Lotus Throne
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Two Tibetan Metal Pendants w Mandala Mantra Dorje
These two tibetan metal pendants are decorated with Mandalas, Mantras and the double Dorje.
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The most famous gnomic poems inTibetinclude the Sakya Proverbs, Gedan Proverbs, Shuishu Proverbs, etc. All of the authors of these works were either religious scholars or leaders of sects of Tibetan Buddhism.
¶ 11:58 PM
Tibetan Brass Amulet Pendant w Dorje a Calendar
This tibetan brass amulet, pendant is decorated with a calendar and the double Dorje.
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Authors of gnomic poems always employed this form to present the moral standard and the learning spirit in social life and the proper attitude in getting along with others. As to the style of writing, every paragraph of gnomic poem includes 4 lines, every line includes 7 words, two sentences are used metaphorically, and the other two sentences are used to describe facts. An outstanding feature of the gnomic poem lies in the adoption of rich metaphors and methods of reasoning to present the theme and thus make the poem seem more philosophic. All metaphors used by gnomic poem are those that people are familiar with. In addition to the natural phenomena that are common in daily life, gnomic poem uses many literary quotations and proverbs, which led to its great popularity among the common people. Many of the gnomic poems are widely adopted and can be recited by people.
¶ 11:54 PM
Tibetan Brass Seal Amulet Pendant w Double Dorje
¶ 11:49 PM
This tibetan brass seal is to wear as an amulet, pendant.
On the bottom is the Double Dorje.
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Gnomic Poem
The gnomic poem is an important form of expression in Tibetan literature, and it is greatly affected by the Tibetan Buddhism in terms of contents and purposes. The gnomic poem is called as Lexie in the Tibetan language that means the Fine Words. The main goal of gnomic poem is to spread the philosophy of conducts.
Transmission of Buddhism into Tibet
Yeshes'od revived Buddhism with the support of the royalty. He dispatched many monks toIndiato get Buddhist canons and study Buddhism, organized people to establish and repair monasteries and translate Buddhist canons. When he heard that there was a great master named Atisha inIndia, he decided to invite him to propagandize Buddhism inTibet. In order to raise the fund needed to invite Atisha, he disregarded his seniority and led troops to attack the neighboring nationality that believed in Islam. But he failed and was captured by his enemy. The victorious ruler said that it would take gold equivalent to his body weight to trade back his freedom. Therefore, Yeshes'od's grandnephew Byang Chub 'od tried his best to collect the gold needed. However, when his grandnephew brought enough gold to trade him back, Yeshes'od declined the offer. Instead, he asked Byang Chub 'od to take the gold toIndiato invite the great master Atisha to propagate Buddhism in Tibet, and before long he himself died of illness in jail.
¶ 9:32 PM
Buddhist prayer mala or beads is use for counting scared mantra (prayers). The main perspective of buddhist prayer mala beads is to drive away evil and fill you and all beings with peace and bliss. The best use of buddhist prayer mala beads is for the recitation of mantra. These buddhist prayer mala beads is used during a period of recitation, like "Om Mani Padme Hum". Use of Buddhist prayer mala beads with the intention to bring greater happiness, joy, loving-kindness and serenity into the world. It will be the source of deep blessings in our life. Buddhist literature roughtly means Mala as "Rose" or "Garland". A more direct translation is "garland from above", or "heavenly garland". In accordance with the active nature of practice in Buddhism, this material object is used as an accomplice for gaining merit on the path to enlightenment.
The Buddhist master Atisha was moved by the piety of Yeshes'od and accepted the invitation regardless of his own seniority. He arrived at Guge in 1042.
Atisha's propagation of Buddhism in Tibet was very successful. At that time, people did not have clear understanding of Buddhism that was newly revived and theOpenSchoolandSecretSchoolcontinuously disputed and insisted on their own opinions on the issues of cultivation and practice. In view of the situation, Atisha wrote a sutra to clear away the confusion among people. This sutra has become one of the famous books in the Posterior Propagating Period of the Tibetan Buddhism. Because of the continuous efforts of Atisha and the Tibetan monks who still lived in the Snowy Region, the Tibetan Buddhism finally realized the systematization of dogmata and the standardization of practice.
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Traditionally, there are 108 beads on a strand of buddhist mala prayer beads. The origin of is the sacred number related astrologically to the 12 astrological houses, multiplied by the 9 planets in our solar system. This number is the buddhist mala prayer beads significant because it represents the number of mental conditions or sinful desires that one must overcome to reach enlightenment or nirvana. Monks usually have mala beads with 108 beads, where as a lay person may have a strand numbering in 30 or 40 beads. This difference in length may possibly be explained by understanding each person's distance traveled on the path to enlightenment. Commercial sellers of mala beads have also suggested that individuals just beginning this prayer ritual begin with a shorter strand of beads.Just as variety exists for the number of beads, variety exists for the style, color, and material composition. Differences in the popularity and use of mala beads also exist cross-culturally. Typically, monks' mala beads are made of wood from the Bodhi tree. In Tibet, mala strands often contain parts of semi-precious stones. In this culture, the most valued strands are made of bones of holy men or lamas. Typically there are 108 beads divided by 3 large beads. The end pieces on these strands are "djore" (a thunderbolt) and "drilbu" (the bell). These end pieces represent the Three Jewels, or Buddha, the doctrine, and the community.
Transmission of Buddhism into Tibet
The Posterior Propagating Period of Buddhism in Tibet
¶ 9:24 PM
From the beginning of the 10thcentury, Buddhism was revived inTibetbecause of continuous efforts of the remaining monks' and the popularization of Buddhism by the Guge Dynasty.GugeKingdom was located in Ngari region in the western part ofTibetin the 10thcentury. The King Kho-re (Ye shes vod), the second king of the Guge Dynasty, handed his throne to his brother and became a monk (Dharma Name: Yeshes'od).
Here is an old Tibetan Silver Armor Snuff Bottle. This is a great piece of valuable collection, a valuable personal alter or a very good present.
Chinese snuff bottle has a long history of four hundred years so far. It is a favourite thing as Chinese cultural relic in the world. Also it's an epitome of Chinese art. Chinese paintings, foreign paintings, calligraphy, engrave, inlay, and bowlder, porcelain, lacquer, enamel and metal, etc art all concentrate in snuff bottle.
The snuff comes to China in Longqing Period of Ming Dynasty. At that time, people are put snuff into the bottle as medicine. When you want to use it, you can get it from the bottle, it's very convenience. The utensil that is filled with snuff was called "snuff bottle". The popular snuff makes the snuff bottle developed quickly. People can make different shape bottles use all kinds of material, such as: Gold, Silver, Copper, Porcelain, Bowlder, Coral, Agate, Jade, Crystal, Wood, Bamboo root, gourd, etc. The snuff bottle not only has a certain practicability, also as an important present in international intercourse. According to the history record, Kangxi 58 Year(1719) of Qing Dynasty, Peter the Great of Russia has been deputed to Yisi Mand Luofu as Chinese ambassador. They visited chinese glass factory of Made department in Yangxin Palace after they got to China, and have seen lots of fine snuff bottles. The snuff bottles in Qing Dynasty were changed present to foreign kings by the Shengzu emperor of Qing Dynasty through foreign ambassadors.
Transmission of Buddhism into Tibet
However, the measures of King Tritsug Detsen Ralpachen gained no popularity and favor among the aristocrats and the common people. Before long, the aristocrats plotted to murder King Tritsug Detsen Ralpachen, and a large-scale campaign was carried out against the Buddhism. The Samye Monastery and other famous monasteries were closed, and monks were forced to believe in Bon Religion, a local religion inTibet. This Buddhism-banning campaign heavily attacked Buddhism, so the period of about 100 years after the Lang Darma was called Buddhism Destructing Period, and the period from the reign of King Srongtsen Gampo, when Buddhism was introduced intoTibet, to the Lang Darma reign was called the Anterior Propagating Period of Buddhism in the history of Tibetan Buddhism.
¶ 9:18 PM
The Vajra is the quintessential symbol of Vajrayana Buddhism, which derives its name from the vajra itself. The Sanskrit term vajra means 'the hard or mighty one', and its Tibetan equivalent dorje means an indestructible hardness and brilliance like the diamond, which cannot be cut or broken. The vajra essentially symbolizes the impenetrable, immovable, immutable, indivisible, and indestructible state of enlightenment or Buddhahood. The form of the vajra as a scepter or a weapon appears to have its origin in the single or double trident, which arose as a symbol of the thunderbolt or lightning in many ancient civilizations of the Near and Middle East. Parallels are postulated with the meteoric hammer of the Teutonic sky-god Thor, the thunderbolt and scepter of the Greek sky-god Zeus, and the three thunderbolts of the Roman god Jupiter. As a hurled weapon the indestructible thunderbolt blazed like a meteoric fireball across the heavens, in a maelstrom of thunder, fire and lightning. In ancient India, the vajra, as a thunderbolt, became the chief weapon of the Vedic sky-god Indra. It controlled the forces of thunder and lightning, breaking open the monsoon storm clouds, bringing the welcome rains to the parched plains of an Indian summer. According to legend, Indra's thunderbolt was fashioned from the bones of the great Rishi Dadhichi, who was decapitated by Indra in sacrifice. Dadhichi's 'indestructible' skull-bones gave Indra the most powerful of weapons. By its energy he slew innumerable of his enemy demons. In mythological descriptions, Indra's thunderbolt or vajra is shaped either like a circular discus with a hole at its center, or in the form of a cross with transverse bladed bars. The Rigveda, the most ancient text in the world, identifies the vajra as a notched metal club with a thousand prongs. What is significant is that all these descriptions identify the vajra as having open prongs, unlike the Buddhist one, which has closed prongs. According to a Buddhist legend, Shakyamuni took the vajra weapon from Indra and forced its wrathful open prongs together, thus forming a peaceful Buddhist scepter with closed prongs. The Buddhist vajra hence absorbed the unbreakable and indestructible power of the thunderbolt. The Buddhist vajra may be represented with one to nine prongs. It is designed with a central shaft that is pointed at each end. The middle section consists of two lotuses from which may spring, at each end, for example, six prongs of the dorje. Together with the projecting and pointed central shaft, each end thus becomes seven pronged. The outside six prongs face inwards towards the central prong. Each of these outside prongs arise from the heads of makaras (mythical crocodiles), which face outwards. The mouths of the makaras are wide open and the prongs emanate from the mouth like tongues of flame. The vajra is generally two-sided but the vishvavajra or the double thunderbolt has four heads representing the four dhyani Buddhas of the four directions namely, Amoghasiddhi for north, Akshobhya, who presides over the east, Ratnasambhava, lord of the south, and Amitabha who reigns over the west. It is the emblem of the crossed vajra that is inscribed upon the metal base that is used to seal deity statues after they have been consecrated. The vajra is indeed the most important ritual implement and symbol of Vajrayana Buddhism. It is so important that many of the Vajrayana deities have the word vajra prefixed to their names, two of them being Vajradhara and Vajrasattva. When used in ritual, the vajra is paired with the bell. It represents the masculine principle and is held in the right hand, the bell, held in the left hand, represents the female principle.
Transmission of Buddhism into Tibet
After King Tritsug Detsen Ralpachen ascended the throne inTibetat the beginning of the 9thcentury, he ordered his people to translate a lot of Buddhist canons with the amount exceeding that had been finished by the Han Nationality. He also stipulated that every seven families should sustain one monk's life and monks were allowed to take part in events and issues of the court. Buddhism was therefore thriving thanks to the support of the Tibetan king.
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A set of 7 genuinely handmade singing bowls from Nepal. All of these 7 bowls dispense excellent vibration that will definitely soothe your mind and body. These bowls are very easy to play both by striking and by rubbing over the circumference. Suitable for Advanced user as well as for beginners. The hosted sound files do no justice to the bowls. Live sound is awesome!
This Beautiful necklace is with a Carved Tibetan yak bone Mantra"OM MANI PADME HUM" as its pendant on a drawstring cord.
Mantra: Om Mani Padme Hum is the most sacred and magic mantra in Tibetan Buddhism, which Buddhists often repeat again and again.
Yak bone: In Tibetan Buddhism, Tibetans believe bloody animal bones could get rid of or block evil energy and resume auspicious energy. Since Yaks prevail in Tibet, so their bones are usually utilized as Amulet materials.
It is made by skilled Tibetan craftsmen in authentic traditional style!
Transmission of Buddhism into Tibet
The Anterior Propagating Period of Buddhism in Tibet
¶ 8:59 PM
The Tibet King Trisong Detsen was a believer of Buddhism in the 8th century. In order to spread Buddhism, he invited Santarakshita and Padmasambhava, two Buddhism masters in India, to promote Buddhism inTibet(referred to as the Tufan in ancient times). After their arrival, they began to establish the base of Buddhism, and the first monastery, Samye Monastery, was thus constructed for tonsured monks. After the establishment of the Samye Monastery, Trisong Detsen specially dispatched people toIndiato invite 12 monks to hold the ceremonies of tonsure and commandment for seven young aristocratic Tibetans. This was an extremely important event in the history of the Tibetan Buddhism.
A khata, is a traditional ceremonial scarf used in Tibet . It symbolizes goodwill, auspiciousness and compassion. It is usually made of silk. Tibetan khatas are usually white symbolising the pure heart of the giver.
Tibetan Red Coral & Turquoise Inlaid Bronze Buddha Shakyamuni Pattern Adornment Nepal
This is an Tibetan Red Coral & Turquoise Inlaid Bronze Buddha Shakyamuni Pattern Adornment Nepal. As you view in the images, it was Very nicely finished and complete with many fine details. It is a great piece of valuable collection or a very good present. If you are not completely satisfied, you may return your purchase for a full refund .
Tibetan People and Prayer Wheel
Silver or copper is forged to produce Maniluns on whichthe Six Syllable Truthand some other patterns were carved, and a handle is installed on the bottom of the wheel. With the wheel in the right hand and prayer beads in the left hand, the believers, especially the elderly, turn the wheel while murmuringthe Six Syllable Truth. This has become a representative phenomenon in the areas of Tibetan Buddhism.
Here is a 19" Old Tibet Tibetan Shark Skin Prayer Wheels & Holder , As you can see the image, It is in good condition, and was created by skilled craftsmen in traditional style with fine handcrafts.This is a great piece of valuable collection, a valuable personal alter or a very good present. the handwork is very fine with incredible detailling. Don't miss out this chance to get it .Wish you good luck!
¶ 10:48 AM
Tibetan People and Prayer Wheel
There are two types of prayer wheels inTibet, the bigger one is called Manitong (bucket-shaped prayer wheel), and the smaller one is called Manilun (wheel-shaped prayer utensil). Manitongs are made of wood (painted red usually) or copper, and are often placedin rows with a height of 1-2 meterunder the eaves or along the corridors of monasteries.The Six Syllable Truthis engraved or written on the surface of the cylinder of Manitongs. There is a wooden frame over the bucket and bearings are installed on the top and bottom sides, so the bucket can start rotation just by a slight push. The bucket is hollow, with sutras inside. The times of rotation of the bucket symbolize the times of reciting the Buddhism Incantation by the believers. However, the bucket should be turned clockwise.
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On offer is this vintage, Tibetan metal and wood prayer wheel. It dates to the early to mid 20th century. Sacred sutras are contained within the cylander and it is believed that spinning it is a form of praying, or meditation. This one is larger than most.
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Tibetan People and Prayer Wheel
Here is a simple and beautiful Tibetan Copper Prayer Wheel from Nepal. On it is the Tibetan Mantra OM MANI PADME HUM. This mantra has many meanings. The simplest translation is JEWEL IN THE LOTUS. One interpretation that I like is that the JEWEL represents wisdom and that the LOTUS represents your consciousness. To summarize it could be translated to mean: FIND WISDOM WITHIN.
You can open it and put prayers or sacred objects inside like a locket or portable shrine. Pendant measures 2 inches in length and abour 3/4 inch in diameter.
In Tibetan Sacred Symbols it is considered auspicious to wear a mantra as the archetype symbols are believed to elevate ones consciousness. Prayer Wheels are on all the temples and filled with prayers. Prayer Wheel is pictured below with model, but does NOT come with cord. Cords you can find anywhere. When you spin them it send the prayers on the wind to bless mankind. Namaste!
Prayer wheels are the most common religious utensil in the regions of Tibetan Buddhism, and they can be seen almost everywhere.
In fact, this religious instrument was invented by the hinterland Buddhists, and was initially used by Chinese Buddhists around the 6thcentury.
¶ 10:38 AM
Tibetan Opera (lhamo)
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The Tibetan opera (lhamo in the Tibetan language) is an important cultural ingredient in Tibetan social life and is very popular inTibet, provinces ofSichuan,QinghaiandYunnanand so on where Tibetans gather densely. This artistic form had strong characteristics of Tibetan Buddhism in terms of expression techniques and contents.
The Tibetan opera originated from a ceremonial dance performed by the Lamaists in exorcism created by Padmasambhava, one of the founders of Tibetan Buddhism in the 8thcentury, at theSamye Monastery.It is said that Tang Dongjiebu, a monk of Kagyupa (one of the sects of the Tibetan Buddhism), once attempted to build bridges over many rivers ofTibetin the 15thcentury to serve the masses. He spent 3 years in raising funds without too much success. Later, he found that among his devout followers, there were seven pretty and clever girls who were also good at dancing and singing. Thus, he established a theatrical troupe with the seven girls as the main actresses. The theatrical troupe transformed the Buddhism stories into simple-plotted song-and-dance dramas, and gave performances of the stories in various places in order to raise money and educate people. This is the embryonic form of the Tibetan opera. After the 17thcentury, the Tibetan opera finally established its own unique form of art.
High Quality Tibetan Handcrafted Brass Nine Spokes Dorje. It measures approximately 5.25" long , 2" Wide and Weighs 185 grams. Each Hand Crafted Dorje (Vajra) is made of Brass exclusively for us by the Tibetan Commnunity of Lingtsang in Northern India where traditional metal craft support the entire community.
Dorje (Vajra) is very popular in Tibet and Nepal , they are known to be good luck and used to to clear negativity and evil. More specifically the Dorje is known to be a thunderbolt or diamond which destroys all kinds of evil and ignorance and itself is indestructible. Dorje symbolises the male principle which represents method in the right hand and the Bell symbolizes the female principle, is held in the left. Their interaction leads to enlightenment.
