About Yenya

Indra Jātrā, most commonly known as Yenyā is the biggest religious street festival in Kathmandu, Nepal. Ye means "Kathmandu" and Ya means "celebration", together it means "celebration inside Kathmandu" in Nepal Bhasa. The celebrations consist of two events, Indra Jātrā and Kumāri Jātrā. Indra Jātrā is marked by masked dances of deities and demons, displays of sacred images and tableaus in honor of the deity Indra, the king of heaven. Kumāri Jātrā is the chariot procession of the living goddess Kumari.

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 .

Tibetan Gau boxes & Amulets

Jan

2023

Design, Handicrafts sadiksha

Ga'u or Gawu is a ritual item also known as amulet box. Gau are portable shrines generally made from hand hammered metals. The purpose and function of an amulet box is for general protection and protection when traveling. Amulet boxes are also commonly used to store all manner of sacred materials such as small texts, blessing cords, consecrated medicine, relics, and the like. Types of Tibetan Gau Box Tibetan Gau boxs can be categorized according to their size, .

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 .

The Tibetan Lung-gom-pa runners

Dec

2022

Monks Himalayas Life

Lung-gom-pa is an esoteric skill in Tibetan Buddhism that is believed to enable practitioners to run for extended periods of time without tiring. This technique is similar to those used by Kaihōgyō monks in Japan and practitioners of Shugendō. Like so much about Tibet, Lung-gom-pa running remains something of an enigma. Enlightenment through physical endurance Lung-gom-pa, also known as "tibetan marathon runners," is a form of spiritual training within Tibetan Buddhism. This practice involves intensive spiritual training, .

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 .

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 .