About Maurine Stuart

Maurine Stuart, a.k.a. Ma Roshi or Mother Roshi, was a Canadian Rinzai Zen rōshi who was one of the first female Zen masters to teach in the United States. She became president and spiritual director of the Cambridge Buddhist Association in 1979.

The Sheshnaryan Temple & Rigzin Drubte Ghatshal Monastery

Jul

2022

Buddhism, Hinduism Sambid Bilas Pant

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 .

Thích Nhất Hạnh leading a namo avalokiteshvaraya chanting session

The most prominent Zen Buddhist spiritual teachers

Jul

2022

Biography, Zen

Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang dynasty, known as the Chan School, and later developed into various sub-schools and branches. From China, Chán spread south to Vietnam and became Vietnamese Thiền, northeast to Korea to become Seon Buddhism, and east to Japan, becoming Japanese Zen. Zen teachers often promote diaphragmatic breathing, stating that the breath must come from the lower abdomen (known as hara or tanden in .

The Tales of Padmapani Lokeshwar, Sankata and the Mahankal Bhairava

Jun

2022

Avalokiteshvara, Buddhism, Hinduism Sambid Bilas Pant

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

Jun

2022

Buddhism, Monasteries, Monuments Sambid Bilas Pant

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 Historic Sacred Shrines in Surkhet

Jun

2022

Buddhism, Hinduism Sambid Bilas Pant

Kakre Vihar is the oldest shrine in Surkhet — several temples were built by the Khas Kings in the region but most of them have been lost to time. Surkhet valley was part of the Khas Kingdom that controlled parts of Nepal, India and Tibet between the 11th and early 14th centuries. The Sinja Valley in Jumla District of the Karnali Province was the kingdom’s capital city. However, the Surkhet valley which connects the northern .

The Stupas of Kathmandu valley – History & splendor

May

2022

Buddhas, Buddhism, Monuments, Stupas Sambid Bilas Pant

The stupas of Kathmandu valley are unique in their architecture and cultural relevance. They are a feat of intricate craftsmanship and artistry. From the domes, to the pillar bearing an umbrella to the beautiful doorways and the wisdom eyes (painted on most stupas in Nepal) all portray exemplary techniques. Stupas not only remind us of the splendor of the art and architecture of the past, they also have great religious and spiritual significance in .

Tales of Hiranya Varna Mahavihar – The Golden Temple

May

2022

Buddhas, Buddhism Sambid Bilas Pant

The golden temple and its sublime architectural design, the marvelous artefacts and engrossing stories have startled the minds of visitors and left them pondering for years. Patan is a captivating ancient city boasting some majestic temples and monasteries poking out from behind modern buildings to those found along the old narrow alleys and streets There are many shrines dedicated to Buddhism in Patan and you don’t have to be practicing Buddhism to appreciate the architectural significance .

Worldly Protector Tsangpa Karpo

May

2022

Art, Himalayan Art, Mahāyāna, Thangka, Vajrayāna sadiksha

Tsangpa Karpo is a wrathful worldly protector of Tibet. Tsangpa Karpo was a dynasty that dominated large parts of Tibet from 1565 to 1642. It was the last Tibetan royal dynasty to rule in its own name. The regime of Tsangpa Karpo was founded by Karma Tseten, a low-born retainer of the prince of the Rinpungpa Dynasty and governor of Shigatse in Tsang (West-Central Tibet) since 1548. Tsangpa is known as gTsang pa in Tibet. Iconography of .

Buddhist Stupa – Kadam Chorten

May

2022

Buddhism, Monuments, Stupas Samiksha

The Kadam Style Stupa is distinguished by a simple but traditional top with a parasol and thirteen falling discs. A square balcony-like structure with a round bell-shaped bottom is placed in the center, all of which is above around double lotus foundation. Kadam stupas are commonly used as reliquaries. Some include only connected articles, while others contain the ashes of a lama or other renowned person. They frequently contain numerous kinds of treasure, ranging from .

13th Karmapa Dudul Dorje

May

2022

Buddhism Samiksha

Dudul Dorje is known as 13th Karmapa. Dudul Dorje is able to teach the word of the Buddha to both humans and animals. He was the head of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism. Dudul Dorje was born in Champa Drongsar and recognized by Gyaltsab Rinpoche at the age of four. He received an education in the monastery from the age of eight by both the Kagyu and the Nyingma schools. Dudul Dorje became head of .

About Maurine Stuart