2 comments
Inspiration for your meditation practice and everyday life since 1979. Handcrafted meditation cushions, Buddhist statues, gongs, Asian furnishings, Zen garden, fine incense, malas, and inspirational jewelry.
bhutan |
-
Treasury of Lives: Bhutan's Nyingma Treasure Revealers
Biography and autobiography in Tibet are important sources for both education and inspiration. Tibetans have kept such meticulous records of their teachers that thousands of names are known and discussed in a wide range of biographical material. All these names, all these lives—it can be a little overwhelming. The authors involved in the Treasury of Lives are currently mining the primary sources to provide English-language biographies of every known religious teacher from Tibet and the Himalaya, all of which are organized for easy searching and browsing. Every Tuesday on the Tricycle blog, we will highlight and reflect on important, interesting, eccentric, surprising and beautiful stories found within this rich literary tradition. Bhutan's Nyingma Treasure Revealers More » -
Tricycle Pilgrimage: Young Monks in Bumthang
These young Bhutanese monks, at Thamshing Monastery in Jakar, Bumthang, spent the morning memorizing texts by reciting them aloud. Neither the cold nor a nearby pack of barking dogs seemed to distract them. More » -
Tricycle Pilgrimage: Self-arising talisman
Phalluses are a common sight in Bhutan. They're thought to ward off evil spirits. They are often nailed to trees or posts, or painted onto the outside walls of houses and shops. At Chimey Lhakang, or the Temple of the Divine Madman, in Bumthang, visitors are tapped on the head with a phallus, which is thought to bring fertility to those hoping to have children. Our guide referred to the sacred object as "the mighty flaming phallus of discerning wisdom of the Divine Madman." The Divine Madman, or Drukpa Kungley, remains a revered historical figure in Bhutan and is remembered as a great master of Vajrayana. After the visit, one witty Tricycle pilgrim let the rest of us know that she had morning-after pills on hand should anyone feel the need. More » -
Tricycle pilgrims make it to the Tiger's Nest
Tricycle Pilgrims are troopers—most of us made the arduous hike to the Tiger's Nest, or the Taktsang Palphug Monastery, as the Bhutanese call it. Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who brought Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan, is said to have meditated there in a cave for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours. Built in 1692, the monastery was rebuilt after a fire in 1998. I should add that we not only made it up but also made it back down. Some sore muscles but nothing serious! Image: Approaching the Tiger's Nest, Paro Valley, Buthan. © Risto Kuulasmaa. More » -
Thanksgiving Blessing
Tricycle pilgrim receives blessing from Khenpo Khatar Rinpoche at Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, which the the group visited yesterday. A 40km drive from Kathmandu, the monastery sits atop the Himalayan foothills, offering stunning views. It was built at Namo Buddha, where, in a former life, the Buddha is said to have saved a starving Tigress and her cubs by offering himself as food. A stupa was built on the site and is considered one of the holiest places in Nepal. We're all grateful to have made the visit. Happy Thanksgiving! Image: Khatar Rinpoche offers Tricycle pilgrims blessings. © Risto Kuulasmaa. More » -
Buddha Buzz: Buddhist Humanity
In last week's Buddha Buzz about the South Korean monks who were caught on film drinking and gambling after another monk's memorial service, I wrote that the sordid affair was another case of "Buddhists behaving badly." In response, Tricycle commenter buddahbear01 wrote, "Buddhists behaving 'badly?' Perhaps they are human?" I think buddahbear01 has got a point here. We cannot forget that putting on Buddhist robes doesn't automatically elevate you to an ethical superhuman status—monks and nuns and religious leaders of all types, more often than not, are just like the rest of us in all of our flawed and imperfect glory. More »
