Understanding Puja: Structure and Meaning of a Tibetan Offering Ceremony
Puja is a word some readers associate mainly with Hinduism. That association isn't wrong, but it's incomplete. The term is genuinely and actively used across Tibetan Buddhist practice too. Guru...
The Art of Chanting: Mantras and Their Meaning
Walk past a Tibetan Buddhist shrine, or sit near a monastery courtyard, and you'll likely hear it. A quiet, repeated murmur, sometimes just a breath, sometimes a low, steady chant....
The Role of Mandalas in Meditation and Ritual
Few images are as instantly recognizable as the Buddhist mandala. Its concentric circles and precise geometry show up everywhere. They appear on monastery walls, in books, and even on objects...
The Significance of Prostration in Tibetan Buddhist Practice
Prostration is one of the most physically striking practices in Tibetan Buddhism. The full-body movement, arms outstretched, body flat on the ground, is instantly recognizable even to complete newcomers.This article...
Buddhist Ritual Offerings: A Complete Overview
Walk into any Tibetan Buddhist home or monastery and you will likely see a shrine. Small bowls line the front, a lamp flickers, and incense smoke drifts upward. These are...
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.
