As mentioned in the sutras, the ‘seven royal treasures’—precious wheel, jewel, queen, minister, elephant, horse and general—are said to be the virtuous, extraordinary symbols of those elements that feature in the reign of a ‘universal emperor’ (Skt. Chakravartin). They indicate the power to conquer all regions and signify the incomparable quality of noble beings in achieving the prosperity of all…
Generally, cham (ritual dance) falls under the drama category of the ten distinctive arts of Tibetan Buddhism. In a broader sense, it is an art of dancing according to the sound of cymbals, drums, trumpets or other instruments. However, ritual dances are related to gar-thig-yang sum (dance, drawing mandalas, and ritual melodies). It is defined as a spiritual art of…
What are known as the “five offerings” in Tibetan is choepa-na-nga. They comprise one of the “seven practices” and provide a method for accumulating merit and reducing attachment towards worldly pleasure. Though making offerings can be classified into many subdivisions, here it is classified into five: the offering of flowers, incense, butter lamps, scented water, and ritual cakes (direct translation…
VAJRA Vajra (Tib. dorje) is defined as the non-conceptual and exalted wisdom of all the buddhas of the three times. In essence, all phenomena are empty of inherent existence, and their origin and their existence are indistinguishable. Hence, the vajra is indestructible in its nature. The literal meaning of vajra is ‘diamond’, which is uncuttable, unbreakable, solid, and stable, as…
Ghanti is a Sanskrit word that refers to any instrument that is used to ring. Anything that we use as a bell is termed a ghanti in general. Moreover, according to the vinaya context, it is the wooden block instrument that gathers the sangha whenever they have to attend the ‘three fundamental practices’ and other monastic activities. There are four…
The practice of building stupas in sets of eight goes back to a tradition that was first started during and just after the time of the Buddha. When Buddha Shakyamuni displayed many extraordinary deeds in various places, devoted laypeople residing in those respective places built stupas to commemorate them. They have different structures to symbolise the significance of the deeds…
The mandala, which literally means ‘circle’ in Sanskrit, has many purposes in different spiritual traditions. According to the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, there are two aspects where the name mandala is applied, based upon its literal presentation and its symbolic significance. These two aspects are the representation of a palace of a meditational deity and that which represents a mode…
Tibet is a country known for its beautiful landscape, pristine natural environment, rich culture and unique traditions. In Tibet, people are more inclined towards spiritual accomplishment than fulfilling their own desires. This habitual pattern in the Tibetans has contributed to the forming of their culture. Since the country is bound by age-old customs, Tibetan people have different ideas and beliefs…
The descriptions of rosary are divided into the following eight sections: The origin of rosaryThe enumerationThe rosary stringThe mode to string the rosaryThe counter beads of rosaryThe blessingThe counting methodThe samaya The origin of rosary The origin of rosary can be divided into four categories: I. Identity II. Etymology III. Category IV. Purpose I. The identity of rosaryThe lamp of…
Origination The Indian Sutras, written on cloth were transmitted to other regions of the world. These sutras, written on banners, were the origin of prayer flags. Legend ascribes the origin of prayer flag to Shakyamuni Buddha, whose prayers were written on battle flags used by the devas against their adversaries, the asuras. The legend may have given the Indian bhikku a reason for carrying the heavenly banner…
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