquility though there is still a memory of mind state. This is where the continued application of stillness of mind is essential.
The meditator at will is leading the mind which has been subdued and eradicated of discursive thought emotions and the poisonous tendencies of the mind. Here, the meditator is living his practice on a day-to-day level at his will. These are known as meditative and post-meditative absorptive practices. Thereby, tranquility is achieved not only while during active meditation but in just ordinary activities as well. This is also seen as loosening up one’s vows to strenuous practice. This is often seen in older age practices of Yogi’s that have been practicing their whole lives. This is where one checks constantly to see if the mind is really truly trained or will revert back to its old untrained nature.
This stage is said to be where the true union of the yogi and his mind. They both can rest together without any fear of returning back to the undisciplined hellish mind state of suffering. Now, the yogi has achieved true Samadhi in his practice. He has been trained, disciplined and now he is experiencing the realization of his genuine effort and practice. This is the ninth stage.
In the tenth picture which isn’t actually one of the stages but this is post-completion. This is said to be the yogi riding his pure mind all the way to home or to Nirvana (heaven).
Tingsha bells are the combination of two little cymbals attached by a string made of leather. Cymbals are circular chimes that have chants or energy symbols embedded around the outer surface. Tingsha bells are also called Tibetan chimes or Tibetan hand cymbals.
We often see them in sound healing institutes, yoga studios, temples, and monasteries. They are used in prayers and rituals by Tibetan Buddhists and Hindu priests.
They are used often for meditation to focusing the mind on the sound in sound healing and in-room clearance. They can also be used to add depth to musical soundscapes. Tingsha are long-lasting in their tones.
Tingsha bells have ancient roots and cultures to Tibetan sound healing practices. It has been the tool for promoting the physical, mental, and emotional health of the body. Its origin accounts for as long as sound healing began in history.
They were used in Tibet by Buddhists in rituals and ceremonies and sound healing practices.
These practices highlight how sound manifests through physical vibrations and frequencies. Science is still catching up to understand how sound heals and the current research is very promising.
Tingsha are Tibetan percussion instruments used for practicing meditation producing sacred ohm sounds.
Tingsha are hand-made by the casting method. They are widely crafted using seven different premium metals which produce a strong sound and vibrations of the right frequency.
They are metallic disks made of alloys. The seven metals used in the tibetan Tingsha are Gold, Silver, Mercury, Copper, Iron, Tin, and Lead.
The paired cymbals are twin to each other.
The finished products are tested individually by certified personnel and sound healing practitioners. So, the quality isn’t compromised at all.
Everything in the world is frequency and vibration and when tuned that frequency and vibrations create sound. Tingsha create a very high frequency sound ranging from above 2000 Hertz and above.
Sound healing is a natural, gentle, and non-invasive form of vibrational energy medicine. Sound therapy has been around since the beginning of human life. Natural sounds of waterfall, birds chirping, rainfall, wind-flow, and so on were the initial relaxing sounds.
With the evolution of human intelligence and skills, different sound healing methods were applied to heal a body physically, spiritually, and mentally with various musical pieces of equipment.
Sounds, kinds of music, and chants were used to heal the sick in ancient times.
A skilled sound healing person can use his/her skills and techniques with ease to play instruments and help themselves and others to alleviate aches and pain, reduce stress, lose weight, sleep better, etc.
With science catching up with ancient civilizations sound techniques, sound therapy is now more popular than ever. The mind-blowing benefits of sound healing are achieved and proved in recent years.
Tingsha are an inexpensive and most intimidating option for sound healing. They come in different sizes which produce different levels of frequencies. Each different frequency is significant for different organs and chakras of our body.
It’s a great way to use tingsha to begin a meditation process and to end one. The reason is the sound helps us open up for a meditation and then close one.
These sound waves address imbalances in the body long before they become measurable, that means it acts as a shield and early prevention to keep your body in active protected mode. It helps us to be holistic. These powerful yet subtle waves reset our physiology into a natural balance and keep our organs clean.
More and more people are using Tingsha bells nowadays to clear their space and aura. This is a very inexpensive way to clear your crystals.
The chimes are struck together to create a pure, bright bell sound that rings for a surprising length of time.
The tingsha bells are quite flexible in terms of use. They don’t require many keep in mind points for playing it. There are multiple ways of using a tingsha bell.
You can also use it as a small meditation tool on a daily basis to escape the stress buildup in your work environment. It's about taking a moment and focusing on the sound with a free mind.
Maintain a relaxed sitting position and close your eyes. Now, hold the tingsha bell by the string just above the metallic disks and give a tap on the rim of one by the other. Bring your attention to the sound of these and just follow the sound till it ends. Focus on the other sounds around you now. What you will notice is now things have gone quieter both inside you and around you.
This process takes just a few minutes and is a good way to kind of break the stressful periods.
One way is to strike the rims of both cymbals by holding them with both hands just above the metal part by the string.
The second way is by hitting one cymbal by the other in an up and down motion holding by the string. These are the traditional ways of using Tingsha.
The modern ways of playing Tingsha are evolving till date. With the increase in sound healing practices all around the world, much researches are being conducted to address the best frequency to use.
You can add an interesting dimension to the sound if you spin them around after you hit them. This helps to throw the sound around you. It’s a good way for room clearance and heals others. You can even do it by twirling them around after the hit.
In traditional ways, the disks aren’t in your control for their motion. You can play them in a controlled way by holding them tight side-ways and making a strike. This way you can play it very percussively. Multiple hits can be done to overlay sound waves and this opens up your ears and this feels great from inside.
Tingsha Bells can even be played by adding your own fun elements to get sounds of different pitches. Mallets/strikers can be used too. Padded mallets will give you lower notes and soft sounds. Wooden strike gives a purer sound. Metals strikes give sharper notes.
The use of multiple tingsha is also a great way for purification and boosting concentration.
You can hang the tingsha on wooden sticks and play them simultaneously to produce multiple sound waves and frequencies.
Modern medicine deals with the physical body when it operates weakly. It treats physical chemistry disorders that are measurable, visible, and often when things have already got out of hand. Sadly some are irreversible health problems. With the practice of sound healing, your body stays in balance from a mental and spiritual point of view which strengthens your physical well-being as well.
In our ear, there is a vestibulocochlear nerve that connects to the vagus nerve, the major parasympathetic nerve in the body. The parasympathetical nervous system is responsible for reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and relaxing muscles.
Listening to certain sounds can manipulate one’s brain waves and different states of alertness and consciousness.
Therapeutic sound waves can modify DNA, levitate objects and kill viruses as well. Tingsha bells produce long notes that result in very positive healing outcomes. We are relating to engaging and ultimately healing with and through the five elements of consciousness: Source/Spirit, Soul, Mind, Emotion, and Body. Tingsha bells as sound healing equipment don’t deal with just physical health challenges but with the whole biochemical process. All our molecules are engaged in an emotional response, the way we are physically has a big effect on our mind as well. The soul is the interface between our source energy, our spirit- the divine presence. Aspects of our soul can get fragmented, we can lose track. So, we need to pay attention to the soul dimension, to nurture the potential for a deep level of healing.
So the tingsha which are very loud and strong bring you into a very aware state. The tingsha with subtle pitches relax you and bring you into a more mellow state and more withdrawing.
If you have seven sets of tingsha for your seven chakras, you can align your chakras with them. Give a tap on all the seven chimes and let your brain waves absorb the sound and go with the flow these waves make.
The chakras are seven energy centers that live along our spine. They run from the base of our spine to the crown of our heads. Due to various reasons such as habits of food, thought force habits or patterns of thought force, sleep or rest so on and so forth any of these chakras could be misaligned or can go out of balance. Because of this the chakra or the endocrine gland itself may be affected for you. Nothing to worry about, through the practice and often use of simplified sound healing of tingsha bells, systematically one by one each of the seven chakras will open for you. Restoration of healthy states of your endocrine glands is possible only if you practice listening and using sound healing techniques at initial levels of damage.
Anybody can easily learn this meditation and quickly align and balance these chakras in your life.
Many meditations and sound healing practitioners around the world have been experimenting on the frequencies and mix of Tingha with other sound healing equipment. Tingshas can be played alone and collectively with other sound healing equipment.
There’s strong evidence that music has mental and physical health benefits in improving mood and reducing stress. In fact, rhythm, in particular, can provide physical pain relief and has been shown to help people with pain from arthritis, menstrual pain, knee replacement pains, etc.
Just the slightest of taps allows them to continue the sound moving outward in a very forthright method. The high intensity of the notes moves to the head area and cleanses our aura and all negativity. It’s also interesting to note the effects of the body and aura are completely different than with the Tibetan singing bowls. So, it would be wise to say that these are compatible instruments like brother and sister. After you get one you may want the other for a change of pace.
The powerful waves of tingsha penetrate our webbed thoughts and dissolve the stress build upon our day-to-day busy live. Meditation synchronizes our body, soul, spirits, and thought force to the present moment. It helps maintain peace and elevate calmness to free the racing mind.
These powerful waves emitted by tingsha help us envoke our alert and reactive tensed brain waves into a relaxed and deep state of regeneration.
Traditional therapy often performed using the tingsha bells is called toning. Toning is used to relieve mental stress and reduce anxiety levels by allowing the free flow of positive energy and warding off negativity. They can promote the flow of healthy energies throughout the body and restore strong brain waves.
The healing sounds are a way to connect vibration to your body and experience certain sounds within the specific organs related to each sound.
The kidneys are associated with fear and stress and it helps to transform these emotions into a sense of gentleness and willpower. Next, the liver is associated with anger and it transforms anger into kindness, and sense of control, and decisiveness. The sounds help you gain vitality and excitement in life.
A sense of balance and openness emerges and we feel more connected to our center. The three main energy centers in our body: head, chest, and lower abdomen are restored for overall wellbeing and hormonal balance.
Few things are as irritating and loud as unexpected noises. Exposure to such noise activates the brain’s stress pathways and triggers the release of related hormones. To cut these noises, tingsha sound waves have the power to soothe us.
The lungs are connected to grief, depression, and sadness and when we practice the sound from tingsha, it transforms these feelings into courage, confidence, and strength. You will feel the buzzing vibration in the area of your chest.
Its always highly recommended using Tingsha bells in such a case when you have very little knowledge and unbuild trust in sound healing. The easy and multipurpose tingsha bells give your life beautiful touch of healing sound waves. If you have a keen interest and want to get more information about Tingsha bells or sound healing as a whole, our team is always welcoming to help you.
]]>Singing bowls are a tool for meditation and relaxation. Singing Bowl are also widely known as Tibetan Singing Bowls or Himalayan Bowls. Back in the day in Asia in Tibet, India, and most of Nepal, it was used for its holistic powers and healing, deep relaxation, stress reduction, reiki, etc. They help to provide essential aid to meditation and can be found on Buddhist altars, monasteries, and meditation houses throughout the world.
The natural and harmonious sound emitted by singing bowls is used to invoke a state of deep relaxation, which assists meditation. The sound healing practice of Tibetan Singing bowls with time is widely adopted by various music therapists and sound healers, yoga, and meditation practitioners all around the world.
Sound healing represents a ritual of acoustic sound in the form of meditation meant to encourage self-healing. One of the most common forms of sound therapy is the one that includes the singing bowls. Singing Bowls as a sound healing process has been in practice for centuries now.
In today’s time, so many of us live a busy and stressful life. We are pretty much all the time wired up, our brain’s working subconsciously all the time. We dwell in our day-to-day physical activities and there’s a lot of stress and anxiety around us. We need to find ways to distress ourselves and sound healing is a really useful way to create and maintain the balance of our inner-self with the physical being.
The Singing Bowls has two main benefits, one with our physical body and another with our mental body. The vibrations generated by the singing bowls can affect the smallest unit of our lives, the cellular movements. So, it helps to detoxify the toxins accumulated in every single cell of the body. It helps in detoxification. The second benefit with the mental body, the mental body is related with the vibrations that are created in our brain and the singing bowl has such an effect that it can tune our brainwaves to a state where we feel peace and calmness from within. The stress is completely eradicated. The problems that come due to the stress and anxiety are completely removed by the practice of singing bowl.
The benefits are not just limited with the physical and mental body; it also works with your higher self, the psychic body.
Singing Bowls as sound healing can help you in releasing emotional pressures as well. A lot of us have some kind of traumatic experience in our lives and the emotions associated with that get stored in our bodies. It may be at a cellular level or maybe subconsciously and we aren’t aware of it too much but there’s a sense of some emotional pressure that somehow guides our behaviours. And if we can release that in a gentle way, then it helps to enable us to have a kind of a more sense of freedom and be more at ease and have a greater sense of wellness.
Meditational point of view
Meditation is a practice for synchronising our body and mind in the present moment. It is a journey through which we connect our internal peace with mind and soul. The vibration of the singing bowl is the same as the brain wave, and it is said that it helps to get into deep concentration. They produce sounds which evoke a deep state of relaxation that naturally assists our brain and body, entering into a meditative state.
Singing bowls have such powerful sound waves that can convert our alert and reactive beta state to a creative and relaxed alpha state. It can make our mind be free from any restrictions and webbed thoughts and undergo a restorative and healing process.
It has been proven that the vibrations from singing bowls have created great impacts on the way our body functions like blood pressure. Other benefits of this therapy include stress reduction. No human body can heal itself when objected to constant stress and work or under any pressure circumstances. Usage of these bowls to create sound waves through vibrations helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system which conserves energy at one time to regulate body functions for later.
There’s proven proof of the fact that patients who listened to frequency music produced from singing bowls helped them recover and become less anxious after their surgery. The reason behind such relief is the soothing of nerves by these beneficial sound waves which resulted improve in heart rate and blood pressure.
Many techniques for healing the body, mind, and spirits were traditionally introduced with the use of sound waves. The singing bowl was invented to use the vibration of the sound of singing bowls so that we can de-stress ourselves, become joyful and enjoy the peacefulness inside us.
The sound that these singing bowls create is highly dependent on the size of the bowl and where the mallet is placed. Singing bowls are a great way to indulge yourself in a relaxing, meditative state that will help you calm down, heal and discover your inner self. The human body represents the accumulation of numerous vibrations; each organ of our body vibrates when exposed to a certain frequency. Since each singing bowl is unique and can create a particular frequency, our body vibrates and reacts differently to each of them. It helps our body to reach a meditative and regenerating state. We can easily change our normal beta state by using certain combinations of rhythm and frequencies.
If you are new to Singing Bowls you can click here to buy one of our Hand Made singing Bowls and try cleansing with that. With time, your connection and practice to use Singing Bowls will improve and you can try connecting with our other Singing Bowls to help deep and improved cleaning, concentration, and try creating balance in different chakras of your body.
There’s a strong link between the healing and power of these sound frequency tones. These tones help balance and align the chakras.
The sounds these bowls make are apparently great for cleaning your spirits and balancing your chakras. It has an overall benefit for our health, concentration, body, and energy otherwise. It is one of the basic but efficient ways to maintain balance in our body and create a positive impact on our inner self. You can easily help your body heal and regenerate energy with the help of Singing Bowls at home by yourself. We have a variety in sizes and types of Singing Bowls, each of them has its own significance and impacts on different Chakras of your body.
We have major seven chakras in our body; they can be attuned by using the frequency of the concerned chakras from seven singing bowls. It will help you balance the energy in every single chakra and to have better psychic health at the same time. Spiritual well-being too can be achieved by practicing, listening, and playing the singing bowls.
The singing bowls are a major tool to come back to a meditative state, to cool down the mind, and come back to a state of thoughtlessness. The sounds of the singing bowl will help you to be quiet in your mind and learn out of listening. It will take you on a journey of higher self-realization. The only purpose of making the sound is to work with the space element inside your body. Once the space element is balanced, all other lower elements automatically come to balance.
Generally these bowls are made of a metal alloy of seven elements but other materials can be used as well. The seven elements mostly used are Brass, Copper, Iron, Silver, Gold, and Tin. They are made traditionally by hammering heated alloy of seven elements till it gets a round bowl shape. In modern times, singing bowls are made using both traditional techniques as well as the use of machine-lathing to give the metal round bowl shape. It is made in various parts of Nepal.
Playing of Tibetan singing bowl is quite easy and you only require few minutes to learn to get hold of the technique.
The first thing we should know is how to hold the bowl. The bowl should not be held in your dominant hand i.e. it’s better to hold it on your left hand if you are right-handed and on your right hand if you are left-handed. Now, keep your hand fairly flat, palm facing the sky. The fingers should not be touching the outer round surface of the bowl. The walls of the bowl vibrate to create the sound, if we use fingers touching the wall of the bowl, simply the sound won’t play.
Make an appropriate choice of stick/striker you use to create the sound effect, the size shouldn’t be too small or too big for the bowl you use. Try using sticks of a certain mass, only then the bowl can play sound. So, the choice of sticks should be smaller for the small bowl and slightly bigger with the big bowl you want to play. Mallet/striker often comes with the singing bowl set so in such a case you don’t have to worry to choose the pair.
With the right choices of stick with the bowl, keep your elbow and forearm fairly steady. Place the bowl on your palm and then make your stick run around the rim of the bowl at an angle of 45 degrees in a circular motion. You have to run the stick on the outside rim of the bowl. You have to move the stick with full arm motion rather than only wrist movement.
The other way to make a singing bowl sing is by tapping or striking the mallet on its edge. You can simply give a tap on the edge and feel the vibrations flow through your body.
The other ways to play singing bowls are by placing them on a mat or cushion. You can even place it on your body parts to let the vibrations get soaked in through that part. You can play singing bowls in different parts of your house to create positivity and purification. Singing bowls give different vibrations throughout the day because of the difference in your energy level at different times of the day.
The more you use a singing bowl, the more it gives clear sound waves. The singing bowl then vibrates the air around the bowl and the sound travels to our ears. We can change the note that the bowl makes by changing the frequency of these vibrations. Empty singing bowls make faster vibration sounds and give higher notes.
If we add some water, then the bowl has to vibrate the water and the note will automatically change. The vibrations get slower and give lower notes.
In the context of Nepal, these bowls are part of almost every Nepali household. They have been used as utensils in the kitchen and for various religious purposes in monasteries for centuries.
The Nepali music industry is slowly adapting and using these bowls to experiment with different levels of notes of its frequencies. The use of singing bowls in music form makes the song soothing to hear. It is one of the most valuable yet underestimated pieces of art that exists in our Nepali culture for a very long time.
It’s more popular these days for its undeniable benefits to health and mental peace that people seek for an escape from daily chaos, stressful lives. Millions of people all around the world are keen to know the optimal use of singing bowls in their day-to-day life and their impacts on their careers. Singing bowls have been flexible in their use throughout the years. It has been used in different parts of the world for various purposes and yet discoveries of its uses are adding up.]]>Let us look in detail for some of the main points that might be very helpful for anyone while selecting a Thangka Painting.
The reasons behind the choice of a Buddhist thangka are many and are mostly related to our state of mind. Each deity in thangka painting represent a unique quality which we meditate upon. While we meditate looking at the painting we try to be one with the deity in order to bring the good quality inside us. For example the chenrezig is the bodhisattva of Compassion. We meditate looking upon this thangka to be more compassionate towards all sentient beings for benefit of others.
What is the reason you are purchasing the thangka for? Is it for your House? just for decoration? for prayers ? There can be a lot of reason you would want to purchase a thangka for. But no matter for any reason you having a thangka painting at your space creates a very pleasant and good energy.
To be a master thangka artist it requires a lot of dedication and time. The thangka master painter are those who have been painting for at least 30 years. Having a good quality thangka is very important because a good quality thangka will always have the right proportion of the deity and all symbolism correctly painted according to the traditional texts and figures. These can be medium budget to high budget price too. As Thangka is a long term investment we always try to help our customers to get the thangka by offering them instalment payment plan. In this way we believe that we are helping our artisans and the customers too. We recommend you to check the following few things when it comes to quality:
The thangka is a scroll painting so when you purchase thangka at Lucky Thanka it wont be coming with a frame. However, we recommend you to visit our Request Brocade page and choose brocade to email us regarding your choice of Brocade for the Thangka. Alternatively you could frame it by purchasing a wooden frame at your nearest shop for western look. We offer a very good price for adding a Traditional brocade for your thangka from Lucky Thanka which cost from $50 and above according to the size.
Our motivation can be a great move to help us buy a Tibetan Thangka Painting too. If the motivation is for the benefit of your body, mind and speech so that you can help others through your awakened mind then you could gain a lot of merit. Here are some of the other factors that may be the motivation for people to buy a Thangka Painting.
Lot of people love art work and when they understand the work and details involved in the painting people can actually feel the energy. People buy it for recognising the artwork and value it with their heart.
Tibetan thangka can be consecrated and blessed by your lama, teacher, spiritual friend. Your daily routine while passing the thangka, will be to remind you of the qualities of the deity and / or make offerings to him (incense, flowers, saffron water, etc.).
A tibetan thangka can help you to better identify and remember the qualities of divinity and integrate them into your practice using the teachings of Buddhism. Lot of people who enjoy teachings of Buddhism would love to buy Thangka Paintings for their practice.
A thangka is also called as a road map for the enlightenment. Through the thangka and deity visualization, you can practice various exercises to find inner peace and an awakened mind.
There are more than thousand of different thangka paintings. Since each thangka is hand painted every pcs is a unique form of artwork. Each Thangka representing different deity, story, bodhisattva, buddha have their own meaning. Mostly the thangka painting always teach us to be compassionate and loving towards all sentient. I have listed out some of the popular thangka painting with its short meaning so that it can help you to decide which thangka painting you should consider buying.
This is one of my personal favourite thangka painting also known as bhavchakra. This thangka has made me realise a lot of things in my life which have helped me to see a lot of things differently from what i used to perceive the world. The Wheel of life thangka is best for anyone to be motivated in life to do good karma. Click here to read everything in detail about Wheel Of Life.
According to the legend Tara is an emanation of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. This thangka is more famous amongst female. There are 21 tara among which Green Tara and White Tara are the famously known. Both of the tara help us to liberate and end the suffering. The mantra for tara is Om Tare Tu Tare Ture soha.
OM Ma Ni Pad Me Hum: Reciting this mantra and looking upon the Chenrezig thangka has an immense benefit. Chenrezig is a bodhisattva who has delayed its enlightenment for helping suffering in the world. Avalokiteshvara is the different form of Chenrezig in 1000 arms and 1000 eyes so that Chenrezig can offer help towards all sentient. Personally for me Chenrezig is the thangka which helped me to deeply understand true meaning of Love & Compassion deeply.
a. Shakyamuni Buddha : The Awakened one.
b. Medicine Buddha : Healing Buddha for our physical and mental health.
c. Maitreya Buddha : The Future Buddha to come.
d. Amitabha Buddha : For Long Life and Longevity.
Also known as Kubera in Hindu is a popular God for wealth and prosperity. Zambala is also believed to be an emanation of Avalokitesvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. People mostly buy it for office and work related but it can be kept in house as well for positive energy.
A mandala is a symbolic picture of the universe. The mandala's purpose is to help transform ordinary minds into enlightened ones and to assist with healing. A mandala is often a symbol that is used to help people focus in on meditation and achieve a sense of oneness with the universe. At Lucky Thanka we have categorised Mandala into 3 categories:
This pattern was designed by Dalai Lama for peace and compassion. This Thangka is mostly selected by Family for their house to have positive and good luck in house.
This Mandala specially consist of Mantra Syllable. There are a lot of variety in this collection and every pcs is beautiful. These mandala may have different designs but the essence might be same if the mantra is same. These are a perfect for gift to your loved ones on christmas, thanks giving day, fathers and mothers day or any special occasion.
Manjushri, as meditation experience, is a powerful image representing ever-present wisdom plus the sword of awareness to cut off all delusion. Recite this mantra : Om Ah Ra Pa Tsa Na Dhi and meditate upon Manjushri for greater wisdom.
By receiving the wisdom being into the commitment being allowing them to become one being, the thangka gains vitality and is made a true living image. The customer can request us to get the thangka for consecration. We do this process by visiting the different stupa in Nepal and get the thangka blessed by lama and Rinpoche. For this a small donation is suggested for their time and service. They will happily accept any thing offered for this awakening process and we should contribute anything we can towards their help.
]]>This other, more esoteric definition of a Bodhisattva is one who, having achieved enlightenment, remains on the cycle of samsara to act as a teacher and promote enlightenment for all sentient beings. Because this Bodhisattva has achieved enlightenment then their expression in samsara is of infinite quality. In other words, they may go recognized as a reincarnated Lama or unrecognised, not leaving any instruction for their discovery and so may return as your neighbour or your neighbours dog. They are perceived in the manner most helpful to the perceiver.
The basic definition of bodhicitta is "the desire to realize enlightenment for the sake of others." It is also described as the state of mind of a bodhisattva, usually, an enlightened being who has vowed to remain in the world until all beings are enlightened
Teachings about bodhicitta (sometimes spelled bodhicitta) appear to have developed in Mahayana Buddhism about the 2nd century CE, give or take, or about the same time the Prajnaparamita Sutras probably were written. The Prajnaparamita (perfection of wisdom) sutras, which include the Heart and the Diamond Sutra, are primarily recognized for their teaching of sunyata, or emptiness.
Bodhicitta has come to be an essential part of Mahayana practice and a prerequisite for enlightenment. Through bodhicitta, the desire to attain enlightenment transcends the narrow interests of the individual self and embraces all beings in compassion. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama said,
"The precious awakening mind of bodhicitta, which cherishes other sentient beings more than oneself, is the pillar of the bodhisattva's practice" - the path of the great vehicle.
"There is no more virtuous mind than bodhicitta. There is no more powerful mind than bodhicitta, there is no more joyous mind than bodhicitta. To accomplish one's own ultimate purpose, the awakening mind is supreme. To accomplish the purpose of all other living beings there is nothing superior to bodhicitta. The awakening mind is the unsurpassable way to accumulate merit. To purify obstacles bodhicitta is supreme. For protection from interferences bodhicitta is supreme. It is the unique and all-encompassing method. Every ordinary and supra-mundane power can be attained through bodhicitta. Thus it is absolutely precious."
Ultimately, bodhicitta in all of its forms is about allowing compassion for others to lead us all to wisdom, by releasing us from the fetters of self-clinging.
List of Bodhisattva Deities in Buddhism:
Since the inception of Lucky Thanka, we have had a vision that one day we will venture into the remotest places of Nepal to find the most indigenous products made by the local communities.
It that time of the year again. Time to bring out the fairy lights, the tree, family gatherings and presents! Wether its the time of Christmas or New Years, Someone's Birthday or any Special Kind of Events, a thangka can be a very precious and meaningful gift as it spreads wisdom and compassion to people alongside it can also be a great decoration painting in your living room too. If you re still stuck on what presents you should buy this year: here something out of the blue. For people who hold great value in your life, why not present something unique as Himalaya Thangka?
They say that handcrafted goodies make great gifts, and Thangka have crossed a milestone in that area. Made with hand, the colors combined, Thangka are different than the oil and acrylic painting. Thangka are art, in the form of storytelling. You can find so many elements in a single Thangka. All these elements, coming to give you that wholesome effect, screaming at you. And the more you look, the more elements you will find. You'd find hidden stories at corners of your home with Thangka. Not only do they add radiant vibes to your living room, they create this ambience where you can have a peace of mind. To say that Thangka are beautiful, is an understatement. Embrace the sophistication that thangka are this holiday and give it someone who means a lot to you. Let them have a piece of history and art and peace in their home.
]]>Buddha has teach the 4 Noble Truth and Eight Fold Path for living in peace and harmony. I think that with proper practice of the Eight fold path in ones life will help to achieve peace of mind and have control over self emotions.
Within the fourth noble truth is found the guide to the end of suffering: the noble eightfold path. The eight parts of the path to liberation are grouped into three essential elements of Buddhist practice—moral conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. The Buddha taught the eightfold path in virtually all his discourses, and his directions are as clear and practical to his followers today as they were when he first gave them.
These eight factors aim at promoting and perfecting the three essentials of Buddhist training and discipline: namely: (a) ethical conduct (sila), (b) mental discipline (samadhi) and (c) wisdom (panna). It will therefore be more helpful for a coherent and better understanding of the eight divisions of the path if we group them and explain them according to these three heads.
Ethical conduct (sila) is built on the vast conception of universal love and compassion for all living beings, on which the Buddha’s teaching is based. It is regrettable that many scholars forget this great ideal of the Buddha’s teaching, and indulge in only dry philosophical and metaphysical divagations when they talk and write about Buddhism. The Buddha gave his teaching for the good of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world.
According to Buddhism, for a man to be perfect there are two qualities that he should develop equally: compassion (karuna) on one side, and wisdom (panna) on the other. Here compassion represents love, charity, kindness, tolerance, and such noble qualities on the emotional side, or qualities of the heart, while wisdom would stand for the intellectual side or the qualities of the mind. If one develops only the emotional, neglecting the intellectual, one may become a good-hearted fool; while to develop only the intellectual side [and] neglecting the emotional may turn one into a hard-hearted intellect without feeling for others. Therefore, to be perfect one has to develop both equally. That is the aim of the Buddhist way of life: in it wisdom and compassion are inseparably linked together, as we shall see later.
Now, in ethical conduct (sila), based on love and compassion, are included three factors of the noble eightfold path: namely, right speech, right action, and right livelihood.
Right speech means abstention (1) from telling lies, (2) from backbiting and slander and talk that may bring about hatred, enmity, disunity, and disharmony among individuals or groups of people, (3) from harsh, rude, impolite, malicious, and abusive language, and (4) from idle, useless, and foolish babble and gossip. When one abstains from these forms of wrong and harmful speech one naturally has to speak the truth, has to use words that are friendly and benevolent, pleasant and gentle, meaningful, and useful. One should not speak carelessly: speech should be at the right time and place. If one cannot say something useful, one should keep noble silence.
Right action aims at promoting moral, honourable, and peaceful conduct. It admonishes us that we should abstain from destroying life, from stealing, from dishonest dealings, from illegitimate sexual intercourse, and that we should also help others to lead a peaceful and honourable life in the right way.
Right livelihood means that one should abstain from making one’s living through a profession that brings harm to others, such as trading in arms and lethal weapons, intoxicating drinks or poisons, killing animals, cheating, etc., and should live by a profession which is honourable, blameless, and innocent of harm to others. One can clearly see here that Buddhism is strongly opposed to any kind of war, when it lays down that trade in arms and lethal weapons is an evil and unjust means of livelihood.
These three factors (right speech, right action, and right livelihood) of the eightfold path constitute ethical conduct. It should be realised that the Buddhist ethical and moral conduct aims at promoting a happy and harmonious life both for the individual and for society. This moral conduct is considered as the indispensable foundation for all higher spiritual attainments. No spiritual development is possible without this moral basis.
Next comes mental discipline, in which are included three other factors of the eightfold path: namely, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. (Nos. 6, 7 and 8 in the list).
Right effort is the energetic will (1) to prevent evil and unwholesome states of mind from arising, and (2) to get rid of such evil and unwholesome states that have already arisen within a man, and also (3) to produce, to cause to arise, good, and wholesome states of mind not yet arisen, and (4) to develop and bring to perfection the good and wholesome states of mind already present in a man.
Right mindfulness is to be diligently aware, mindful, and attentive with regard to (1) the activities of the body (kaya), (2) sensations or feelings (vedana), (3) the activities of the mind (citta) and (4) ideas, thoughts, conceptions, and things (dhamma).
The practice of concentration on breathing (anapanasati) is one of the well-known exercises, connected with the body, for mental development. There are several other ways of developing attentiveness in relation to the body as modes of meditation.
With regard to sensations and feelings, one should be clearly aware of all forms of feelings and sensations, pleasant, unpleasant and neutral, of how they appear and disappear within oneself. Concerning the activities of mind, one should be aware whether one’s mind is lustful or not, given to hatred or not, deluded or not, distracted or concentrated, etc. In this way one should be aware of all movements of mind, how they arise and disappear.
As regards ideas, thoughts, conceptions and things, one should know their nature, how they appear and disappear, how they are developed, how they are suppressed, destroyed, and so on.
These four forms of mental culture or meditation are treated in detail in the Satipatthana Sutta (Setting-up of Mindfulness).
The third and last factor of mental discipline is right concentration, leading to the four stages of Dhyana, generally called trance or recueillement. In the first stage of Dhyana, passionate desires and certain unwholesome thoughts like sensuous lust, ill-will, languor, worry, restlessness, and skeptical doubt are discarded, and feelings of joy and happiness are maintained, along with certain mental activities. Then, in the second stage, all intellectual activities are suppressed, tranquillity, and one-pointedness of mind developed, and the feelings of joy and happiness are still retained. In the third stage, the feeling of joy, which is an active sensation, also disappears, while the disposition of happiness still remains in addition to mindful equanimity. Finally, in the fourth stage of Dhyana, all sensations, even of happiness and unhappiness, of joy and sorrow, disappear, only pure equanimity and awareness remaining.
Thus the mind is trained and disciplined and developed through right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
The remaining two factors, namely right thought and right understanding, constitute wisdom in the noble eightfold path.
Right thought denotes the thoughts of selfless renunciation or detachment, thoughts of love and thoughts of non-violence, which are extended to all beings. It is very interesting and important to note here that thoughts of selfless detachment, love and non-violence are grouped on the side of wisdom. This clearly shows that true wisdom is endowed with these noble qualities, and that all thoughts of selfish desire, ill-will, hatred, and violence are the result of a lack of wisdom in all spheres of life whether individual, social, or political.
Right understanding is the understanding of things as they are, and it is the four noble truths that explain things as they really are. Right understanding therefore is ultimately reduced to the understanding of the four noble truths. This understanding is the highest wisdom which sees the Ultimate Reality. According to Buddhism there are two sorts of understanding. What we generally call understanding is knowledge, an accumulated memory, an intellectual grasping of a subject according to certain given data. This is called knowing accordingly (anubodha). It is not very deep. Real deep understanding or penetration (pativedha) is seeing a thing in its true nature, without name and label. This penetration is possible only when the mind is free from all impurities and is fully developed through meditation.
From this brief account of the noble eightfold path, one may see that it is a way of life to be followed, practiced and developed by each individual. It is self-discipline in body, word, and mind, self-development, and self-purification. It has nothing to do with belief, prayer, worship, or ceremony. In that sense, it has nothing which may popularly be called religious. It is a Path leading to the realisation of Ultimate Reality, to complete freedom, happiness, and peace through moral, spiritual, and intellectual perfection.
]]>Om , Ohm or Aum is a sacred sound that is known generally as the sound of the universe. Om is all encompassing, the essence of ultimate reality, and unifies everything in the universe. The vibrations that the Om sound creates are thought to energize the chakras throughout the body, especially the third eye and crown chakras, which help us connect with our Divine selves.
As Om is regarded as the original sound of consciousness and creation, by chanting its sound, we are physically tuning in to the universe, and creating a spiritual connection to the existence of all things.
When pronounced correctly, Om has four syllables and is pronounced AUM, beginning in the solar plexus and sending vibrations up into the chest. The second syllable U moves the sound up into the throat as the sound moves forward along the upper palate. The third syllable M is a prolonged syllable and brings the vibration through the upper chakras as the teeth come together to touch gently. The final syllable is the deep silence of the Infinite as the overall vibration rises through the body and into the Universe.
There are many reasons why we chant Om at the beginning and ending of a yoga class: Om allows us to separate the time of our practice from the rest of our everyday lives, signifying that our practice time is a sacred time in which we care for ourselves while also practicing mindfulness. There are several other reasons why we Om, such as:
Ultimately, Om connects us to our practice in a deeper way, creating a spiritual bond to our practice that is more than just the physical asanas.
The first mention of Om was in the Upanishads, more specifically the Mandukya Upishad, which is a sacred Hindu text that focuses on the different theories of the Ohm meaning. In this text, it says that Om is imperishable and that it is all states of time, past, present, future, as well as transcending time itself.
These texts are associated with Vedanta, one of the six Hindu philosophies, and the etymological aspects of the Ohm meaning are thoroughly discussed in the oldest Vedantic texts. They regard the meaning of the Om symbol as inexhaustible, infinite language and knowledge, and the essence everything that exists and of life itself.
The syllable OM is an ancient Sanskrit letter first found in the Vedas, originating between 1500 1200 BC. A collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns, they were sung in praise of the Divine. They were not written out at first, but were vibrated into existence using human speech. Teachings on the metaphysics of OM were later elaborated on in the Upanishads, ancient Indian mystical texts. Later, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali categorized the 8 Limbs of Yoga. The sixth of these, Dharana, meaning concentration, described various methods of supporting the mind to achieve single-focused attention. Repeating a mantra, and especially this syllable OM, was an important aspect of accomplishing this sixth stage of yoga, or union with the Divine origins. Anne Dyer, sound yoga expert, in an interview with Rodney Yee, explains that Patanjali taught this: Chant Om and you will attain your goal. If nothing else works, just chant Om.
Both the Om symbol and the Om chant are frequently used around the world today. The meaning of the Om symbol is very powerful and can hold significance because many people can relate to it. The symbol is one of peace, tranquillity and unity and reminds people to slow down and breathe. Thus, the symbol is very popular as a form of jewellery.
Yoga & Meditation - The chant is also widely repeated in Yoga and meditation practices. It is used because the sound, and the vibrations it makes, helps to calm the mind and the central nervous system. Stress can easily build up in our busy day to day lives, so sparing some time to chant and ease the mind can be very helpful and beneficial to our health. The Ohm meaning also signifies unity so when the sound is chanted in a class, it brings the group together.
Chanting is believed to help align the body, mind and the soul, which is why people feel more connected with themselves after meditating and practicing the chant. Between chants, there is a space of silence, which represents the fourth state of being: the absolute state or Turiya.
There are many benefits to chanting Om every day. These include reducing stress levels, improving concentration, regulating your sleep cycle, letting go of negativity and feeling more energised and invigorated.
Similarly the Mantra 'Om' in thangka is widely used specially in the Mandala Thangka Painting. This has the similar meaning what we discussed above. Hence, thangka can be used as a tool for meditation through visualisation. Concentrating on the word OM and using the sound to practice it. Browse our OM Mandala Collection Thangka which can be used for Meditation and it also adds a beautiful decoration space to you Living Room, Office or your meditation altar space.
OM is also sometimes written and pronounced AUM, a prolonging of the individual sounds contained in OM. Each of the three letters, and sounds, corresponds to a different aspect of the divine. The first sound, A, invokes Brahma, the creative aspect. The U sound invokes Vishnu, the preserver. And the M sound, Shiva, represents the destructive aspect of God. So the three sounds in this one syllable remind us of these three aspects of the Divine, without which nothing exists, everything is sustained, and all things dissolve back into the void. After one chants AUM and has taken this journey through the transformation of the cosmos, it is traditional to pause, and sit in silence, and experience that creative void, vibrating with that primordial vibration.
]]>Why is Thangka painting one of the best Handicraft to buy/gift?
A thangka painting is a very special form of art. An original thangka is painted using the colouring of gemstones and is finished with gold. It 's believed that the minerals used to create the painting also give them life. Each painting takes months to complete and the eyes are painted on last since they are believed to be the way into the soul. Once the gods receive their eyes, the painting goes from being an object to being alive and therefore is treated with the utmost respect.
Devotion versus emotion?
An outstanding difference between Traditional Tibetan art and other contemporary art forms is the motivation. Thangka are painted in strict adherence to guidelines, passed down from teacher to student. Devoid of ego, many thangka artists will not sign their pieces, firmly believing their ego should not be present on an image of a Buddha.
Decisions on the environment, or background, are often left to the artist, what they deem most beautiful, or honorific. However, proportions, mudras, implements, positioning, and colouring of the Buddhas and deities are not left open to interpretation.
Images of deities can be used as teaching tools when depicting the life (or lives) of the Buddha.
They describe historical events concerning important Lamas
They often retell myths associated with other deities.
Devotional images act as the centrepiece during a ritual or ceremony and are often used as mediums through which one can offer prayers or make requests.
Overall, and perhaps most importantly, religious art is used as a meditation tool to help bring one further down the path to enlightenment. The Buddhist Vajrayana practitioner uses a Thangka image of their yidam, or meditation deity, as a guide, by visualising themselves as being that deity, thereby internalising the Buddha qualities. Thangka hangs on or beside altars, and may be hung in the bedrooms or offices of monks and other devotees.
Below I have explained about the 8 Auspicious Symbol where these symbols are used in most Thangka paintings. In Buddhism, these eight symbols of good fortune represent the offerings made by the gods to Shakyamuni Buddha immediately after he gained enlightenment. This is just to give you an idea that small details in thangka holds so much of deeper meaning into it and helps the person to be mindful and to live love and compassion. Thus, having a thangka at your place or even giving it as a gift to your loved ones will always be beneficial for good.
This wheel is also called the dharma chakra or the dhamma chakka and is often used to represent Buddha himself. It has also universally become the symbol for Buddhism. The dharma wheel has eight spokes, which represent Buddha 's Eightfold Path.
The three components of the wheel - hub, spokes, and rim - symbolise the three aspects of the Buddhist teachings upon integrities, wisdom, and attentiveness. The central hub represents ethical discipline, which centres and stabilises the mind. The sharp spokes represent wisdom or discriminating awareness, which cuts through ignorance. The rim represents meditative concentration, which both encompasses and facilitates the motion of the wheel. A wheel with a thousand spokes, which emanate like the rays of the sun, represents the thousand activities and teachings of the Buddhas. A wheel with eight spokes symbolises the Buddha 's Eightfold Noble Path, and the transmission of these teachings towards the eight directions.
When four swirls are depicted they are usually coloured to correspond to the four directions and elements, and symbolise the Buddha 's teachings upon the Four Noble Truths. The rim of the wheel may be depicted as a simple circular ring, often with small circular gold embellishments extending towards the eight directions.
The Buddha 's first discourse at the Deer Park in Sarnath, where he first taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Noble Path, is known as his ‘first turning of the wheel of dharma '.
The White Conch Shell
The right coiled white conch denotes deep, melodious, and sonorous sound of the Buddha 's teachings. In Buddhism, our voice does the Buddha 's work. This means that Buddhism is effectively propagated through sharing and dialogue with people.
As disciples of the Buddha, we need to have dialogue about Buddhism with as many people as possible in order for the Law to spread far and wide.
By sharing your joyful experiences as a Buddhist, you create an awareness that will awaken the Buddha-nature in people toward Supreme Perfect Enlightenment.
The Victory Banner
This symbol represents how Buddha won over the demon Mara. This demon, in Buddhism, is synonymous to passion, lust and pride. The Banner of Victory is used to remind people that one must win over their own pride, lust and passions to be able to reach enlightenment.
Similarly the gods elected to place a banner of victory on the summit of Mt. Meru, to honour the Buddha as the ‘Conqueror ' who defeated the armies of Mara.
The Pair of Golden Fish
In older times, the two fish were drawn to symbolise the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers. It has, through interpretation, come to mean luck and fortune. It also means the courage and fearlessness to face the ocean of sufferings and to be able to swim freely like fish through water.
In Buddhism the golden fishes represent happiness and impulsiveness, as they have complete liberty of movement in the water. They epitomise fertility and profusion, as they multiply very rapidly. They embody freedom from the fetters of caste and status, as they mingle and touch readily. Fish often swim in pairs, and in China a pair of fishes symbolise conjugal harmony and loyalty, with a brace of fishes being traditionally given as a wedding present.
The Treasure Vase
A vase can be filled with many different things. The vase, in Buddhism, can mean the showering of health, wealth, prosperity and all the good things that come with enlightenment.
Each of us has "the Treasure Vase” within us because we have the innate capacity as vast as the ocean to embrace the supreme Law of Buddhahood.
The Parasol
The parasol, in other words, an umbrella is a traditional buddhism symbol of royalty and protection from the raging heat of the tropical sun. The coolness of its shade signifies shield from the aching heat of suffering, temptation, hindrances, illnesses, and harmful forces. An umbrella can protect people from the different elements, like the sun or the rain. In this context, a parasol or umbrella can mean protection from suffering and harmful forces. It can also mean the enjoyment of the cool shade it provides.
Just like the Bodhi tree is the sanctuary from which the Buddha attain enlightenment, so is the parasol through which people enjoy the cooling shade of protection from Buddhas and bodhisattvas.
The Endless or Glorious Knot
It depicts the nature of reality where everything is interrelated and only exists as part of a web of karma and its effect. Having no beginning or end, it also represents the infinite wisdom of the Buddha, and the union of empathy and knowledge. Also, it signifies the illusory character of time, and long life as it is endless. This is seen in almost every Buddhist monastery or temple in Tibet.
The lotus flower is an eminent symbol of Buddhism. Most statues and sculptures of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas are portrayed to sit in a meditative posture on a platform of a lotus flower. In fact, Buddhas and bodhisattvas are said to have transformed, or born, from the lotus flower.
The lotus flower denotes truth and purity. In the Lotus Sutra, the white lotus sutra is used as a symbol to denote the Law of Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, which is the ultimate truth of life. Besides, the Buddha expounds the meditation upon Emptiness in The Sutra of Meditation on Bodhisattva Universal Worthy (closing sutra) as a means to purify all spiritual defilements so as to attain complete liberation from suffering.
The blossoming of the lotus flower represents the pinnacle of beauty and abundance in the state of Buddhahood, the unsurpassed state of life.In Buddhist symbolism the lotus is symbolic of purity of the body, speech, and mind as while rooted in the mud, its flowers blossom on long stalks as if floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. It is also symbolic of detachment as drops of water easily slide off its petals.
Thangka Paintings want to communicate a message to the buddhist practitioner or anyone else looking at them. A thangka painting serves as an aid to teaching, as each detail on it has a deep meaning and refers to parts of the Buddhist philosophy. A Buddha painting also helps your Tibetan Buddhist meditations as it shows you how to visualise the deity.
]]>Here in this article I have listed out some of the Famous Buddhist Monastery in Australia:-
1) Great Stupa Of Compassion:-
The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, being built near Bendigo Australia, is 50 metres square at its base and nearly 50 metres high. This makes it the largest stupa in the Western World.
The Great Stupa is the same design and size as the Stupa (Kumbum) in Tibet. The Gyantse Stupa is one of the treasures of the Buddhist world. Professor David L. Snellgrove has said: "The Stupa of Gyantse may well be accounted the chief wonder of the Tibetan Buddhist world in that it records iconographically in its interior practically the whole pantheon of Indo-Tibetan religion up to the time of its construction during the first half of the 15th century.”
Construction of The Great Stupa is estimated to cost around $20 million – not including the cost of artwork. These funds are being raised through donations on an international basis. The Victorian Government has also contributed $2.5 million in regional development funds. Construction is taking place on a progressive basis as funds become available.
2) Nan Tien Temple:
Visit or stay at Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Nan Tien is very different from most tourist attractions because there is so much on offer. The visual delights of grandeur architecture, art and culture including unique exhibitions and festivals, Buddhist festivals, vegetarian culinary delights, educational and healthy lifestyle classes and retreats, accommodation, top class conference and auditorium facilities. There is also the spiritual and religious experience that is unforgettable, and even life changing for some.
Since the opening of the temple in October 1995, it has become a new venue for local and international tourists and also acts as an important cultural centre bridging different cultures.
Fo Guang Buddhism is rooted in the Mahayana tradition which emphasises that Buddhahood is within everyone's potential reach. Fo Guang followers strive to bring Buddhism into daily life and aptly term their faith "Humanistic Buddhism."
3) Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple:
Chung Tian Temple, which means "Middle Heaven”, was constructed in 1992 using traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture – it is situated between Brisbane and Logan, Queensland. Surrounded by nature, the Temple provides a peaceful and culturally beautiful venue for the community to celebrate its multicultural diversity and multi-faith harmony through Humanistic Buddhism.
Chung Tian Temple is located at 1034 Underwood Road, Priestdale, Qld 4127. It is a short walk from bus stops. To plan your journey, visit www.translink.com.au or call TransLink on 13 12 30.
4) Grand Master Lu - Living Buddha Lian Sheng :
Living Buddha Lian-Sheng Sheng-yen Lu is a prominent religious figure, well known and respected throughout SouthEast Asia. As of 2001, over 4 million people have taken refuge in his True Buddha School. With over 300 temples worldwide, the True Buddha School is recognized as one of the major influence in Buddhism today.
Living Buddha Lian-Sheng Sheng-Yen Lu was born in 1945 in Taiwan. In 1982, he settled in the United States to promote and preach Buddhist philosophies to the West. He has since built a Grand Buddhist temple, the Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple, in Redmond Washington and a large retreat center in the Cascade Mountain. Currently Living Buddha Lian-Sheng is residing in Tahiti.
Originally a Christian, Living Buddha Lian-Sheng was twenty-six years old when a profound mystical experience led him to the study of Taoism, Sutrayana, and Tantric Buddhism. After intense training and practice over the period of fourteen years, he became a Master of exceptional accomplishment in these disciplines and achieved Perfect Enlightenment.
Reference:
1) Buddhist Monasteries (article) | Khan Academy
]]>How does it work?
Sound helps us to facilitate shifts in our brainwaves state by using entrainment. Entrainment synchronizes our fluctuating brainwaves by providing a stable frequency which the brainwave can attune to. By using rhythm and frequency, we can entrain our brainwaves and it becomes possible to down- shift our normal beta state (normal waking consciousness) to alpha (relaxed consciousness), and even reach theta (meditative state) and delta (sleep; where internal healing can occur). This same concept is utilized in meditation by regulating the breath, but with sound it’s the frequency that is the agent which influences the shift.
What are brainwaves?
Brain is made up of billions of brain cells called neurons, which use electricity to communicate with each other. The combination of millions of neurons sending signals at once produces a significant amount of electrical activity in the brain, which can be detected using sensitive medical equipment such as an electroencephalogram (EEG).
This electrical activity of the brain is commonly known as a Brainwave pattern, because of its cyclic, ‘wave-like’ nature.
You can train your brain to change your brainwaves by learning meditation and relaxation techniques. However, it can take weeks, and for some people even years to experience the proven and powerful benefits of brainwave entrainment through meditation alone.
There is also a shortcut to getting the best from your brainwaves by using an audio tone known as binaural beats.
Binaural beats effectively entrain and synchronize your brainwaves to enhance any specific brainwave pattern. This allows you to rapidly enter states of relaxation, focus, high-energy, or meditation whenever you want.
What are the benefits of modifying our brainwaves?
In general, we are accustomed to being in the beta brain rhythm. We are in a Beta brainwave pattern when we are consciously alert. It is the default and dominant brainwave for most of us most of the time. We are in Beta when we feel agitated, tense, hurried, pressured, afraid and stressed. The frequencies range from 13 to 60 pulses per second in the Hertz scale.
When we alter our brain rhythm to alpha, we are slowing our brainwaves down. The benefit of this is that we put ourselves in the ideal brain state for optimal performance and super learning.
We become better at analyzing complex situations, learning new information, memorizing data, and performing elaborate tasks,
Some forms of meditation, relaxation exercises, and activities that enable a sense of calm, also naturally create this alpha state.
According to neuroscientists, the effect of decreasing the brain rhythm from beta to alpha via deep relaxation techniques and the use of binaural beats brain entrainment, changes the levels of certain beneficial brain chemicals.
Studies show that alpha states significantly increase beta-endorphin, nor epinephrine and dopamine. These naturally occurring chemicals are linked to feelings of expanded mental clarity and generate an internal environment for new learning and accessing previously learned information. This positive effect lasts for hours and even days.
Entraining your brainwaves can be a highly effective method for personal growth. Different brainwave states will produce different results for you.
The Five Categories of Brainwaves
Beta brain waves
(14 to 30 Hz alert, focused)
Beta is the most common brain wave pattern: Beta brain waves are produced when we are wide awake, alert, and active and engaged in mental activity, usually involving more the rational, reality-oriented left hemisphere of our brain. When beta wave activity becomes very intense, our brain hemispheres become less synchronized. Beta state is required to function properly in your everyday life.
Features and Benefits of a Beta State
NOTE: Excessive Beta brainwaves are also a feature of insomnia
Alpha brainwaves
(8 to 14 Hz relaxed yet aware)
These are lower frequency waves: The state is generated when our thoughts are really not concentrated and our minds wander freely, or we are in a relaxed state such as meditating or daydreaming. We also experience Alpha Brainwaves when we are gently busy with routine tasks like pottering in the garden, taking a shower, putting on makeup, doing light housework. Alpha is considered to be the bridge between the conscious mind and the subconscious mind.
Features and Benefits of an Alpha State
Health benefits include:
Theta brainwaves
(4 to 7.9 Hz deep relaxation,mediatative, twilight state)
Theta brainwave states have been used in meditation for centuries: It is common for people to feel as if they are in a trance, where the mind feels as though it may have gone to sleep although it is conscious of what is happening around it. Theta induces a capacity for prolonged daydreaming, where a loss of time may be experienced.
Theta waves are also conducive to visualisation and creativity and the mind in this very relaxed state is highly receptive to direct suggestion under hypnosis. As with Alpha, in Theta our brain hemispheres are synchronised and we experience whole brain functioning.
Features and benefits of Theta brainwaves
Health benefits of Theta brainwaves
NOTE: Research has proven thirty minutes a day of Theta meditation can dramatically improve a person’s overall health and well-being. Theta meditation has also been known to result in a reduced need for sleep.
Delta brainwaves
(0.1 to 3.5 Hz deep sleep)
This is the slowest band of waves that our brains produce and they occur when we are in deep, dreamless sleep. These waves are very beneficial for the body which restores and heals itself when in this state. The delta state releases anti-aging hormones, including melatonin and DHEA. Human growth hormone (HGH) is another anti-aging hormone that is increased when delta brainwaves are occurring inside the brain, due to the stimulation of the pituitary gland. HGH maintains the skin, bone density, cartilage, and the joints in your body as well as speeds up the healing process of joint and cartilage injuries. HGH can also help heal physical pain.
In healthy amounts, delta brainwaves can also cause a person to have an advanced state of empathy, understanding, and compassion for others.
Delta is the place of deepest relaxation, deepest healing, deepest spiritual connection and deepest connection with the subconscious mind. It is considered to be the gateway to the unconscious mind and the collective unconscious, bringing access to the universal psyche or mind.
Gamma brainwaves
(40Hz or higher: Zen mind mastery)
Gamma brainwave states are the most rapid in frequency. Gamma has long been considered the brainwave that is able to link and process information from all parts of the brain. It is the frequency that brings with it the ability to process large amounts of information in relatively small amounts of time. Think of generating more Gamma activity as getting a processor upgrade for your brain.
Unfortunately, Gamma brainwaves have received the least attention and research, although more attention is currently being paid to them.
Having high amounts of Gamma Brainwave activity has been associated with:
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7 chakra traditional ways of singing bowls therapies and healing vedic
Root chakra – C
Sacral chakra – D
Solar Plexus chakra – E
Heart chakra – F
Throat chakra – G
Third Eye chakra – A
Crown chakra – B
7 chakra traditional ways of sound healing and therapies Tibetan :
Root chakra – F
Sacral chakra – C
Solar Plexus chakra – G
Heart chakra – D
Throat chakra – A
Third Eye chakra – E
Crown chakra – B
so, for root chakra use the mudra touching your index with thumb and chant the mantra lam and use the bowl with C or ‘Do’ note place the bowl in front of yourself and sit down in your comfort position and play the bowl with drum stick and listen to its sound and feel the vibration and chant the mantra ‘Lam’…you can also remember the red color for the root chakra and go on the process for 10-15 minutes…
Same way you can go for second chakra Sacral chakra, use the mudra put your left hand below the navel and put your right hand on the left and and touch your thumb with thumb and chant the mantra vam and use the bowl with D or ‘re’ note place the bowl in front of yourself and sit down in your comfort position and play the bowl with drum stick and listen to it’s sound and feel the vibration and chant the mantra ‘vam’…you can also remember the orange color for the sacral chakra and go on the process for 10-15 minutes…
Same way you can go for third chakra Solar plexus chakra, use the mudra put your hand in Namaste possession above the navel and put your hand in Namaste position and cross your thumb with each other and chant the mantra Ram and use the bowl with E or ‘Me’ note place the bowl in front of yourself and sit down in your comfort position and play the bowl with drum stick and listen to it’s sound and feel the vibration and chant the mantra ‘Ram’…you can also remember the yellow color for the solar plexus chakra and go on the process for 10-15 minutes…
same way you can go for fourth chakra heart chakra, use the mudra like in root chakra put your hand in root chakra possession touching index with thumb right hand bring to heart center in a same position and put right hand in the middle of your chest and touch your thumb with index and chant the mantra Yam and use the bowl with F or ‘Fa’ note place the bowl in front of yourself and sit down in your comfort position and play the bowl with drum stick and listen to it’s sound and feel the vibration and chant the mantra ‘Yam’…you can also remember the green color for the heart chakra and go on the process for 10-15 minutes…
same way you can go for fifth chakra throat chakra, use the mudra crossing your all fingers and touch your thumb with thumb put your hand cross with each other and touch your thumb with thumb and put it near throat chakra center in a same position and put both hand to near throat crossing and touch your thumb with thumb and chant the mantra Ham and use the bowl with G or ‘Sol’ note place the bowl in front of yourself and sit down in your comfort position and play the bowl with drum stick and listen to it’s sound and feel the vibration and chant the mantra ‘Ham’…you can also remember the Blue color for the throat chakra and go on the process for 10-15 minutes…
same way you can go for sixth chakra heart chakra, use the mudra touching middle finger with middle finger and fold other finger and touch your thumb with thumb put your hand in solar plexus chakra possession touching middle finger with middle finger and folding all other finger and touch your thumb with thumb and put both hand in the middle of your solar plexus chakra and chant the mantra Aum and use the bowl with A or ‘La’ note place the bowl in front of yourself and sit down in your comfort position and play the bowl with drum stick and listen to it’s sound and feel the vibration and chant the mantra ‘Aum’…you can also remember the indigo(dark blue) color for the heart chakra and go on the process for 10-15 minutes…
same way you can go for seventh chakra crown chakra, use the mudra crossing your all fingers and folding them together just touch your small finger with small finger put your hand in solar plexus chakra in same possession touching small singer with small finger all other finger crossing with each others in a same position and chant the mantra Aung and use the bowl with B or ‘Si’ note place the bowl in front of yourself and sit down in your comfort position and play the bowl with drum stick and listen to it’s sound and feel the vibration and chant the mantra ‘Aung’…you can also remember the Violet color for the Crown chakra and go on the process for 10-15 minutes…
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A special effect can be produced by adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the singing bowl. The sound produced using this technique sound like dolphins singing!
The amount of water to use varies with the individual bowl. Start by pouring about 3/4" of water into the bowl. Be careful NOT to get the outside rim of the bowl wet.
Experiment with the amount of water used. Usually the best effect is produced with a minimum amount of water.
Sound and vibration massage is all about work or act on the body with the use of healing bowls. Though, the healing bowls especially creates vibration and then it creates sound. This therapy is designed for relaxing the body and for the relief of pains like knee pain, hip pain, back pain, shoulder pain.
The word Pancha hava derived from Sanskrit literally pancha means five and Hava means elements (earth, water, fire, air and sky or ether) so this therapy is all about balancing the five elements and harmonizing and resonating with the Havas. As we know well the whole universe is a play of 5 elements and so do is the human body. And this therapy is all balancing the 5 elements using the 7 tones singing bowls in each chakra with placing the bowls in body
]]>The singing bowls are a beauty to behold. Both the look and the sound of singing bowls bring powerful energy to one's home. Centering, healing and purifying - these are just a few of the powers of the mysterious singing bowl. If you've never heard a singing bowl, you owe yourself to try one!
The use of singing bowls is very similar to the use of bells (singing bowls are considered a type of bell).
The openness of the bowl brings an additional quality of energy to its use as and in many cases, the use of singing bowls is more powerful than the use of bells.
There are 3 basic ways the singing bowls can be used for are as follow :-
Once you find the best way of using your singing bowl - by gently striking the bowl then rubbing the mallet in a circular motion against the rim of the bowl - you will enjoy the most beautiful pure resonance in your space and in your body.
The song of the singing bowl will heal not only the energy in your home, but also your own personal energy.
Calm yourself, relax and let it do its healing.
After all, it has been doing just that for thousands of years.
Each bowl has a second sound. That second is with a ringing stick, teasing out individual tones. Surprised how some of have been able to use the sound to discern that a bowl has a special resonance with another sets.
Maybe you don’t want to do the deep dive into dozens of singing bowls when you specials take care of the selection.
Maybe you’ve looked and aren’t sure or haven’t found exactly the right bowl. Please have great success matching bowls. Check out some of the from
All kinds tuning into their healing capabilities and learning how to use Tibetan bowls these days. I routinely get these two questions: “How do I choose a good bowl” and “How do I know which bowl is good for a specific chakra.” People also call to obtain a bowl with a certain musical note. Choosing a good bowl requires paying attention and feeling to it.
Lucky Thanka is one of the best Singing Bowl Wholesaler from Nepal. All our Singing bowls comes directly from the artist of Nepal. Purely hand beaten and crafted with great care.
Get educated about the look and sound of a good Tibetan bowl by learning knowledge. It takes a trained eye and ears. There are several signs in a bowl including its shape, markings inside and out, thickness of the metal, especially on the bottom and the tone. Also, not all bowls are good bowls. Tone, vibration, harmonics, awaken-ness, warmth and longevity of sound all come into play. Bowls were made in a variety of regions and their shape and markings are telling. Some of the bowls have consciousness transformation as their primary intention, and some have physical healing. This can be determined by their shape.
In Asia, a good and trustworthy best bowls.
Determine what you will use the bowl for: meditation, grounding, and physical healing. Do you want to integrate a few bowls into an existent modality, use them with other instruments in a musical vein or become a sound healer? Do you wish to use them in yoga classes for relaxation at the end? Are you a nurse and want to use them with patients during your rounds? Is this a way for you to call meetings to order in the corporate setting? The answers to these questions will impact your choices. It’s a good idea to know what you will use them for before you purchase. Collecting bowls is also an organic process. If you obtain one good quality bowl and take the time to play it until you know its many possible voices and tones, obtaining others are a matter of choosing those that harmonize easily with the first one in the context used. There are many types of mallets—wood, suede-covered, felt-covered—and each is available in fat or thin, heavy and light versions. Each mallet will produce a different sound from the bowl when properly used. Remember that both the bowls and the mallets need “breaking in time” and that can only happen with playing them. The more you play, the richer the sounds you will hear. Just like any other instrument, the bowls respond differently when the metals are warmed up. As the mallets develop grooves and texture they will also produce richer texture of sound from the bowls.
A bowl should hold its vibration and linger for some time when struck, producing several layers of tones, overlaying harmonics and overtones. If the vibration and the volume of a bowl flutter away quickly, it’s not of high quality. Equally, if it has a singular tone or sounds tinny, it’s also of substandard quality. Always strike a bowl with the padded portion of a stick rather than wood or suede to produce a soft expansive sound.
When you “sing” a bowl (rub the rim with the wooden or leather part of a stick) there are several things to consider. How “awake” the bowl is: some bowls sing right away, and some need to be played for a while and “broken back in.” This is neither good nor bad, but it’s important to know so you don’t dismiss a potentially great instrument just because it doesn’t sing right away. Remember also that you can never “get” a bowl to sing; you can only invite the sound and wait for it attends. When you hear a bowl, listen to your body. If it opens your heart, or moves you deeply in some manner; if you feel tingling all over, or the tone directly impacts one area of your body or grounds you, these are all good signs. Bowls were created for consciousness transformation and healing. You should feel their effect on you.
If you have more than one bowl then it is good to play them together so that their tones harmonize. Eventually, they will anyway, because that is their nature and magic. But why not help the process by starting with bowls that sound great together right away? Note that with several bowls, playing them in one pattern may sound very good and in another pattern may not!
How a bowl looks is part of the selection process. Its size, shape and personality should attract you. Since there are many types of bowls, each with its own history and shape, it’s a good idea to spend some time just looking to see if there is one that attracts you more than the others. When you place it in your hand it should feel wonderful, as if it belongs there. It should not be too heavy for you or too small for the size of your hands. There are some bowls that have deep hammer marks and some that have a shiny patina. Some have Sanskrit mantras and others have symbols inscribed on them. All of these things should be taken into consideration when you seek a bowl.
In the West we work with seven chakras. The Tibetans work with five regions of the body. The bowls were created to bring us back to our interrelationship with all things; thus they are not calibrated to work on any one chakra to the exclusion of the rest. Their very nature encompasses our wholeness. In this way they are very different instruments to their western counterparts—tuning forks and crystal bowls. There are some bowls, however, whose tone and size lend them more naturally to certain areas of the body (i.e. lower tones for grounding, largest bowls next to the feet; soothing mid tones around the head; and higher tones and small bowls over the 3rd eye). Bowls on the heart, solar plexus and sacrum are good to have in a descending tonal pattern from heart to sacrum. Every bowl will also respond to intention. Having many bowls is wonderful but understands that even if you have only ONE bowl, it will impact all of you, and not just one chakra.
In the west, we are preoccupied with assigning a certain note to a certain area of the body. This works well with some modalities but since the Tibetan bowls produce harmonics, and since they are created to reflect wholeness, it’s not necessary to choose a bowl for its note. This does not dismiss the more western approach of choosing specific bowls for their notes and correspondences to area of the body.
Where to Start: Hold the bowl in your palm with the wooden dowel, rub the outside rim in a circular motion slowly and gently increase the speed as the bowl begins to vibration.
Individual singing bowls often have a direct appeal to the heart, and whatever your objective criteria might be in your quest for a bowl, there may well be one that already has your name on it! Always leave the final decision to your intuition. Some bowls you just fall in love with!
Lucky Thanka is now in Sydney, Australia being one of the best Singing Bowl seller. Visit us by appointment in AUSTRALIA to view the best collection.
]]>Tuning in to which Tibetan singing bowl to buy involves some self discovery, a bit of education and a journey into the wide range of choices available.
The best way to choose singing bowl is to fall in love with the sound. That feeling is a measure of your affinity with the vibrations coming out of the instrument. There are many different sounds available in the high quality singing bowls for sale and you may find you have a preference for tones in a specific range. That is the self discovery part, feeling the resonance between you and a bowl’s soundscape an overview of all the different styles, sizes and shapes along with the range of tones for each. In that most essential area, sound, Best Singing Bowls has you covered. All the singing bowls for sale have the quality of their sound and internal harmony. Singing bowls range over five octaves so you have quite a bit of choice high to low.
Along with the sound you are going to get a unique beautiful looking object. Do you want a small or large singing bowl, one with ancient patina or a bright cleaned surface? Some antique singing bowls have inscriptions or extensive markings. Virtually all the bowls have some amount of incuse (carved in) workmanship. Bowls can be well-worn or crisp.
Virtually all the antique singing bowls entering the market today are sourced from remote Himalayan villages by sponsored collectors working on behalf of a few specialist Tibetan bowl dealers in Kathmandu, Nepal. The dealers, almost exclusively Tibetans, sort the bowls according to size, quality and type and wholesale or retail them according to their sound quality, condition, age and rarity. Singing bowl dealers rarely deal directly with the public as their business focus is on the wholesale and export market. Inferior bowls are sold by weight, while specimen bowls are priced individually and set aside for established international bowl specialists and collectors…all of which makes it rather difficult, if not impossible, for ordinary members of the public to find top quality bowls at source for themselves!
Kathmandu remains the main gateway for singing bowl exports to the West, and the best place to buy singing bowls. If you should decide to visit Nepal and source your bowls in person I suggest you avoid buying from market stalls or gift shops, and instead try to seek out a specialist Tibetan antique dealer and be prepared to pay a premium price for a premium product. This will almost certainly be more than you expect, but if you buy wisely it will still represent excellent value. Your prospects for a successful trip will be greatly enhanced if you do a little homework and appear knowledgeable and bowl-savvy when negotiating a purchase.
At Lucky Thanka all the bowls goes through quality check of the sound so that you don't have the extra hassle choosing the bowl.
Do you know that we are here in Sydney, Australia now! You can feel free to visit our small gallery in Sydney where we have the collection of Best Tibetan handmade Singing Bowl. Visit us only with appointment at the address below: -
Lucky Thanka, Australia
Edward Street, Macquarie Fields,
NSW, Sydney, 2564
Australia
Call us at: +610449200821
For Fast inquiry:
Email us at: info@luckythanka.com
1] Hold the base of the bowl in the palm of your hand or on your fingertips. do not to touch the side of the bowl as to do so will affect the vibrations.
2] Till the bowl towards you at a slight angle. This helps you to move your hand around the bowl more easily.
3] Hold the mallet supplied with your bowl from the top with the fingertips pointing downwards. Ensure that each finger is touching the mallet. Have a firm, but not too tight, grip.
4] To warm up the bowl ready for play, strike the mallet gently against the side.
5] Keep your wrist straight. When playing your singing bowl, it is important that your wrist is kept straight at all times; let your arm do the work.
6] Now, rotate the base of the mallet slowly around the rim of the bowl. The singing from the bowl will gradually become louder.
7] Keep playing the bowl with an even pressure and a constant speed. If you play your bowl too fast you will hear some friction ('clinking') between the bowl and mallet which will be a sign that you need to slow down.
8] When you have finished playing remove the mallet from the side of the bowl. If you have played long enough the bowl should continue to sing for a time.
For any Beginners choose this Singing Bowl to start your sound healing journey.
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