Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition
About Offering
Offerings is a particular subject of Buddhist painting or sculpture, representing items of clothing, weapons or food, and meant as offerings for various deities.
Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition
Clouds in Water Zen Center
108 Verses Praising Great Compassion By Lama Lobsang Tayang
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
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
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
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 .
Gokarneshwar – A sacred site on the bank of the Bagmati River
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 .
Tales of Hiranya Varna Mahavihar – The Golden Temple
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 .
The Legend of Manjushree and the Mystical Paleo Kathmandu Lake
Manjushree meaning “gentle glory” is often perceived as a divine being who brought order to the Kathmandu valley when it was a Paleo Kathmandu Lake, by cutting down the Chobhar gorge, draining out the water and making the land suitable for life.
Even more intriguing is the way he did it, by using a supernatural armament, a sword of godly might, cutting the valley into two. On the historical side of affairs, there are .
Sitatapatra – Goddess of the White Parasol
Sitatapatra is known as a protector against supernatural danger in Buddhism. She is venerated in both the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. She is also known as Usnisa Sitatapatra.
Sitatapatra is a powerful independent deity emanated by Gautama Buddha from his Usnisa.
Sitatapatra is known as Sanskrit Dug Kar mo in Tibet. and Sitatapatra is also known as The White Parasol, Crown Ornament of the Buddha in English.
Iconography of Sitatapatra
Sitatapatra is white in color with 1000 faces, .
Deity and Divinities of Nyingma Tradition
Nyingma Tradition is the old school of Tibetan Buddhism is the name given to the followers of those original translations of the teachings of the Buddha into Tibetan.
The Nyingma teachings are divided into the Long Transmission (Tib. ring gyü) of the Kama and the Short Transmission (Tib. nyé gyü) of Terma; other teachings were received by masters directly in Pure Visions (Tib. dak nang) from deities or gurus, in experiences or in dreams.
Particular to .
The 9 Vehicles of Nyingma Tradition By Alak Zenkar Rinpoche
Our teacher, the fourth guide of this fortunate eon, the incomparable lord of sages, Sakyamuni, gave infinite teachings as means to enter the Dharma of the causal and resultant vehicles, in accordance with the particular temperaments, spiritual faculties, and attitudes of disciples. Nevertheless, they may all be included within the three vehicles, which, in turn, may be further subdivided into nine successive stages.
The General Sutra says:
The ultimate definitive vehicle
Certainly appears as three in number:
The .