About Lakhey

Lākhey is a demon in Nepalese folklore. He is depicted with a ferocious face, protruding fangs and mane of red or black hair. Lakhes figure prominently in traditional Newar culture of Nepal Mandala. The Lakhe tradition is found in the Kathmandu Valley and other Newar settlements throughout Nepal.

Amitabha Buddha Buddhist Thangka Painting

The enigmatic blend of rationality and devotion in Buddhism

Nov

2023

Culture Himalayas Life

At first, Buddhism appears to be an enigma. On the one hand, it is highly logical and rational, without any dogmatic beliefs. On the other hand, when we come into contact with its teachings, we find that it includes religious ideals, doctrines beyond our understanding, and a program of training that emphasizes faith and discourages doubt. Empirical approach vs spiritual viewpoint When we attempt to understand our own bond with the Dhamma, we eventually face .

Chinese Early Qing Dynasty "Water and Land Ritual" Painting, 17th Century

Buddhist Rituals – A captivating fusion of materiality and spirituality

Oct

2023

Culture Himalayas Life

Buddhist rituals have long been a subject of fascination and inquiry. They encompass a rich tapestry of practices, from meditation and chanting to offerings and ceremonies. Beyond their surface, these rituals are deeply intertwined with materiality, forming a complex and meaningful relationship that merits exploration. On the surface, Buddhism 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 .

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 .

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 .

Tibetan Mandala tantric practices & benefits

Sep

2022

Chakras, Mandala, Meditation, Tantrism Himalayas Life

Tibetan mandala tantric practices are used to cultivate and generate energy, and to bring about transformation and healing. Tibetan Mandala as a meditation tool Mandalas can be created with a variety of materials commonly including sand, paint or fabric (appliqué). According to the Tibetan teachings the mandala is a tool for working with the energies of the cosmos including : the bodythe mindthe spirit In other words, the mandala can help control inner feelings by accessing and channeling .

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 .

Meditation Practices – To train the attention of mind & teach compassion

Aug

2022

Meditation

Meditation can be defined as a practice where an individual uses a technique, such as focusing their mind on a particular object, thought or activity, to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. Meditation has been practiced since antiquity in numerous religious traditions and beliefs. The earliest records of meditation (dhyana) are found in the Upanishads of Hindu philosophy, and meditation plays a salient role in the contemplative repertoire of Buddhism and Hinduism. Since the .