All posts by sadiksha • Mandalas Life

About sadiksha

Namaste! I am a Nepali Art Dealer specialized in Mandala and Thangka paintings. I love to write articles about the monastic culture of the Himalayas.

108 Verses Praising Great Compassion By Lama Lobsang Tayang

Aug

2023

Avalokiteśvara, Dharma, Vajrayāna sadiksha

This translation of 108 Verses Praising is of the renowned Mongolian Lama Lobsang Tayang's work. He was a highly esteemed interpreter of the Gelugpa tradition, and his writings cover a wide range of Tibetan literature, Tantra, logic and philosophy. About Lama Lobsang Tayang Geshe Lobsang Tayang was born in 1867 in the Gobi desert, was renowned for his vast knowledge of Buddhism. He was compared to the Indian pandit Ashvagosha, author of the “50 Verses .

Tibetan Gau boxes & Amulets

Jan

2023

Design, Handicrafts sadiksha

Ga'u or Gawu is a ritual item also known as amulet box. Gau are portable shrines generally made from hand hammered metals. The purpose and function of an amulet box is for general protection and protection when traveling. Amulet boxes are also commonly used to store all manner of sacred materials such as small texts, blessing cords, consecrated medicine, relics, and the like. Types of Tibetan Gau Box Tibetan Gau boxs can be categorized according to their size, .

Namkhai Nyingpo Thangka Painting from 19th century

19th century Painting of Namkhai Nyingpo

Oct

2022

Art, Himalayan Art, Thangka, Tibetan paintings sadiksha

Namkha'i Nyingpo one of the twenty-five disciples of Padmasambhava, is depicted with long-life ritual implements. Other details of this nineteenth-century painting from Kham suggest elements from Jamgon Kongtrul's story of Namkhai Nyingpo and Dorje Tso. Namkhai Nyingpo is performing a long-life ritual in this Thangka Painting. He holds upraised in the right hand an arrow of longevity and a vajra scepter. In the left hand, a bell is held close to the heart. In the sky above, at the .

The Tantric Phurba – A protective ritual dagger

Sep

2022

Tantrism, Vajrayāna sadiksha

The phurba is a ritual dagger used in Tantric practices. It is used to protect against negative energies and to promote positive change. The phurba is not to be used for violence or harm, and should only be used for ritual purposes. It is a powerful tool for protection and should be used with care and respect. Origin of Phurba in Tibet The renowned Buddhist master Padmasambhava, who was initiated by the Indian sage Prabhahastin, is said .

Worldly Protector Tsangpa Karpo

May

2022

Art, Himalayan Art, Mahāyāna, Thangka, Vajrayāna sadiksha

Tsangpa Karpo is a wrathful worldly protector of Tibet. Tsangpa Karpo was a dynasty that dominated large parts of Tibet from 1565 to 1642. It was the last Tibetan royal dynasty to rule in its own name. The regime of Tsangpa Karpo was founded by Karma Tseten, a low-born retainer of the prince of the Rinpungpa Dynasty and governor of Shigatse in Tsang (West-Central Tibet) since 1548. Tsangpa is known as gTsang pa in Tibet. Iconography of .

32 Physical characteristics of the Buddha

Apr

2022

Buddhas, Dharma sadiksha

Buddha attained parinirvana almost two thousand and five hundred years ago. Those who lived during the era of the Dharma's end did not have the opportunity to see his golden face and physical characteristics up close. The main characteristics that were visible at first glance and the secondary characteristics invisible but which aroused in every man sympathy and the pleasure. It is mentioned in the canonical texts that Buddha has thirty-two main characteristics and eighty .

The 8 Stupas in Buddhism

Mar

2022

Monuments, Stupas sadiksha

The 8 Stupas in Buddhism are different with each other and represents an important event in Buddha Shakyamuni's life. In his Astamahasthanacaitya-stotras, Nagarjuna connects the eight Stupas to specific events and places in the Buddha's life. Chorten, Chaitya or Stupa (མཆོད་རྟེན་དཀར་པོ།) is an important religious monument in Buddhism, symbolizing Buddha’s presence. It also holds precious Buddhist relics and sometimes even preserved bodies of renowned lamas. Tibetans believe that performing Koras of the monument is an .

Peaceful and Wrathful Vajrapani in Arts

Dec

2021

Art, Himalayan Art, Mahāyāna, Vajrapani sadiksha

ne of Mahayana Buddhism's first bodhisattvas. He is the Buddha's defender and adviser, and he rose to represent the Buddha's might. .

All about Applique Thangkas

Sep

2021

Art, Handicrafts sadiksha

Applique Thangkas is Known as göchen thangka in Tibet. The Huns of Central Asia were the first to use applique to decorate saddle blankets. It traveled eastward along the Silk Road, and Tibetans accepted it as a holy art form. Fabric thangkas were created in the 15th century utilizing an indigenous applique method. These thangkas, which are lavishly embroidered and appliqued, immediately became popular in Tibet. Because of its excellent quality materials, durability, suppleness, and potential .

Akshobhya and Shakyamuni Buddha Comparisons

Jul

2021

Bodhisattvas, Dharma, Mahāyāna, Symbols sadiksha

Shakyamuni Buddha and Akshobhya Buddha are both important figures in Buddhism. Both are considered to be enlightened Buddhas who have achieved enlightenment and are revered as teachers of the Dharma. The main similarity between Shakyamuni Buddha and Akshobhya Buddha is that they both represent the same core teachings of Buddhism. They both emphasize the importance of meditation, mindfulness, and compassion in achieving enlightenment. Upon initial inspection, Shakyamuni Buddha and Akshobhya Buddha may appear to be alike; .