What Is Prayer Flag Ink Made Of? Traditional and Modern Black Ink
Learn what the black ink on prayer flags is made of, from traditional soot and natural binders to modern carbon textile ink, how it is made, and what makes a...
How Are Prayer Flags Made? Traditional Craft of Woodblock Printing
Learn how prayer flags are made, from carving wooden blocks and preparing the ink to hand printing, drying and stringing, and why every handmade flag is different.
What Are Prayer Flags Made Of? Fabrics, Ink and Printing Blocks
Learn what prayer flags are made of, from cotton, silk and polyester to carved wooden blocks and black ink, and how to choose and care for them.
How Is a Stupa Made? Casting, Hammering and Finishing
Learn how a stupa is made, by lost-wax casting or by hammering metal plates, then carving, gilding, plating and stone setting, and why every handcrafted stupa differs.
What Is a Stupa Made Of? Materials and Finishes
Learn what a stupa is made of, from copper and brass to silver and gold, with gilded, plated and oxidized finishes and stone inlays, and how to choose and care...
How Is a Conch Shell Made? Traditional Craft of Carving and Finishing
Learn how a ritual conch shell is made, from choosing the shell to hand carving, metalwork, stone setting and testing the sound, and why every conch is different.
What Is a Conch Shell Made Of? Materials and Finishes
Learn what a ritual conch shell is made of, from the natural sea shell to copper, silver and white metal fittings and stone inlays, and how to choose and care...
How Is a Phurba Made? Traditional Craft of the Ritual Dagger
Category: Ritual Objects | Tradition: Vajrayana Buddhism and Bön | Origin: Nepal, India, and Tibet A phurba is a ritual dagger with a three-sided blade, and making one is...
What Is a Phurba Made Of? Materials and Finishes
Learn what a phurba is made of, from iron and brass to wood, crystal and inlays, how the materials differ, and how to care for them.
How Is a Mala Made? Traditional Craft of Stringing and Finishing
Learn how a mala is made, from preparing and matching the beads to stringing, knotting and finishing, and why every handcrafted mala is slightly different.
Blog posts
-
Shankar ThakaliFamous Stupas of Nepal and Beyond: Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and More
Discover the famous stupas of Nepal, including Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, the Ashoka stupas of Patan and Namo Buddha, and the great stupas of India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Myanmar.
-
Shankar ThakaliHow to Use a Mala: The Process of Using Prayer Beads for Mantra and Meditation
Learn how to use a mala, from choosing a mantra and holding the beads to counting rounds and turning at the head bead, with a simple routine for beginners.
-
Shankar ThakaliDamaru in Vajrayana Buddhism and Beyond: History, Meaning and Ritual Use
Explore the damaru in Vajrayana Buddhism and beyond, including its history, ritual use, symbolism, and its meaning in Hinduism and Himalayan culture.
