About Yoddha (1992 film)

Yoddha, also spelled Yodha is a 1992 Malayalam-language Indian sword & sorcery film directed by Sangeeth Sivan and written by Sasidharan Arattuvazhi from a story envisioned by Sivan. Mohanlal plays Thaiparambil Ashokan, the saviour destined to rescue the Rimpoche of a Nepalese Buddhist monastery from sorcerers practicing black magic. The ensemble supporting cast include Madhoo, Siddharth Lama, Jagathy Sreekumar, Puneet Issar, and Urvashi. Santosh Sivan was the cinematographer and A. Sreekar Prasad was the editor. The original film score and soundtrack were composed by A. R. Rahman. Saga Films produced and distributed the film.

Exploring the teachings of Buddhist Sutras through the 84000 project

Jul

2024

Literature, Mahāyāna, Sutras Himalayas Life

The 84000 project is a significant endeavor in making Buddhist sutras accessible through meticulous translation and scholarly annotation. Rooted in a deep academic approach, it offers invaluable insights into the diverse teachings of Buddhism, focusing on texts that span various traditions and themes essential to both novice practitioners and advanced scholars alike. Academic Rigor and Methodology One of the distinctive features of 84000 is its rigorous methodology in translation. Unlike many other projects, it places a strong .

The Art of cultivating stillness

Jan

2024

Culture, Meditation Himalayas Life

In Asian meditation and movement practices, stillness is not just the absence of movement, it is seen as a powerful presence that infuses movement with depth and significance. An integral part of the movement It is truly captivating when Himalayan monks, Noh actor, bugaku dancers or Balinese dancers pause in their performances because the stillness they exhibit is an integral part of the movement itself. This can be observed in Japanese Noh actors and Sufi dervishes .

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 .

Cultivating inner enlightenment potential through the Tathāgatagarbha

Oct

2023

Culture Himalayas Life

Within the realm of Buddhist philosophy, the teachings of the Buddha are not confined to esoteric doctrines and spiritual ideals but are, in fact, deeply rooted in profound insights into the nature of existence and the human condition. One such exploration is found in the Tathāgatagarbha sūtras and the teachings from the book "Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature" derived from it. This book stands as the third volume in The Library of Wisdom and .

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 .

Samatha as a preparatory stage for Vipassanā

Oct

2023

Meditation Himalayas Life

Samatha meditation is commonly seen as a foundational practice, serving as a preparatory step for more advanced forms of meditation, including Vipassanā. It plays a crucial role in calming the mind and reducing distractions, making it easier for practitioners to progress in their spiritual journey. Vipassanā, on the other hand, is considered an advanced practice that directly addresses the insight and wisdom components of the Buddhist path. It is often undertaken after a foundation in .

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 .

Kuījī, also known as Ji, an exponent of Yogācāra, was a Chinese monk and a prominent disciple of Xuanzang. His posthumous name was Cí'ēn dàshī, The Great Teacher of Cien Monastery, after the Daci'en Temple or Great Monastery of Compassionate Grace, which was located in Chang'an, the main capital of the Tang Dynasty. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda was built in Daci'en Temple in 652. According to biographies, he was sent to the imperial translation bureau headed by Xuanzang, from whom he later would learn Sanskrit, Abhidharma, and Yogācāra.

The nature of reality, consciousness and compassion

Sep

2023

Bodhisattvas, Mahāyāna Himalayas Life

Imagine you're in a room filled with mirrors, each reflecting a slightly different version of yourself. As you look around, it's challenging to determine which reflection is the real "you". Are you the image closest to the mirror's surface, or is the true "you" hidden within the depths of the glass? This intriguing scenario mirrors a fundamental philosophical question that has puzzled scholars and thinkers for centuries: the nature of reality and perception. The Bodhisattva's .

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 .