Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva 南無大願地藏王菩薩

“If the Hell is not empty, I shall not attain Buddhahood”

The Great Vow of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is known for his vow to take responsibility for the instruction of all beings in the six worlds between the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha and the incoming of Maitreya the next future Buddha,

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in Tibetan word is "Sa Yi Nyingpo". In Sanskrit name is "Ksitigarbha". In Chinese name is "地藏王菩薩" with his great vow- “If the Hell is not empty, I shall not attain Buddhahood”. Having vowed not to achieve Buddhahood until all hells are emptied, his activity focuses more particularly on helping those who suffer in the hell realms.

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has received great respect and trust from all since long ago. Not only did he point out to us a road to achieving Buddhahood, but he also lighted up for us a hope in Dharma. For these reasons, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is known as “The King of Great Vows”. 

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is one of the most wonderful dimensions of the Mahayana Tradition of Buddhist practice and teaching are the different manifestations of Buddha’s Qualities of compassion and wisdom. These emanate as different Buddha deities. The form, appearance, costumes, mudras, implements and jewellery of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva differ quite considerably under Mahayana & Tibetan Buddhism. 

Manifestation in Mahayana Buddhism 

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is typically depicted with a shaven head, dressed in a monk's simple robes (unlike most other bodhisattvas, who are dressed like Indian royalty). In his left hand, Ksitigarbha holds a cintamani; in his right hand, he holds a staff "錫杖" , which is used to alert insects and small animals of his approach, so that he will not accidentally harm them. He is often depicted as white in color, holding a staff in his right hand and a jewel that symbolizes wisdom in his left hand.

Manifestation in Tibetan Buddhism

Ksitigarbha is shown wearing a crown depicting the Five Dhyani Buddhas as worn by Tibetan and in Tantric rituals.

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is revered as the protector of stillborn, miscarried and aborted babies. He is the protective deity of travelers and guardian of pregnant women. He protects against earthquakes; he prolongs life and is a guardian of children.

The practice and prayers 

His mantra in Mahayana is “南無大願地藏王菩薩”

His mantra in Sanskrit is “oṃ ha ha ha vismaye svāhā”

I prostate, go for Refuge, make offerings, please grant blessings. The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, who has unbearable compassion for me and all sentient beings (whose minds are obscure and who are suffering), who has qualities like the sky and liberates sentient beings from all the sufferings and gives all the happiness. (Recite three times.)

Five Reasons for Being Born into Poverty according to the Sutra of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva:-

1. The first of these is arrogance, particularly toward one’s parents.
2. The second is obstinacy, that is, refusing to listen to teachers and elders.
3. The third is lack of diligence in honoring the Triple Gem.
4. The fourth is thievery.
5. The fifth reason for being born into poverty is accumulation of unpaid debts. Although money is false and empty, it cannot be used casually and wasted. To borrow money and not repay it, thinking that you have no obligation because money is of no true importance, will lead to rebirth as a servile and poor person.

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.

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.

The Tibetan Wealth Treasure Vase

The Tibetan wealth treasure vase, metaphorically, is the vase of inexhaustible treasures, which represents health, longevity, wealth and wisdom, and emphasizes the symbolic meaning of wealth and abundance. In Tibetan Buddhist paintings, the treasure vase is portrayed as a fat vase with a short, but slim neck.

The treasure vase In Tibetan word is "gter gyi bum pa" and in Sankirt is "nidhana kumbha". The Wealth Treasure Vase was introduced by a great Indian master, Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava  to Tibet. He gave specific instructions on how to create and what sacred items need to be put inside them. 

According to the text, the blessings, pacification and improved environment created by the Vases extends for 15 miles outward from the Vases location. By the sacred contents and rituals employed during its creation, the Treasure Vase has the power to magnetize wealth and abundance, improve health and healing, pacify anger , conflict, and increase wisdom and compassion. 

The Tibetan wealth treasure Vase is a fat bellied vessel with a short, slim neck. On top, at the opening, there is a large jewel indicating that it is a treasure vase. The tradition of the treasure vase is a very ancient one. The vases were very well known in Tibet for centuries, and many families had them. 

The Wealth Treasure Vase brings blessings to its possessor. The powers of the vase is concentrated in the building where it is placed, serving to increase the spiritual and material wealth of the residents.

Traditionally, the vase was considered to protect from the negative influences of both human and non-human beings. It protected from fears of life and death. It strengthened karmic connections so that the obstacles to material gain and prosperity were eliminated. It also improved the spiritual environment so worldly and transcendental accomplishment was more easily obtained. 

The Tibetan wealth treasure vase, provided material wealth and spiritual wealth; if one increased, the other did too. It is an axiom of Tibetan Buddhism that it’s good to fulfill your desires as long as you do not harm anyone else. Obtaining what you want brings a great deal of self knowledge. The Wealth Treasure Vase evokes the inexhaustible wealth within us all.

The Tibetan wealth treasure vases, sealed with precious and sacred substances, are commonly placed upon altars and on mountain passes, or buried at water springs, where their presence is believed to attract wealth and bring harmony to the environment. In relation to Buddhism it specifically means the spiritual abundance of the Buddha, a treasure that did not diminish, however much of it he gave away.

The Tibetan wealth treasure vases have been carefully prepared, sealed and consecrated through prayers and empowerment rituals to invoke the blessings of all the manifestations of the Buddhas and Yidam deities and the vitality of the elements. Consecrated treasure vases bring balance, healing and abundance to the outer world and the inner world.

The inner world refers to (flesh, blood, heat, breath and mind). The outer world is refers to (earth, water, fire, air, space) that are imbalanced, disturbed or depleted by environmental pollutants. Within the areas surrounding the vase, direct experiences of well being will occur.

Traditionally, Tibetan wealth treasure vases are given on auspicious occasions such as births, weddings, housewarmings or new ventures in business premises, consecrated vases can be placed in homes or business to help balance the energy, bring good fortune, bless the residents through spiritual and physical well-being (health and long life) by removing negative energy and obstacles for prosperity and spiritual attainment (improving spiritual practice & virtuous activities), and contribute to the positive energy of the world.

Benefits of Offering the Tibetan wealth treasure vase

1) For yourself – You will have the ability to make regular offerings and donations and grow your secular wealth. You will progress smoothly in your career, your fortune will improve and your virtuous karma will ripen earlier. (Place the wealth vase on the altar or at a high and clean place.)

2) For your family – Your family will enjoy good health, long life, harmony and increasing wealth. Evil and obstructing spirits will be removed, and burglary, illnesses and sufferings averted. Your family will enjoy peace and happiness. (Place the wealth vase on the shrine or in a safe.)

3) For landlords/farmers – The essence of the earth will increase and the crops will grow in abundance. (Place the wealth vase, two feet under the ground within the farmland.)

4) For the environment – Increase the essence of heaven and earth, obtain the protection of the mountain and earth deities, prevent natural disasters, avert attacks of rare diseases and diminish the chances of traffic accidents, thereby bringing peace and tranquility to the area. (Place the wealth vase, two feet under the ground.)

5) For places without the Buddha-Dharma – Minds will naturally become virtuous; merits will be diligently accumulated, and evil forces and demons will be subdued. (Place the wealth vase in a clean and secluded place.)

For donations for our Buddhist research and development

Do you earnestly cherish our devoted work? Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. Would you consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?  

We need your help to secure the future of scholarly interaction with Buddhism. Since our very first publication of Dharma works and activities in the year 2008, we had been effortlessly providing free distribution of Dharma posts and articles throughout the previous 13 years.  We have exceptionally constrained supports and do not receive subsidized or funding from people in general. 

Please help us and to develop our Dharma activities that will not only benefit you, but to all Dharma readers on the planet. Please consider showing your support. Your generosity will certainly help us to enhance our work and to accomplish for a better and brighter prospect to come. 

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.

The Golden Drink Offerings - Serkyem

What is the golden drink Serkyem Offering?

The Serkyem offering set is used for making ritual offerings to Dharma-protectors and guardians. Literally, serkyem means “golden-drink.” Often serkyems are filled with black-tea and various grains such as hulled barley, rice, or wheat. Other offerings might include fruits, cookies, breads, and alcohol.

Serkyem, in Tibetan " Ser" literally  means golden and "Kyem" means beverage. Despite the existence of Serkyem-offering liturgies composed by High Lamas to certain Yidams, it remains largely a unique aspect of the Dharma Protector practice.

In the ancient times, the lamas developed this practice as an extended offering to the Dharma Protector to request for swift assistance. Hence, the Serkyem offering has become extremely popular among modern practitioners who seek assistance , especially in times of dire need.

The Serkyem offering is traditionally offered by pouring the beverage into a two-tiered vessel, which consists of a taller vessel placed into a lower bowl. Naturally, the Serkyem offering is offered from a jug or a suitable pot.

During the offering, the beverage is poured into the taller vessel to the point where the liquid overflows down into the lower bowl. In Buddhism, the symbolism of the overflowing liquid is highly auspicious because it represents an abundant flow of merits, virtues, material resources and conditions that are conducive for one’s Dharma practice.

The beverage can either be poured fully into the vessel prior to the recitation of the Serkyem verses, or it can be poured a little at a time during the recitation of relevant passages throughout the liturgy. 

The Serkyem vessel can be of any material such as gold, silver, copper, brass or even glass. Offering vessels that are made of precious materials are considered highly propitious, especially for lay practitioners who want to create tremendous merits and establish the closest affinity with the Protector.

In addition, the traditional Serkyem vessel that is made up of a taller central vessel and lower bowl is optional, although the overflowing symbolism is an auspicious offering to the Protector. In some cases, practitioners even use a tall wine glass placed inside a glass bowl as a Serkyem vessel.

Black Tea is traditionally offered as Serkyem because in ancient times, it was considered a precious beverage and a valuable commodity that the Tibetans imported from China. Due to its exquisite taste, it is usually offered to the Lamas, Yidams and Dharma Protectors and its golden color reflect the meaning of Serkyem. When tea is offered, it is traditionally offered piping hot as a direct request to the Dharma Protector for the swiftest assistance, heat being symbolic of rapidity.

Besides tea, Tibetan beer or alcohol can also be offered because of the Tantric meaning behind such substances. During a Tsog offering that the Tantrikas perform, a little bit of consecrated alcohol and meat is partaken to symbolize the psychic winds and bodily elements used in Tantric meditation. Hence, beer or alcohol represents Tantric attainments and is offered to the Dharma Protector as a direct request to overcome all obstacles that obstruct spiritual attainments and to bring about beneficial conditions swiftly.

Other suitable beverages that can be offered as Serkyem include milk, which symbolizes spiritual nourishment and also various types of fizzy drinks such as Coca-Cola.

The actual Serkyem offering ritual begins with the pouring of a little of the beverage into the vessel so it’s not empty (if its not already poured in full) along with a few grains of rice. The Serkyem is consecrated with three repetitions of the mantra Om Ah Hum, while purifying with incense. Then, the Serkyem liturgy is recited with each stanza describing an offering of the Serkyem to a particular being or a class of beings that play a defined role in our spiritual practice.

During the offering, the Serkyem is visualized to be divine nectar that expands to fill an entire ocean. This ocean is made out of not just the beverage that the practitioner offered but of all the desirable things in the world that excite and please the 5 senses.

This vast ocean is offered to the Protector and to the other special beings mentioned in the liturgy. In addition, the request or what the practitioner wants to achieve is visualized to come into fruition with the assistance of the Protector.

A brief explanation of the Serkyem liturgy:-

To the lineage Guru - The first stanza is an offering to the root lama whose blessings and teachings guide us along the path of attaining Compassion (Bodhichitta) and realization of Emptiness (Shunyata), the two main qualities of a Buddha.

To the Yidam - Offered to the Yidam that has been received as a practice from our Master.  Examples of yidams include, Manjushri, Vajrayogini, or Guru Rinpoche, Arya Tara and Avalokestesvara. Through the yidam’s Sadhana practice, we can achieve ordinary (health, wealth, clairvoyance and so forth) and extraordinary attainments (wisdom and compassion).

To the Enlightened Dakas and Dakinis - The offering of Serkyem continues by making offerings to the enlightened Dakas and Dakinis, the celestial enlightened beings that play a significant role in higher Tantric practices. This is to rouse them to come to our aid, especially to make our practice successful. 

To the Wisdom Dharmapalas - We offer Serkyem to the various Dharmapala Protectors like Mahakala, Palden Lhamo, Vaishravana, and so forth to create the merit to receive protection. 

Do you earnestly cherish our devoted work? Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. Would you consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?  

We need your help to secure the future of scholarly interaction with Buddhism. Since our very first publication of Dharma works and activities in the year 2008, we had been effortlessly providing free distribution of Dharma posts and articles throughout the previous 10 years.  We have exceptionally constrained supports and do not receive subsidized or funding from people in general. 


Please help us and to develop our Dharma activities that will not only benefit you, but to all Dharma readers on the planet. Please consider showing your support. Your generosity will certainly help us to enhance our work and to accomplish for a better and brighter prospect to come. 

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.

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.

Do you earnestly cherish our devoted work? Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. Would you consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?  

We need your help to secure the future of scholarly interaction with Buddhism. Since our very first publication of Dharma works and activities in the year 2008, we had been effortlessly providing free distribution of Dharma posts and articles throughout the previous 10 years.  We have exceptionally constrained supports and do not receive subsidized or funding from people in general. 

Please help us and to develop our Dharma activities that will not only benefit you, but to all Dharma readers on the planet. Please consider showing your support. Your generosity will certainly help us to enhance our work and to accomplish for a better and brighter prospect to come. 

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.