Prayer wheels at Nechung Chok, Lhasa

The unavoidable Tibetan Buddhist ritual implements

EN English English

Tibetan Buddhism, in the form of Vajrayana ritual, provides a critical set of techniques for dealing with everyday life.

Tibetans came to see these techniques as vital for their prosperity in this life.

Tibetan Buddhism rituals

Tibetan Buddhism rituals are generally more elaborate than in other forms of Buddhism, with complex altar arrangements and works of art (such as and ), many ritual objects, hand gestures (mudra), chants, and musical instruments.

A special kind of ritual called an initiation or empowerment (Sanskrit: Abhiseka, Tibetan: Wangkur) is central to Tantric practice.

These rituals consecrate a practitioner into a particular Tantric practice associated with individual mandalas of deities and . Without having gone through initiation, one is generally not allowed to practice the higher Tantras.

Tibetan Buddhism ritual implements

This is a list of the most used Tibetan Buddhist ritual implements.

Thangka

Thangka is an art. A thangka is a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton, silk applique, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala. Thangkas are traditionally kept unframed and rolled up when not on display, mounted on a textile backing somewhat in the style of Chinese scroll paintings, with a further silk cover on the front.

Thangka is an art. A thangka is a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton, silk applique, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala. Thangkas are traditionally kept unframed and rolled up when not on display, mounted on a textile backing somewhat in the style of Chinese scroll paintings, with a further silk cover on the front.

Mandala

A mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the universe. In common use, “mandala” has become a generic term for any diagram, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a microcosm of the universe.

A mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the universe. In common use, “mandala” has become a generic term for any diagram, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a microcosm of the universe.

Vajra

is a ritual scepter symbolizing compassion and skillful means, and also a symbol of indestructibility.

In tantric rituals, the vajra is the necessary counterpart of the bell, which symbolizes the wisdom of emptiness.

Vajra and bell are a set where both have the same number of spokes. Their number varies from one to one thousand, yet the most commonly known are the five-spoked ones called “Samaya vajra and bell” and the nine spoked called “wisdom vajra and bells”.

The size of the vajra can vary from 4 inches to twenty, and the bell should be in proportion.

Prayer flag

A is a colorful rectangular cloth, often found strung along trails and peaks high in the Himalayas. They are used to bless the surrounding countryside and for other purposes. Prayer flags are believed to have originated with Bon. In Bon, shamanistic Bonpo used primary-colored plain flags in Tibet. Traditional prayer flags include woodblock-printed text and images.

Prayer wheel

A is a cylindrical wheel on a spindle made from metal, wood, stone, leather or coarse cotton. Traditionally, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is written in Newari language of Nepal, on the outside of the wheel. Also sometimes depicted are Dakinis, Protectors and very often the 8 auspicious symbols Ashtamangala. At the core of the cylinder is a “Life Tree” often made of wood or metal with certain mantras written on or wrapped around it. Many thousands of mantras are then wrapped around this life tree. The Mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is most commonly used, but other mantras may be used as well. According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition based on the lineage texts regarding prayer wheels, spinning such a wheel will have much the same meritorious effect as orally reciting the prayers.

Kapala

A or skullcup is a cup made from a human skull and used as a ritual implement (bowl) in both Hindu Tantra and Buddhist Tantra (Vajrayana). Especially in Tibet, they are often carved or elaborately mounted with precious metals and jewels.

Phurba

The or kīla is a three-sided peg, stake, knife, or nail-like ritual implement traditionally associated with Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, Bön, and Indian Vedic traditions.

Dhvaja

, meaning banner or flag, is composed of the Ashtamangala, the “eight auspicious symbols.”

Khata

A or khatag(Tibetan: ཁ་བཏགས་ ; Dzongkha: དར་, Dhar, Mongolian : ᠬᠠᠳᠠᠭ / Mongolian: хадаг / IPA: [χɑtɑk], khadag or hatag, Nepali: खतक khada, Chinese 哈達/哈达; pinyin: hādá/hǎdá) is a traditional ceremonial scarf in tengrism and Tibetan Buddhism. It originated in Tibetan culture and is common in cultures and countries where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced or has strong influence.

Applique Thangkas

are made of silk, either by appliqué or embroidery.

During some festivals, giant applique thangkas are designed to be unrolled against a wall in a monastery for particular religious occasions

Kartika (knife)

A kartika is a small, crescent-shaped hand-held ritual flaying knife used in the tantric ceremonies of Vajrayana Buddhism. The kartika is said to be “one of the quintessential attributes of the wrathful Tantric deities.” It is commonly known as the “knife of the dakinis.”

Chutor

is a type of water offering to Dzambhala, the god of wealth, is the Tibetan Ritual Set for Water Offering.

Mani stone

are stone plates, rocks and/or pebbles, inscribed with the six syllabled mantra of Avalokiteshvara, as a form of prayer in Tibetan Buddhism. The term Mani stone may also be used in a loose sense to refer to stones on which any mantra or devotional designs are inscribed. Mani stones are intentionally placed along the roadsides and rivers or placed together to form mounds or cairns or sometimes long walls, as an offering to spirits of place or genius loci. Creating and carving mani stones as devotional or intentional process art is a traditional sadhana of piety to yidam. Mani stones are a form of devotional cintamani.

Leave a Reply

Related posts

Exploring the teachings of Buddhist Sutras through the 84000 project

Exploring the teachings of Buddhist Sutras through the 84000 project

The 84000 project is a significant endeavor in making accessible through meticulous translation and scholarly annotation. Rooted in a deep academic approach, it offers invaluable insights into the diverse of , focusing on texts that span various traditions and themes essential to both novice practitioners and advanced scholars alike. Academic Rigor and Methodology One of the distinctive features of 84000 is its rigorous methodology in translation. Unlike many other projects, it places a strong .
Lukhang Temple mural depicting Dzogchen anuyoga practices such as tummo which work with the subtle body channels

List of well-known Dzogchen Teachers

In the realm of contemporary Dogzen teachers, a diverse array of masters and practitioners offer profound teachings and guidance worldwide. Introduction to Dzogchen Teachings Dzogchen, often referred to as the "Great Perfection," is a profound teaching and meditation practice within Tibetan Buddhism. It emphasizes direct realization of one's true nature, known as rigpa, beyond conceptual frameworks and intellectual understanding. Considered the pinnacle of spiritual attainment, Dzogchen teaches that every being possesses intrinsic wisdom and purity, which can be .

Origin of Yoga and its connection with Buddhism

Nowadays, you can find classes in nearly every city, and there are numerous online platforms that facilitate practicing yoga at home. Yoga involves a combination of physical postures and breath , which can be either static or flowing, slow or fast. Historical origins of Yoga It is essential to understand the core and purpose of yoga and its historical origins. This offers valuable insights into the cultural context during which the lived and .

The 25 disciples of Padmasambhava

The 25 disciples of Padmasambhava also called as Guru Rinpoche were instrumental in the spread of Buddha's teachings throughout Tibet. They emerged as masters, having achieved great wisdom, understanding, and success. These Mahasiddhas are believed to have special future incarnations due to their connection with Padmasambhava's terma treasures. To this day, these disciples continue to be reborn as Tertons, imparting the teachings of Padmasambhava in a contemporary and authentic way to new .
Kuījī, also known as Ji, an exponent of Yogācāra, was a Chinese monk and a prominent disciple of Xuanzang. His posthumous name was Cí'ēn dàshī, The Great Teacher of Cien Monastery, after the Daci'en Temple or Great Monastery of Compassionate Grace, which was located in Chang'an, the main capital of the Tang Dynasty. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda was built in Daci'en Temple in 652. According to biographies, he was sent to the imperial translation bureau headed by Xuanzang, from whom he later would learn Sanskrit, Abhidharma, and Yogācāra.

The nature of reality, consciousness and compassion

Imagine you're in a room filled with , each reflecting a slightly different version of yourself. As you look around, it's challenging to determine which reflection is the real "you". Are you the image closest to the mirror's surface, or is the true "you" hidden within the depths of the glass? This intriguing scenario mirrors a fundamental philosophical question that has puzzled scholars and thinkers for centuries: the nature of reality and . The 's .

108 Verses Praising Great Compassion By Lama Lobsang Tayang

This translation of 108 Verses Praising is of the renowned Lobsang Tayang's . He was a highly esteemed interpreter of the Gelugpa tradition, and his writings cover a wide range of literature, , logic and . About Lama Lobsang Tayang was born in 1867 in the Gobi desert, was renowned for his vast of . He was compared to the Indian pandit Ashvagosha, author of the “50 Verses .
Tara (Buddhist Deity) - (Atisha, 21 Taras)

Renowned female Buddhist spiritual leaders

The rise of Buddhism in the world has provided women with a chance to take on new roles in the Buddhist tradition. Women have become more involved in movements to restore the ordination lineages for nuns in the Theravada and Vajrayana traditions. This has been a major part of the transformation of Buddhism globally, as women are now seen more often as practitioners and teachers. While Asian Buddhist women have already made their mark in Buddhist history, .
Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu explaining the two truths within Buddhist philosophy

The two truths within Buddhist philosophy

In this video asserts that the taught two aspects of reality: the conceptual and the ultimate. The conceptual aspect involves using language and concepts to help people understand reality, such as using the concepts of self or existence. The ultimate aspect, however, refers to the true nature of reality, which according to Yuttadhammo, is the world as we experience it. Yuttadhammo believes that this can help individuals understand and manage .
Acarya Bhavaviveka converting a nonbeliever to buddhism

Bhāviveka – The founder of the Svātantrika tradition of the Mādhyamaka school

, also known as Bhavya or Bhāvaviveka, was a 6th century . In , Bhāviveka is considered the founder of the Svātantrika tradition of the Mādhyamaka school, which is considered to be an antagonist of the Prāsaṅgika Madhyamaka. The Madhyamaka school The Madhyamaka school, also known as the "" school, is a major tradition within Indian . The Madhyamaka , as propounded by the Indian Nāgārjuna in the 2nd century, asserts .