About Doko (basket)

Doko is a kind of basket made from bamboo. They are hand-woven in a conical or "V" shape. Dokos are especially used by porters to carry goods in Nepal, Bhutan and northern India's mountainous Sikkim and Uttarakhand states.

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 .

Dalai Lama speaking on the first day of his teaching on Chandrakirti 2022

The Dalai Lama’s views on the Madhyamaka

Sep

2022

Dharma, Mahāyāna Himalayas Life

This article is about the Dalai Lama's thoughts on the The Madhyamaka also referred as "Middle Way". It is based on the belief that all things are interconnected and interdependent, and that therefore no one thing can be considered in isolation. The Dalai Lama's views on the "Middle Way" This article discusses the Dalai Lama's views on the Middle Way Approach, a philosophy which advocates for a balanced and moderate approach to life. While addressing the congregation 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 .

Chöd practice explained by Tsultrim Allione

Aug

2022

Tantrism, Vajrayāna Himalayas Life

Chöd practice is a practice developed by a Tibetan woman teacher named Machig Labdrön in the 11th century. What is Chöd? Chöd is a confrontation process with fear and then pushing through it to achieve freedom. In other words, Chöd is a practice of feeding, not fighting, that which assails us. In the traditional practice, you are transforming your body into a nectar and then feeding it a series of guests (fears). Who can practice Chöd? The type of person .

Muktinath and the Muktikshetra in Mustang

Aug

2022

Dharma, Hinduism Sambid Bilas Pant

The holy water from Gandaki river gushing out of the 108 water spouts are said to cleanse the devotees of their sins and set them on a path to salvation. The waters are sacred to Buddhists as well and it’s called 'Chumig Gyatsa' in Tibetan language meaning "a hundred springs". The Muktinath pilgrimage The Himalayas are believed to be terrestrial dwelling place of saints and the home of the gods. The Muktinath temple situated at an .

What is Downward Facing Dog Pose?

Aug

2022

Yoga Samiksha

Downward Dog Pose and Downward-facing Dog Pose is also known as Adho Mukha Shvanasana. Downward-facing Dog Pose is an inversion asana in modern yoga as exercise which is often practiced as part of a flowing sequence of poses especially Surya Namaskar which means the Salute to the Sun. The asana does not have formally named variations but several playful variants are used to assist beginning practitioners to become comfortable in the pose. Downward Dog stretches .

The Mysterious Goddess Taleju Bhawani, A Terrifying Demon and the Living Goddess

Aug

2022

Culture, Temples Sambid Bilas Pant

Taleju Bhawani is considered as the goddess who made kings. Legend has it that the great Malla kings established their powerful dynasty because they were granted kingship by goddess Taleju. There are Taleju temples in the three royal palaces of Malla Kings in Basantapur, Patan and Bhaktapur. When King Prithvi Naryan Shah conquered the three kingdoms of Kathmandu valley, he continued the tradition of worshipping the goddess Taleju and the living goddess Kumari, a .

The Ancient Town of Panauti and its Heritage

Aug

2022

Dharma, Hinduism, Temples Sambid Bilas Pant

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 .

Gokarneshwar – A sacred site on the bank of the Bagmati River

Aug

2022

Hinduism, Temples Sambid Bilas Pant

The Bagmati River is a sacred body of water to Hindus. A holy dip in the Bagmati river is said to free people from all the sins they have committed in this lifetime. There are numerous legends surrounding the formation of the river and the creation of temples on its banks. Along with the great Pashupatinath temple, Gokarneshwar, also known as Gokarna is one of the holiest places located on the banks of river .

Buddhist monuments and the Kings of Patan

Jul

2022

Dharma, Monuments Sambid Bilas Pant

Long time ago, King Sarvananda of Dipavati invited sages around the country for distributing alms. Dipankara Buddha, a Buddha who reached enlightenment prior to Gautama Buddha, was also invited. However, instead of visiting the palace, Dipankara Buddha visited a nearby hut belonging to an old lady. In late 2021, a 1400-year-old stone inscription was discovered in front of the Bhimsen Temple at Patan Durbar. It was kept there by Lichhavi ruler Anshu Verma. The inscription .