Buddhistdoor Global (BDG)
Tea House: Interviews, Commentary, Reviews, Poetry
Thubten Norbu Ling - Santa Fe
Buddhist Rituals – A captivating fusion of materiality and spirituality
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 .
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 .
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 .
The Mysterious Goddess Taleju Bhawani, A Terrifying Demon and the Living Goddess
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 .
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 .
Doleshwor Mahadev: The forgotten Head of Kedarnath
After a treacherous trip up the mountains, Bhimsen, one of the five Pandavas spotted a gigantic looking bull in a distance which he knew was Shiva in disguise. Bhimsen known for his brute strength, forcefully caught the bull. When the bull was caught, he tried to escape but unfortunately, the bull was torn into several parts because of Bhimsen’s strength.
Mahabharata, the Sanskrit epic depicts the struggle for power and conflict between two groups of .
The Sheshnaryan Temple & Rigzin Drubte Ghatshal Monastery
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 .
Ram Mandir and the legend of Battisputali
There were 32 scupltures of fairies placed inside the inner walls of Ram Mandir which led to the place being called Battisputali (32 fairies with butterfly wings). There is an enthralling story behind the fairies installed here.
The ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana written by Valmiki has captivated people from all over the world for centuries. Lord Ram is believed to be the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is worshipped by Hindus from all over .
All about Applique Thangkas
Applique Thangkas is Known as göchen thangka in Tibet. The Huns of Central Asia were the first to use applique to decorate saddle blankets. It traveled eastward along the Silk Road, and Tibetans accepted it as a holy art form.
Fabric thangkas were created in the 15th century utilizing an indigenous applique method. These thangkas, which are lavishly embroidered and appliqued, immediately became popular in Tibet.
Because of its excellent quality materials, durability, suppleness, and potential .
The Vajrasattva Mantra Banner
OM VAJRASATTVA HUM.
The Bodhisattva Vajrasattva represents primordial purity. We can clean our minds of greed, hatred, and delusion by meditating on him. He carries a vajra thunderbolt in his heart, which signifies his upaya, or talent in liberating creatures via compassion.
Who is Vajrasattva?
Vajrasattva is a significant figure in the tantric Buddhism of the Kathmandu Valley's Newar people. He is commonly invoked in the guru maala, which is the fundamental ritual for all other Newar .