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 Serkim Made? Traditional Craft and Finishing
Learn how a serkim is made, from shaping and embossing to filigree, plating and finishing, and why every handcrafted set is slightly different.
What Is a Serkim Made Of? Materials and Finishes
Learn what a serkim is made of, from copper and brass to plating, filigree and stones, how the materials differ, and how to care for them.
How Is a Prayer Wheel Made? Traditional Craft and Finishing
Learn how a prayer wheel is made, from forming the cylinder and embossing the mantra to loading the scroll and testing how it turns.
What Is a Prayer Wheel Made Of? Materials and Finishes
Learn what a prayer wheel is made of, from brass and copper to wood, steel and mantra paper, how the materials differ, and how to care for them.
How Is a Damaru Made? Traditional Craft of the Ritual Drum
Learn how a damaru is made, from carving and stretching the heads to adding the strikers and finishing, and why every handcrafted drum is slightly different.
What Is a Damaru Made Of? Materials and Finishes
Learn what a damaru is made of, from wood, hide and cord to silk and metal fittings, how the materials differ, and how to care for them.
How Is a Mandala Offering Set Made? Traditional Craft and Finishing
Learn how a mandala offering set is made, from shaping and carving to plating and finishing, and why every handcrafted set is slightly different.
What Is a Mandala Offering Set Made Of? Materials and Finishes
Learn what a mandala offering set is made of, from copper, brass and silver to gilding and stones, how the materials differ, and how to care for them.
How Is a Butter Lamp Made? Traditional Craft and Finishing
Learn how a butter lamp is made, from shaping and engraving to polishing and finishing, and why every handcrafted lamp is slightly different.
Blog posts
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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.
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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.
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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.
