About Sumika Boyrachasya

Sumika Boyrachasya is a Nepalese woman who is a former Kumari of Patan. Boyrachasya is the first Kumari of Patan to receive an education. Her reign as Kumari lasted until she was around eleven years old. She is working towards a master's degree and works for a communications organization.

Origin of Yoga and its connection with Buddhism

Oct

2023

Dharma, Yoga Himalayas Life

Nowadays, you can find yoga classes in nearly every city, and there are numerous online platforms that facilitate practicing yoga at home. Yoga involves a combination of physical postures and breath work, which can be either static or flowing, slow or fast. Historical origins of Yoga It is essential to understand the core essence and purpose of yoga and its historical origins. This history offers valuable insights into the cultural context during which the Buddha lived and .

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 .

Acarya Bhavaviveka converting a nonbeliever to buddhism

Bhāviveka – The founder of the Svātantrika tradition of the Mādhyamaka school

Jan

2023

Dharma Himalayas Life

Bhāviveka, also known as Bhavya or Bhāvaviveka, was a 6th century Madhyamaka Buddhist. In Tibetan Buddhism, Bhāviveka is considered the founder of the Svātantrika tradition of the Mādhyamaka school, which is considered to be an antagonist of the Prāsaṅgika Madhyamaka. The Madhyamaka school The Madhyamaka school, also known as the "Middle Way" school, is a major tradition within Indian Mahayana Buddhism. The Madhyamaka philosophy, as propounded by the Indian master Nāgārjuna in the 2nd century, asserts .

The Spiritual Athlete’s Path to Enlightenment

Jan

2023

Monks Himalayas Life

Throughout this world, there are many mysterious and amazing feats that can be found. People are capable of doing most incredible things that we have never deemed possible. Only by truly believing in ourselves can we accomplish what were thought as impossible goals. Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei In Mount Hiei of Japan, there can be found a small group of monks who live in a monastery and can accomplish many remarkable challenges. This mountain had .

Dalai Lama speaking on the first day of his teaching on Chandrakirti 2022

The Dalai Lama’s views on the Madhyamaka

Sep

2022

Dharma, Mahāyāna Himalayas Life

This article is about the Dalai Lama's thoughts on the The Madhyamaka also referred as "Middle Way". It is based on the belief that all things are interconnected and interdependent, and that therefore no one thing can be considered in isolation. The Dalai Lama's views on the "Middle Way" This article discusses the Dalai Lama's views on the Middle Way Approach, a philosophy which advocates for a balanced and moderate approach to life. While addressing the congregation at the .

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 .

A scroll painting of Saraha, surrounded by other Mahāsiddhas, probably 18th century and now in the British Museum

The Mahamudra Practice – Unveiling the True Nature of the Mind

Sep

2022

Meditation, Tantrism, Vajrayāna Himalayas Life

Mahamudra is a form of Tibetan Buddhism that emphasizes the nature of mind. In Mahamudra, practitioners aim to see the true nature of their minds, which is said to be empty and open. Origin of the Mahamudra Practice The main text of Mahamudra is "The Root Text of the Middle Way" by the Indian master Nagarjuna (not to be confused with the earlier philosopher). The actual practice and lineage of mahāmudrā can be traced back to wandering mahasiddhas or great .

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 .