About Golok people

The Golok or Ngolok peoples are groups from Kham and Amdo in eastern Tibet, where their territory is referred in Tibetan as smar kog. They are located around the upper reaches of the Yellow River and the sacred mountain Amne Machin. They are not an homogeneous group but are composed of peoples of very different geographic origins across the Khams and Amdo region. The Golok was a haven for refugees and immigrants from all over the Amdo and Kham and they are an amalgamation of peoples of diverse origin.
Chinese Early Qing Dynasty "Water and Land Ritual" Painting, 17th Century

Buddhist Rituals – A captivating fusion of materiality and spirituality

7
Oct
2023
Culture
have long been a subject of fascination and inquiry. They encompass a rich of practices, from and chanting to and ceremonies. Beyond their surface, these are deeply intertwined with materiality, forming a complex and meaningful relationship that merits exploration. On the surface, emphasizes detachment from the material world, yet its rituals employ material objects and sensory experiences to enhance the spiritual journey. This apparent contradiction is a central .
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108 Verses Praising Great Compassion By Lama Lobsang Tayang

21
Aug
2023
Avalokiteśvara, Dharma, Vajrayāna
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 .
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Acarya Bhavaviveka converting a nonbeliever to buddhism

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

11
Jan
2023
Dharma
, 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 .
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Tibetan Gau boxes & Amulets

3
Jan
2023
Design, Handicrafts
Ga'u or Gawu is a item also known as box. Gau are 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 materials such as small texts, blessing cords, consecrated , relics, and the like. Types of Gau Box Tibetan Gau boxs can be categorized according to their size, .
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Marathon Monk art

The Spiritual Athlete’s Path to Enlightenment

3
Jan
2023
Monks
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 of In Mount Hiei of , there can be found a small group of who live in a and can accomplish many remarkable challenges. This mountain had .
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Lung-gom-pa runner

The Tibetan Lung-gom-pa runners

3
Dec
2022
Monks
is an esoteric skill in that is believed to enable practitioners to run for extended periods of without tiring. This technique is similar to those used by Kaihōgyō in and practitioners of Shugendō. Like so much about , Lung-gom-pa running remains something of an enigma. through physical endurance Lung-gom-pa, also known as " marathon runners," is a form of spiritual training within Tibetan . This practice involves intensive spiritual training, .
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Dalai Lama speaking on the first day of his teaching on Chandrakirti 2022

The Dalai Lama’s views on the Madhyamaka

20
Sep
2022
Dharma, Mahāyāna
This article is about the 's on the The  also referred as "". 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 's views on the "Middle Way" This article discusses the Dalai Lama's views on the Middle Way Approach, a which advocates for a balanced and moderate approach to life. While addressing the congregation at the .
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Phurba Gallery

The Tantric Phurba – A protective ritual dagger

15
Sep
2022
Tantrism, Vajrayāna
The is a dagger used in practices. It is used to protect against negative energies and to promote positive change. The phurba is not to be used for or harm, and should only be used for ritual purposes. It is a powerful for protection and should be used with care and respect. Origin of Phurba in The renowned , who was initiated by the Indian sage Prabhahastin, is said .
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Tibetan Mandala tantric practices & benefits

14
Sep
2022
Chakras, Mandala, Meditation, Tantrism
practices are used to cultivate and generate energy, and to bring about transformation and . Tibetan Mandala as a can be created with a variety of materials commonly including sand, paint or fabric (appliqué). According to the Tibetan the mandala is a tool for working with the energies of the cosmos including : the bodythe mindthe In other words, the mandala can help control inner by accessing and channeling .
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A scroll painting of Saraha, surrounded by other Mahāsiddhas, probably 18th century and now in the British Museum

The Mahamudra Practice – Unveiling the True Nature of the Mind

13
Sep
2022
Meditation, Tantrism, Vajrayāna
is a form of that emphasizes the nature of . In Mahamudra, practitioners aim to see the true nature of their minds, which is said to be empty and open. Origin of the Mahamudra Practice The main text of Mahamudra is "The Root Text of the " by the Indian  (not to be confused with the earlier philosopher). The actual practice and lineage of mahāmudrā can be traced back to wandering  or great .
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