Embodied Philosophy
About Ancient
Glorisun Global Buddhist Network
Book Culture in Buddhism and Beyond
22
Nov
2023
The Buddho Foundation
The Ancient Town of Panauti and its Heritage
Panauti is one of the oldest towns in Nepal situated at the confluence of the two rivers Punyamata and Rosi. Legend has it that a third invisible river also meets with the two rivers, making it a Triveni (a scared place where three rivers meet). Many believe Panauti was named after the Punyamata river. Moreover, Panauti has been called by different names throughout history like Punyawati, Punyamatinagar, Panchal desh, Punanti and Palaati.
The Ancient Town
The .
The Patronage of Buddhism and Jainism by Ancient Indian Dynasties
Different dynasties, such as the Maurya, Satavahanas, Western Satraps, and Kushans, supported Buddhism and Jainism by building large architectural monuments such as stupas and cave complexes during their reign.
The Maurya dynasty, which existed in ancient India, was known for patronizing both Jainism and Buddhism, as well as supporting the construction of large cave complexes, stupas, and other architectural monuments. These structures were used by monastic orders during the rainy season.
After the decline of the .
Origin of Yoga and its connection with Buddhism
Nowadays, you can find yoga 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 work, which can be either static or flowing, slow or fast.
Historical origins of Yoga
It is essential to understand the core essence and purpose of yoga and its historical origins.
This history offers valuable insights into the cultural context during which the Buddha lived and .
The Spiritual Athlete’s Path to Enlightenment
Throughout this world, there are many mysterious and amazing feats that can be found. People are capable of doing most incredible things that we have never deemed possible.
Only by truly believing in ourselves can we accomplish what were thought as impossible goals.
Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei
In Mount Hiei of Japan, there can be found a small group of monks who live in a monastery and can accomplish many remarkable challenges. This mountain had .
The Tibetan Lung-gom-pa runners
Lung-gom-pa is an esoteric skill in Tibetan Buddhism that is believed to enable practitioners to run for extended periods of time without tiring.
This technique is similar to those used by Kaihōgyō monks in Japan and practitioners of Shugendō.
Like so much about Tibet, Lung-gom-pa running remains something of an enigma.
Enlightenment through physical endurance
Lung-gom-pa, also known as "tibetan marathon runners," is a form of spiritual training within Tibetan Buddhism.
This practice involves intensive spiritual training, .
The Sheshnaryan Temple & Rigzin Drubte Ghatshal Monastery
In the same complex, close to the the Sheshnarayan Temple is the oldest monastery in Pharping, Rigzin Drubte Ghatshal Monastery. It is a great example of religious and cultural pluralism in Nepal.
A God, a King and a prophetic vision
Lord Vishnu is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. He is part of the holy trinity that consists of three gods — Brahma, the creator, Shiva, the god of destruction and Vishnu who is responsible .
Ram Mandir and the legend of Battisputali
There were 32 scupltures of fairies placed inside the inner walls of Ram Mandir which led to the place being called Battisputali (32 fairies with butterfly wings). There is an enthralling story behind the fairies installed here.
The ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana written by Valmiki has captivated people from all over the world for centuries. Lord Ram is believed to be the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is worshipped by Hindus from all over .
The Tales of Padmapani Lokeshwar, Sankata and the Mahankal Bhairava
King Narendra Deva along with the tantric priest, Bandudatta and a local farmer, Lalit travelled all the way to Assam, to bring Padmapani Lokeshwar to Kathmandu but since they faced a lot of "sankat" (dangers) along the way, the priest Bandudatta summoned Sankata, the "deity who removes dangers".
In ancient Nepal, stories about gods and goddesses have existed from the beginning of time and they were an important part of everyday life.
They elaborated everything from .
Itum Bahal and the Legend of the Demon Guru Mapa
There are innumerable monasteries in Nepal where Buddhist teachings are passed on from one generation to the next. The presence of many ancient stupas, Buddhist temples, monasteries and Bahals (Buddhist monastery courtyards) made Kathmandu as one of the centers of Buddhism since the ancient times.
Some of the breathtaking and majestic sites are still fully functioning, while others are remnants of the ancient city’s glorious past.
Itum Bahal (Shree Bhaskar Deva Sanskarit Kesh Chandra Krit .
The Holy Sites and Vibrant Tales in Dang
The Pandeshwor Mahadev temple is thought to have been established by Pandavas during their exile. There’s also an interesting local legend regarding the Shiva lingam inside the temple and Saaj tree attached to the temple.
When we travel through the Dang Valley, which lies between the Mahabharat Range in the north and the Churia Range in the south, we travel back in time, into the exciting ancient tales of gods, goddesses, kings and queens. There .