The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet
Pilgrimage to Leh Jokhang
13
Jul
2023
About Jokhang
The Jokhang, also known as the Qoikang Monastery, Jokang, Jokhang Temple, Jokhang Monastery and Zuglagkang, is a Buddhist temple in Barkhor Square in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. Tibetans, in general, consider this temple as the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. The temple is currently maintained by the Gelug school, but they accept worshipers from all sects of Buddhism. The temple's architectural style is a mixture of Indian vihara design, Tibetan and Nepalese design.
Gelug Monasteries – The heart of the Tibetan philosophy
The Gelug is the newest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
It was founded by Je Tsongkhapa (1357–1419), a Tibetan philosopher, tantric yogi and lama and further expanded and developed by his disciples.
Tsongkhapa founded the monastery of Ganden in 1409 as his main seat.
Drepung Monastery was founded by Jamyang Choje, Sera Monastery was founded by Chöje Shakya Yeshe, and Tashi Lhunpo Monastery was founded by Gyalwa Gendün Drup, the 1st Dalai .
Tibetan Furnitures – The Greatest Treasure of the Himalayas
According to The Brief History of Tibetans, there was a record of engagement of carpenters to build the Jokhang Temple and Ramoche Temple in 6BC. Through thousands of years’ handworks of the people, Tibetan furniture has become a unique style, which bears artistic shapes, rich colors, and delicate craft. Tibetan Furniture is one of the greatest treasure which dates 1500 years back.
Tibetan Furniture is mostly made up of pine and Himalayan softwoods i.e. Elm, .
Vajrayogini Dakini – Origin, Lineages and Iconography
Vajrayogini is a tantric Buddhist deity who is also called as Vajravarahi in Tantric Buddhism, or Vajrayana, a tradition in which she is considered the supreme deity more revered than any male buddha. She represents the path leading to female Buddhahood.
She is also a dakini, a term that describes a female supernatural being or an accomplished yogini, and is considered the queen of the dakinis.
Her name comes from the Sanskrit, vajra, which means “diamond” or “thunderbolt,” .
Characteristics of Tibetan Art – a psychological and meditational practice
Tibetan arts started from the rock paintings in ancient time and its subjects ranged from animal images of deer, ox, sheep, horse, etc to hunting scenes. Tibetan arts have flourished very well during the period of the Tubo Kingdom. Especially after the installation of Buddhism in Tibet, religious paintings made a more progress.
Introduction to Tibetan Art
The heritage of conventional Tibetan crafts and the fusion of India, Nepal and Han People’s art essence make Tibetan .
Tibetan Calendar and Festivals
There are different Tibetan Festivals which are celebrated in Tibet. Tibet is rich in culture and tradition. All people enjoy festivals together to maintain harmony and love among one another.
Buddhist Calendar in South Asia
The Buddhist calendar is a set of lunisolar calendars primarily used in mainland Southeast Asian countries of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand as well as in Sri Lanka for religious and official occasions.
While the calendars share a common lineage, they also .
Highest Price Mandala – Rakta Yamari worth $45 million
There has been a record that a mandala was sold for $45 million. The tapestry is the artwork from China.
How much was the thangka sold?
In the year 2014, there was an auction held in Hong Kong for the Thangkas and different other artworks. The tapestry was sold to a Shanghai tycoon for $45 million (HK$348 million) at auction in Hong Kong.
when seen from a distance the thangka is a shade of red and gold .
Origin of Thangka Paintings
The actual origin of the Thangka paintings has been a subject of confusion. Some stories claim that Thangka originated from Tibet, some claim that they have been originated from Nepal, while some claim from India.
Is it Nepal?
Though Thangka painting is believed to be painted in Tibet at first the real origin is from Nepal. It is because during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo in 6th century he invited artists from Nepal to paint the .
Biography of the 14th Dalai Lama
H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the simple Buddhist monk. He was born on 6 July 1935 in Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet.
Born in a small family of Tibet, he spent the major part of his childhood in farming and kinds of stuff.
He grew up to be a spiritual leader of Tibet. Soon after his birth, he was named as Lhamo Thondup that means ‘Wish-Fulfilling Goddess.’
Early Education
Like every Tibetans, His Holiness also attended the monastic .