Showing posts with label The Living Paradise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Living Paradise. Show all posts

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Did you know where is the highest Monastery in the world?

Our original article was posted to Mylot com on June 09, 2017

Did you know where is the highest Monastery in the world?  

This is a very thrilling and yet seem to be not many people know exactly where is the world most highest monastery ever built on earth! 

The world most highest temple is located in the "roof of the world” Himalayas . The highest monastery's titled was professed by: The Rongbuk Monastery. 
Rongbuk monastery located remotely in the northern region of Mount Everest with an altitude of five thousand meters [16, 404 feet] above the sea level and this claimed to be the highest ever known or discovered monastery in the world.  Rongbuk Monastery was built in the early 18 century. 

The sacred temple was................

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Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen
May it arise and not decrease
But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit
By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.
Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.
May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.
With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note
I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).
Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.
Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

The charming and exquisite blue goddess of Tibetan Plateau.

* My original article was posted to mylot.com on June 05, 2017 : 
http://www.mylot.com/post/3074282/the-blue-goddess-of-tibetan-plateau

The charming and exquisite blue goddess of Tibetan Plateau. 

What will be your first image or picture of Tibet? A mysterious, yet exceptionally spectacular breathtaking snow mountain of Himalaya? or, the prominent and perspectives of the Tibetan herdsmen with their livestock? 
All things considered, these are the exceptionally conventional reception from people in general. Honestly, it was the characteristic natural world in the Himalaya mountain. Let take a look at this astoundingly yet brilliantly beautiful flowers of the Tibetan plateau. The native of the Himalayas, they called it as the beautiful blue goddess of Poppy.  

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Wednesday, May 17, 2017

What truly inspires us passionately and greatness in life ? - LiteracyBase

What truly inspires us passionately and greatness in life ?
Is your heart flawlessly solid? When you experience something in these circumstances?
The sentiment of our heart that cannot be hurt, however the misery did. Do whatever it takes not to surrender affection too effortlessly and feasibly. Arguably, a substantial number of individuals will love or connect to something beyond reasonable doubt. If conceivable best not to settle on a conclusion or decision on any inspiration and motivation, likewise, we certainly will lament a lifetime.
An irritating and awkward sentence or word that will effortlessly do incredible damage to the relationship of the one that once we adored and cherished. There is no single battle or conflict in our relationship that won’t damage us severely, yet most significantly, it is just only our wounded heart that declines to tolerate or persevere.
There is no one who won’t be irate, feeling is not an experience diversion or redirection, but its only our forgiveness heart that we ought to grasp most. Good destiny, by virtue of the heartfelt; genuine emotions, to be not to desert or betray.
In this world, if an individual who genuinely adores you, he would not mean to damage or hesitate to hurt you. On the off-chance that you are not remarkably essential in their souls, you can feel and notice it. The alleged flawless turn, there are others can not comprehend the profundity of evaluation.
On the voyage of life, there are numerous who are accompanying you along the way, be that as it may, there are just only a handful of individuals who are willingly and readily accompany you throughout your life.  Who is waiting silently. Who never leaves, who can always there and be for you. In this world, don’t anticipate that everybody will welcome us , you will not too easily encounter and experience a couple of people in your lifetime.
We simply demonstrate some thoughtfulness, there are so limited or few individuals will truly demonstrate their sensitivity and affectability of .................
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Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Saga Dawa Duchen And The Vesak Day

" I am the chief of the world,
  Eldest am I in the world,
  Foremost am I in the world,
 This is the last birth,
 There is now no more coming to be."
Afterbirth, the Buddha began walk on the 7 lotus steps, He stopped with his noble voice shouted.

"Profound peace, natural simplicity, uncompounded luminosity, I have found a nectar-like Dharma"
The enlightenment of the Buddha at the age of thirty-five in Bodhgaya.
"It is in the nature of all things that take form to dissolve again. Strive with your whole being to attain perfection"
The passing of the Buddha's Paranirvana in the forest grove in Kusinagara, India. 

May 10, 2017 Wednesday is a day that fill with many special events:-
1) Shakyamuni Buddha Purnima/Visakha.
2) Full Moon Day of Vesak / Saga Dawa Duchen
3) Amithabha Buddha Prayer Day
4) Sojong Practices ( Eight Mahayana Precepts Practice)
According to Vajrayana practice, on this day, the effects of positive and negative actions are multiplied by 10,000,000 times if one committed.
The Buddhas Vesak Day / Saga Dawa Duchen 2017 in the following Asia countries:
  1. South Korea Buddhas Birthday -  May 3rd
  2. Macau              Buddha's Birthday -  May 3rd
  3. Taiwan             Buddha's Birthday  - May 3rd
  4. India                 Buddha Purnima    - May 10th
  5. Bangladesh     Buddha Purnima     - May 10th
  6. Thailand          Visakha Bucha Day - May 10th
  7. Malaysia          Wesak Day                - May 10th
  8. Singapore        Vesak Day                 -  May 10th
  9. Cambodia        Visak Bochea Day   -  May 10th
  10. Sri Lanka         Vesak Poya               -  May 10th
  11. Myanmar         Kasong                      -  May 10th
  12. Indonesia         Waisak Day              -  May 11th
  13. Bhutan              Saga Dawa Duchen - June 09th
  14. Tibet                  Saga Dawa Duchen - June 09th
Although Buddhists regard every full moon as sacred, the moon of the month of Vaisakh has special significance because on this day the Buddha was born, attained enlightenment (nirvana), and attained parinirvana (nirvana-after-death of the body) when he died.

Shakyamuni Buddha, the historical founder of Buddhism, was born in India 3,000 years ago. There are various opinions concerning the exact dates of his birth and death, but according to Buddhist tradition, he is said to have been born April 8, 1029 BC and died on February 15, 949 BC, although other Buddhist scholars place his birth five hundred years later.

Come this Wednesday, May 10 its known as the Vesak day in many Asian countries. In Tibet it is known as the “Saga Dawa Duchen” and this festival is usually held at the 4th month of the Buddhist Calendar and this year it fall on the June 09, 2017.  
Saga Dawa is called the "month of merits" for Tibetan Buddhists. Dawa means "month" in Tibetan, and "Saga" is the star prominent in the sky during the fourth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar when Saga Dawa is observed. Duchen means "great occasion." Saga Dawa Duchen usually begins in May and ends in June.

The Vesak Day or Saga Dawa Duchen day is the single most holy day of Tibetan Buddhism. Like the Theravada observance of Vesak. Saga Dawa Duchen commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death (parinirvana) of our  historical Lord Shakyamuni Buddha.

This is a month especially dedicated to "making merit." Merit is understood in many ways in Buddhism. We can think of it as the fruits of good karma, especially when this brings us closer to enlightenment.

In early Buddhist teachings, the three grounds of meritorious action are generosity (dana), morality (sila), and mental culture or meditation (bhavana), although there are many ways to make merit.
Amithabha Buddha Prayer Day
"If you wish to come and be born in my realm, you must always recite my sacred mantra again and again, you must always keep this thought in mind without letting up, and thus you will succeed in coming to be born in my realm. 
If my 48 Great Vows do not come to pass, may I not attain my enlightenment".
Amitabha Buddha 48 Great Vows
The Tibetan word of "Dewachen" literally means the celestial mandala or the Amithabha Buddha pure land, and in Sanskrit name is Sukhavati and in Chinese is 西方極樂淨土. The Sacred Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha was delivered by Shakyamuni Buddha at the Vulture Peak in Rajagriha, India.

Amithabha  Buddha 南無阿彌陀佛 he is represents the Padma Lotus family. Amitābha means "Infinite Light" so Amitābha is also called "The Buddha of Immeasurable Life and Light".

He is the Buddha of the West direction.
His Mantra is " OM AMI DEVA HRIH " 
His Mantra in Chinese is " 南無阿彌陀佛 " 
His syllable is "Hrih" 
His color is in red.
His element is signifies or represents fire 
His symbolism is the Lotus.
His wisdom is signifies as Inquisitive and the wisdom of observation.
His hands mudras are signify as Meditation.
He is symbolizes or associated with summer season.
His consort is Pandara.
Sojong Practices ( Eight Mahayana Precepts Practice)
Sojong and its definition (Practice of Confession) by the second Buddha of Oddiyana.
"So" means to replenish, virtue and purify.
"Jong" means harmful deeds as the Tathagata has taught the practice of Sojong. 

Sojong is the Tibetan language and it's also known as the 八關齋戒 or the Eight precepts by the Mahayana practitioners. 
The observance of the Eight Precepts or Sojong Practices:-
1-To refrain from killing.
2-To refrain from stealing.
3-To refrain from sexual misconduct.
4-To refrain from lying and intoxication.
5-To refrain from taking a high or luxurious seat.
6-To refrain from singing and dancing.
7-To refrain from wearing ornaments.
8-To refrain from eating after midday.

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta
For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen
May it arise and not decrease
But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit
By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.
Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.
May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.
With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note
I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).
Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.
Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

Friday, May 5, 2017

The Divine Manifestation - Meditation - LiteracyBase

The Divine Manifestation – Meditation
Meditation in the Tibetan language is known as ” Tulpa”.  During the “Tulpa” meditation we rest our hands on our knees, palms facing upward, with this kind of position, our mind and body are in an open position that allowing or enhances the ability to listen or encouraging our awareness.
For this kind of traditional meditation position, it is widely and commonly known as the meditative mudras or hand gesture position. This gesture also known as the giving and receiving hand mudras. With these mudras it allows the energy to............
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The Divine Manifestation - Meditation - LiteracyBase

Thursday, April 20, 2017

The Six Realms of Existence 六道輪廻

Rebirth in Buddhism refers to its teaching that the actions of a person lead to a new existence after death, in endless cycles called saṃsāra. This cycle is considered to be dhukkha, unsatisfactory and painful. The cycle stops only if liberation is achieved by insight and the extinguishing of desire. Rebirth is one of the foundational doctrines of Buddhism, along with Karma, nirvana.

The rebirth doctrine in Buddhism, sometimes referred to as reincarnation or metempsychosis, asserts that rebirth does not necessarily take place as another human being, but as an existence in one of the six Gati (realms) called Bhava chakra. The six realms of rebirth include  God (heavenly), Asura (Demigod), Manusya (Human), Tiryak (Animals), Preta (Ghosts), and Naraka (Resident of hell).
The Six Karmic Realm of Rebirth. 
These are the fundamental factors that are determined by karma and connecting us to the six Gati or  “realms” :-

1 )  The God realm / 天道 - The suffering of the gods arises from foreseeing one’s fall from the god’s realm and these sufferings come from pride, arrogance and egotism. 

2) Asura The Demigod realm /  阿修羅道 - The suffering of Asura the Demigod is constant fighting and these sufferings come from jealously, resentment, and envy.  

3) The Human realm / 人道 - The sufferings of humans are birth, sickness, old age and death and these sufferings come from desire and attachment.

4) The Animals realm /  畜生道 - The sufferings of animals are being preyed upon one another, or being killed for meat, skin etc. These sufferings come from ignorance. 

5) The Hungry ghost realm /  餓鬼道 - The sufferings of hungry ghost is hunger and thirst and these sufferings come from greed.

6) The Hell realm / 地獄道 - The suffering of hell is hot and cold and these sufferings come from hatred and angers.  
This rebirth, state Buddhism traditions, is determined by karma, with good realms favored by Kushala (good karma), while a rebirth in evil realms is a consequence of Akushala (bad karma). While Nirvana is the ultimate goal of Buddhist teaching, much of traditional Buddhist practice has been centered on gaining merit and merit transfer, whereby one gains rebirth in the good realms and avoids rebirth in the evil realms.

The rebirth doctrine has been a subject of scholarly studies within Buddhism since ancient times, particularly in reconciling the rebirth doctrine with its Anatman (no self, no soul) doctrine. Some Buddhist traditions assert that "no self" doctrine means that there is no per during self, but there is inexpressible self which migrates from one life to another.
The majority of Buddhist traditions, in contrast, asserts that Vijnana (a person's consciousness) though evolving, exists as a continuum and is the mechanistic basis of what undergoes rebirth, becoming and death. Some traditions assert that the rebirth occurs immediately, while others, such as the Tibetan Buddhism posits an “Bardo” interim state wherein as many of 49 days pass between death and rebirth and this belief drives the local funerary rituals.

Tibetan Buddhism holds that there are two ways that someone can take rebirth after death. The first is to be reborn involuntarily, under the sway of ‘karma’, drawn back to life by destructive emotions and desires. 

This is the fate of most of us, but there are a few, select others, through the power of compassion and prayer to benefit others, are believed to be able to choose their place and time of birth as well as their parents. The process of identifying these reincarnate beings is e called “Rinpoches, the precious one” or "tulkus" as we are known, is a unique mixture of magic and politics.

In a monastic society, where celibacy was the rule, it served for more than 900 years not only to affirm the Buddhist teachings of a realized soul choosing the circumstances of their rebirth for the benefit of mankind; it also ensured a continuity of spiritual and political hierarchy.
His Holiness Karmapas, who introduced the system of identifiable reincarnation in the 11th century, are unique in leaving a letter of prediction before their death, specifying where their next incarnation will be found. In other lineages, identification will usually involve a mixture of dreams, divinations and the consulting of oracles. It is an inexact science, practiced in different ways across the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta
For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen
May it arise and not decrease
But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit
By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.
Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.
May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.
With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note
I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).
Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.
Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

Friday, March 31, 2017

The Smiling Buddhas

Why the Buddhas and His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama are always smiling?

When we look at a statue of the Buddha or the image of great enlightened beings with their serene smiles, it’s easy to say that these enlightened beings do not or never experienced the same reactive emotions or negative thoughts that swirl around in our mind.

The answer, it would be incorrect.
The Buddhas and sages faced the same reactive emotions and negative thoughts that you face today. Fear. Anger. Sorrow. Doubt. Overwhelm all of those and more if we could name all of these negativities. The Buddhas and enlightened beings faced them and through persistent compassionate facing and meditation discovered something remarkable.

The Buddhas and sages  discovered that every emotion & thought no matter how challenging can be transformed, healed, and expressed as a life-giving energy. They discovered how to experience freedom, not by suppressing, defeating, or avoiding emotions, but by transforming them. They discovered that freedom can be realized in the midst of life’s inevitable ups and downs.
The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and other enlightened beings developed a method we can use to realize how to be free in life. This method is based tapping into the life sources or forces  that underlying all emotions.

What are the sources or forces that underlies all emotions?
The sages traced emotions back to their original sources or nature of the sources, in their original form and found that reactive emotions are simply life energy running wild.

There’s power, juice, creativity, and aliveness in that wildness. But there’s also destruction, chaos, confusion and suffering. If you suppress the emotion—you suppress your life. But if you let it run wild, it destroys your well-being and happiness.
So what to do? 
The Buddhas discovered that at the heart of every emotion and every thought is an essential wisdom quality; at the still, radiant center of every emotion is a pure creative impulse. When you lose your connection with that pure creative impulse, your life gets tangled up in reactive emotions and conflicting thoughts.

When you reconnect to that essential quality, to that pure creative impulse, reactive emotions and negative thoughts are transformed into wisdom, creativity and bliss. The sages realized that the secret of transformation lies in attuning to the nature of the sources.
They called the underlying nature of forces and the answer is the six syllables Mantra: Om Mani Padme Hum Hri

There are many others lives-enriching mantras. The Buddha has once say that the mantras and the Dharma teachings are many as 48,000 pulsing at the heart of every emotion; there is a wisdom-bearing mantra resonating at the still center of every thought.

Mantra meditation attunes your mind to the original source that lies at the heart of every emotion and every thought. Through the practice of mantra meditation, you untangle your consciousness from the reactive patterns that create confusion and chaos in your life.
That’s why the Buddha and the sages are smiling. Not because they never experience reactivity, but because they know how to transform, emotion into wisdom and blissful state.
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Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta
For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen
May it arise and not decrease
But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit
By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.
Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.
May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.
With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note
I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).
Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.
Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

The Divine Manifestation - Sacred Mudras

The sacred Mudras are symbolic ritual hand gestures that play a major role in Hinduism and Buddhism. In addition, some mudras involve the entire body, most are performed with the hands and fingers. Mudras are also present in the Indian dancing tradition, Mudras are an important part of yoga, where Yoga should also have an effect on the body and mind. 

Mudras are a non-verbal modes of communication and self-expression, consisting of hand gestures and finger-postures. They are symbolic signs based finger patterns taking the place, but retaining the efficacy of the spoken word, and are used to evoke in the mind ideas symbolizing divine powers or the deities themselves. 

The composition of a mudra is based on certain movements of the fingers. They constitute a highly stylized form of body or hand language. It is an external expression of 'inner resolve', suggesting that such non-verbal communications are more powerful than the spoken word.

Mudras were used in the Buddhist sculpture and painting of India, Tibet. Mudras indicate to the faithful in a simple way the nature and the function of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and deities represented. 
Mudras are thus gestures which symbolize divine manifestation. They are also used by Lamas in their spiritual exercises of ritual meditation and concentration, and are believed to generate forces that invoke the enlightened beings.

A mudra is used not only to illustrate and emphasize the meaning of an esoteric ritual but also it gives significance to a sculptural image, a dance movement, or a meditative pose, intensifying their potency. In its highest Tantric practice, it is a magical art of symbolical gestures through which the invisible forces may operate on the earthly sphere. 
The symbolic of the esoteric ritual
An interesting meaning of the mudra reveals the secret imbibed in the five fingers. In such an interpretation, each of the fingers, starting with the thumb, is identified with one of the five elements, namely the sky, wind, fire, water, and the earth. 

Their contact with each other symbolizes the synthesis of these elements, significant because every form in this universe is said to be composed of a unique combination of these elements. 

This contact between the various elements creates conditions favorable for the presence of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Deities at rites performed for securing some desired object or benefit. That is, mudras induce the deity to be near the worshiper.

9 important mudras of Buddhism
  • Bhumisparsa Mudra – “Gesture of the Earth Witness”. 
This mudra represents the historical Buddha Siddhartha Gautama with His right hand touches the earth with the tips of its fingers (the palm inwards) while the legs remain in meditation posture.

The Bhumisparsa Mudra plays an important role in the history of the historical Buddha Shakyamuyni. While Buddha meditated under the Bodhi tree, he was disturbed by Mara, who tempted him by taking the form of a naked girl. But Siddhartha wouldn’t deviate from his path to enlightenment, and so he touched the earth with the fingertips of his right hand and said, “the earth shall be my witness, I will not let myself be seduced”
  • Dharmachakra Mudra - "Turning the Wheel of Dharma". 
This mudra symbolizes one of the most important moments in the life of Buddha, the occasion when he preached to his companions the first sermon after his Enlightenment in the Deer Park at Sarnath. In this mudra the thumb and index finger of both hands touch at their tips to form a circle. 

This circle represents the Wheel of Dharma, or in metaphysical terms, the union of method and wisdom. Significantly, in this mudra, the hands are held in front of the heart, symbolizing that these teachings are straight from the Buddha's heart.
  • Varada mudra - "Boon granting".
This mudra symbolizes charity, compassion. It is the mudra of the accomplishment of the wish to devote oneself to human salvation. It is nearly always made with the left hand, and can be made with the arm hanging naturally at the side of the body, the palm of the open hand facing forward, and the fingers extended.

The five extended fingers in this mudra symbolizes of perfections, Generosity, Morality, Patience, Effort and Meditative Concentration.
  • Dhyana Mudra - "Meditation"
The Dhyana mudra may be made with one or both hands. When made with both hands, the hands are generally held at the level of the stomach or on the thighs. The right hand is placed above the left, with the palms facing upwards, and the fingers extended.  In some cases the thumbs of the two hands may touch at the tips, thus forming a mystic triangle. 

The esoteric sects obviously attribute to this triangle a multitude of meanings, the most important being the identification with the mystic fire that consumes all impurities. This triangle is also said to represent the Three Jewels of Buddhism. The Dhyana mudra is the mudra of meditation, of concentration on the attainment of spiritual perfection. 

According to tradition, this mudra derives from the one assumed by the Buddha when meditating under the pipal tree before his Enlightenment. This gesture was also adopted since time immemorial, by yogis during their meditation and concentration exercises. It indicates the perfect balance of thought, rest of the senses, and tranquility.
  • Abhaya Mudra “Protection, Reassurance and Blessing”
Abhaya in Sanskrit means fearlessness. Thus this mudra symbolizes protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear. It is made with the right hand raised to shoulder height, the arm crooked, the palm of the hand facing outward, and the fingers upright and joined. 

Abhaya Mudra can be found in images of standing Buddhas and Tara. The fifth Dhyani Buddha Amogasiddhi is also represented with the Abhaya mudra.
  • Vitarka Mudra “Gesture of Teaching, Giving Instruction“
The Vitarka Mudra is the gesture of discussion and Teaching, Giving Instruction. It is characteristic of those regarded as teachers and instructors. In this Mudra the right arm is bent, the hand raised with the palm outwards. Thumb and forefinger touch and thus form the “Wheel of Dharma”. One finds this gesture often in depictions of the Buddha, but also in pictures and sculptures of the Tara.
  • Tarjani Mudra “Gesture of Warning” 
In Buddhism it is also an expression of warning or admonition. In this Mudra, the right hand is held vertically in front of the chest and only the index finger is stretched upward while the other fingers and thumb roll into a fist.  

One finds this gesture especially in the wrathful deities, Dakinis and Dharmapala ( Dharma Protectors) 
  • Karana Mudra – “Gesture to ward off the evil“
The Karana Mudra is a symbolical protection to keep demons and other negative influences at bay. In this Mudra, the hand is outstretched vertically or horizontally and with the palm facing forward. The two middle fingers are held down under the thumb. The index and the little fingers extend upwards. 

One finds this gesture often in depictions of Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava right hand is holding a Vajra that symbolize divine manifestation of gesture to ward off the evil forces.
  • Uttarabodhi Mudra“Gesture of Perfection“
The Uttarabodhi Mudra represents supreme enlightenment and should bring positive energy and vibrations. By performing this Mudra, we connect with the universal divine energy. 

In this Mudra, both hands are folded across the chest. The two index fingers touch each other and point upwards. The thumbs are interwoven. The remaining fingers encircle each opposite hand.

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.


Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen
May it arise and not decrease
But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit

By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.
Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.
May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.
With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright of these pictures.
Pictures courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.
Pictures are intended for editorial use only.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

What is Tibetan Tormas?

Torma in Sanskrit word is called " Balingta"  and Tormas are offering cakes and symbolize the food offering to the Buddhas, Deities.  Originally made of dough, in Tibet, it roasted barley flour is used, and also sculpted from butter, they have evolved into elaborately decorated objects.  

Since making them is time-consuming, people have begun to use clay, wood and more recently, synthetic substances. Tormas are used not only in Vajrayana, but also during the Buddha Shakyamuni times. 
Legend has it, in the past in India, one day Ananda was in the forest in Kapilavastu. As he was contemplating the Dharma, before him low down in the sky appeared a *Preta with fire blazing from its mouth, terrifying to look at. It said to Ananda, " In seven days time you will die," Upon hearing this, Ananda was filled with fear and then told the Buddha what had happened. 

*Footnote
Preta is the Sanskrit name for a hungry ghost being described in Hinduism, Buddhism as undergoing suffering greater than that of humans, particularly an extreme level of hunger and thirst.
Buddha Shakyamuni then taught a majestic Dharani mantra and immeasurable Torma offering and by offering that Torma, Ananda was freed from the terror of untimely death and attained many excellent qualities.
The Essence of Tormas
Tormas are in essence the identity of indivisible basic space and wisdom

The Etymology of Tormas
Guru Rinpoche once said:-
Since they do not hold, but cast away, they are called "Tor" and since they pervade everything, they are called "Ma"

In that way, because they are given free of grasping and attachment they are described as "Tor" which means to scatter and disperse, and because they appear in front of all guests as they are described as "Ma".
The Different Types of Guests
How many types of guests, or recipients of Tormas are there? The different types of guests can be condensed into the objects of homage and objects of generosity. To be more detailed, there are four types of guests:-
  1. The guests of honor, the objects of refuge
  2. The guests of qualities, the glorious protectors
  3. The guests of compassion, beings of the six classes
  4. The guests of karmic debts, negative spirits
1-Tormas are dedicated to the guests of honor in the way that you would pay your taxes to the King.In that way, one gathers vast accumulations and protected by their compassion.

2-Tormas are dedicated to the guests of qualities in the way that you would give a present to a friend or equal standing.In that way, beneficial activities are accomplished and obstacles are prevented.
3-Tormas are dedicated to the guests of compassion as a feast or banquet.In that way, one accomplishes the benefit of others and thereby becomes a follower of the great vehicle.

4-Tormas are dedicated to the guests of karmic debts, negative spirits like paying back a debt. In that way, grudges are purified and future negative and harm is averted.
Tormas have different uses. Some are created and placed on shrines for ceremonies or to represent deities. Others are used in feast practice and consumed by practitioners during the practice. Others are made to appease spirits, accumulate merit, or remove obstacles. The Tormas are mostly made of barley flour and butter, but traditionally other ingredients such as egg, milk, sugar, honey, and even meat may be included depending upon the purpose of the Torma.
There Are 6 Different Types of Tormas
1) Deity Tormas are kept in the shrine, and represent a particular tantra deity. These Tormas vary in complexity from a very simple cone painted white for peaceful deities like Buddha, Tara and Avalokiteshvara, to very complex designs for semi-wrathful deities like Vajrayogini.
2) Food Tormas are used in feast practices and are consumed partially by practitioners during the feast, with leftovers offered to lower beings after being blessed. In some traditions, food Tormas are now made with more contemporary ingredients, whereas others stay faithful to the barley flour tradition.
3) Offering Tormas may be made for and offered to deities and Dharma Protectors, to obstruct spirits, or to other lower beings. Torma for obstructing spirits are called "Gektor".
4) Medicine Tormas may be used in Tibetan medicine to extract an illness from a patient as a cure. The torma is then cast away.

5) Captured Tormas may be used to speed completion of activities, by planning to offer the torma at the completion of the activity thereby encouraging successful activity.


6) Inner and secret Tormas are for practicing meditation with deity visualization is considered a form of Torma offering, though no physical Torma is created and then offered. Similarly, offering one's internal emotional and mental experiences and experiences of non-physical forms of Torma offerings.

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Aspiration For Bodhichitta
For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen
May it arise and not decrease
But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit
By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.
Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.
May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.
With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

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