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Articles by sylvia smelcer

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27 articles by sylvia smelcer · showing 27

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By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

The Green Tara and White Tara

While we often do not think of gods and deities when we think about Buddhism, the fact remains there are symbolic gods and goddesses in certain modes of Buddhist practice. This is most evident in Tibetan Buddhism where the Goddess Tara appears frequently in symbols and images. Those interested in the subject of Tibetan Buddhism would certainly benefit from taking a closer look at this particular goddess. Such an exploration would aid in gaining an understanding of what she represents. From this, a clearer understanding of what Tibetan Buddhism represents can also be derived.

Primary topic: Meditation

2,609 views4/5 (1)

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

The History of Buddhism in Tibet

Buddhism has been the official religion of Tibet for almost 2,000 years. Originating in India approximately 2500 years ago, it migrated to Tibet in 170 AD, but didn’t take hold until the reign of King Songtsen Gampo, when he declared it the official religion of the country in 641 AD.

Primary topic: Meditation

1,125 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

The Mahakala Buddha

The Mahakala Buddha is a Dharmapala, or “protector of dharma”, who resides in the fourth hierarchy of deities, and is most associated with the Vajrayana Buddhism. Mahakala’s Sanskrit meaning comes from its roots of “Maha”, or “great”, and “kala”, meaning “black”. Tibetans generally tend to refer to Mahakala as “the protector”. He is also referred to as “Lord of the Tent” by the nomadic Tibetans, who often call upo Mahakala to protect them in their tents Mahakala is called Daheitian by the Chinese, and Daikokuten by the Japanese.

Primary topic: Meditation

1,440 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

The Dorje Vajra

The Vajra, or Dorje is a Buddhist symbol representing the nature of reality. Vajra is a reality wisdom, wisdom of equanimity, and all-accomplishing wisdom complementing at the other side. The significance of the symmetry of this symbol is to illustrate the unification of relative and absolute truth. The closing of the prongs at the end of the symbol represent closing the wheels of Samsara, or the realization of Enlightenment.

Primary topic: Meditation

2,198 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

How Prayer Beads are Used in Various Religions

Prayer beads have been used for thousands of years in a wide variety of religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Devotees use prayer beads to help them focus on their prayers or mantras. The fingering of the beads brings one back into focus when the mind begins to drift from the prayers onto the more mundane considerations of everyday life. Prayer beads also help one to keep track of the number of prayers recited when they’re doing repetitions, such as in Christianity when reciting the Hail Mary using a rosary.

Primary topic: Meditation

2,262 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

Dogs in Tibetan Buddhism

Among all the animals in the world, it is the faithful dog that evokes the most positive emotions in people. Being pack animals, dogs are known for their loyalty and allegiance to their masters. These animals can also prove to be faithful companions when times are tough. As such, there is a bond that grows between humans and dogs that expand into multitudes of cultures. This is what gives way to the symbolism of dogs in Tibetan Buddhism. In this mode of Buddhism, dogs rise far above being mere pets. Instead, they take on many components of religious symbolism.

Primary topic: Meditation

2,178 views5/5 (1)

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

The Eight Auspicious Symbols in Tibetan Buddhism

The Eight Auspicious Symbols, or Ashtamangala are present in Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism and Sikhism. The specific symbols can vary between each faith. The Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism are the Conch Shell, the Lotus, the Wheel, the Parasol, the Endless Knot, the Pair of Golden Fishes, the Banner Proclaiming Victory, and the Treasure Vase. These symbols are another way of reminding Buddhist followers of the benefits of the Dharma. The road to enlightenment is a long one, but these symbolic cues can help keep Buddhists on the right path. Conch Shellr

Primary topic: Meditation

1,516 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

Silver Jewelry Making in Tibet

Tibet has a long history of making hand crafted silver jewelry which dates back thousands of years. In medieval times, other cultures wrote of the wondrous skill of Tibetan silversmiths, who were believed to be some of the most accomplished in the world at that time. Chinese documents dating back to the 600s A.D. note the incredible skill of Tibetan silver work. Buddhist temples dating back to the 7th century A.D. have been found to be decorated with intricately worked silver medallions and sculptures.

Primary topic: Meditation

1,260 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

Singing Bowls in Buddhism

Some may say that Buddhism is a minimalist religion since it does not employ the volume of icons and items found in other religions. But, to assume there are not items associated with the practice of Buddhism would be an inaccurate assessment. Depending upon the type of Buddhism one is practicing, certain components are utilized effectively in its practice. In Tibetan Buddhism, various items are used effectively in the process of worship. Of the many different products used in the performance of Buddhist practice, singing bowls would be among the most unique and interesting.

Primary topic: Meditation

1,785 views4/5 (1)

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

Prayer Beads in Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan prayer beads are called malas (also called japa malas), which translates in Sanskrit as garland. Most Tibetan prayer beads have 108 beads, but some have 21 or 28 beads, which are used when doing prostrations. In 108 bead malas, 100 of the beads are counted as the practitioner recites 100 mantras, with the extra 8 recitations completed to account for any mistakes made during the repetition. As each mantra is recited, each bead is held in the fingers in sequence until one comes to the end of the prayer bead circle.

Primary topic: Meditation

1,720 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

A Comparison of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism

Many people confuse Buddhism and Hinduism, but they are two very separate and distinct religions. They do however have some similarities, such as the belief in karma and reinca ation. Since the Buddha lived in India and was originally a Hindu, it’s understandable that the two religions would have close correlations.

Primary topic: Meditation

6,366 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

What are Prayer Flags?

While many have the impression that Buddhism is a religion not known for its icons and symbols, this is not an accurate assessment. There are many components to the worship of Buddhism that are integrated into its worship. One such item is that of the prayer flag. In fact, so common is the prayer flag in certain circles of Buddhism that the flag is the defining symbolic item that clearly displays a Buddhist place of worship or the home of a practitioner of Buddhism. So, what are prayer flags and what is their purpose?

Primary topic: Meditation

1,903 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

The History of Prayer Beads in Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam

Nobody is certain when people began using prayer beads, but they’ve been employed in almost all religions for thousands of years. Prayer beads are used by Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, Muslims and many other religions. One reason for using prayer beads is that they allow people to keep track of the number of prayers recited when they’re doing repetitions. An example of this in Buddhism is when practitioners are reciting mantras, such as the Om Mani Padme Hum (Sanskrit) or Om Mani Peme Hung (Tibetan).

Primary topic: Meditation

2,743 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

Wisdom and Buddhism

When it comes to the connection betwee Buddhism and wisdom, it would not be accurate to say that the path to wisdom is found exclusively through Buddhism. However, it would be accurate to say that a life spent practicing Buddhism would make you a wiser person. You would definitely achieve such wisdom to a far greater degree than a lifetime of idle pursuits. That is because many of the processes in Buddhism are found in rather earthen and common thought processes.

Primary topic: Meditation

1,571 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

Using Prayer Beads in Religious Practice

While there are many differences among the various religions of the world, there are some aspects of similarity among them as well. This can be commonly seen in the prevalence of prayer beads worn or employed in the worship of various religions. Prayer beads are incorporated in the worship of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. Why are prayer beads so common and what is there significance? The reasons for this are well worth looking at… First, one needs to clearly understand what prayer beads are.

Primary topic: Meditation

1,675 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

The Mandala Set

A mandala set (or Dultson Kyilkhor in Tibetan) is a tool used by Buddhists, Hindus, and Jainists in their offering ceremonies. The mandala set represents the mind and body of the Buddha, and can grant practitioners great power. The Sanskrit word mandala means “circle”. Mandala sets are often used in the mandala offering ritual. In this ritual, the practitioner offers the universe to the gods. In modern times, a mandala set is also used simply for decoration because of its exquisite aesthetic qualities. The mandala set is made up of several different parts.

Primary topic: Meditation

1,762 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

The Kalachakra Tantra and Mantra

The Kalachakra tantra has been held sacred and preserved in both India and Tibet for over 2500 years. The Kalachakra tantra helps purify the body and mind. Kalachakra literally means, Time wheel or Time Circle. Some sections of the Kalachakra tantra have been lost over time, but the beginning ...

Primary topic: Meditation

5,266 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

Tibetan Buddhist Meditation

Tibetan Buddhist meditation has a long history, but not as long as the history of meditation itself. Buddhism was a branch of Hinduism and so meditation was practiced in Hinduism before it was practiced in Buddhism. Buddhist thought is that there are three things one must accomplish before ...

Primary topic: Meditation

1,692 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

The Endless Knot

The Endless, or Ete ity Knot is one of the “Eight Auspicious Symbols” of Buddhism. The other seven symbols include the: Conch Shell, Lotus, Parasol, Pair of Golden Fishes, Victory Banner, and Treasure Vase. The Tibetan phrase for Endless Knot is dpal be'u, and its Sanskrit name is shrivatsa. There are several other English terms that can be used for this historic symbol, such as: the Tibetan Knot, the Mystic Dragon, the Knot of Ete ity, and the Lucky Diagram.

Primary topic: Meditation

19,521 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

Zen Buddhism and Meditation

Surely, you have seen images of the practitioners of Buddhism sitting in the lotus position. Those familiar with such a posture are undoubtedly aware that when practitioners are in such a position they are meditating. Without a doubt, meditation can be considered one of the most vital components to the practice of this eastern religion. Yes, if there was one component that most people were familiar about when it comes to Zen Buddhism it would be the art and science of meditation.

Primary topic: Meditation

1,710 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

The Lotus in Buddhism Practice

There are 8 Auspicious Symbols in Buddhist art and the Lotus Flower is one of the most prominent. In fact, you could credibly claim that the Lotus Flower is the most well known of all the symbols. It is commonly featured in artwork because of its deep rooted connection to the notion of enlightenment which is the prime goal of practicing Buddhism. The Lotus Flower and its derivative Lotus position in the practice of Buddhism have a greater level of complexity than most realize.

Primary topic: Meditation

1,803 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

Prayer Wheels in Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism is somewhat unique in the sense that it integrates a variety of prayer items into its process of worship. One such item is that of the Prayer Wheel. As more and more people are becoming interested in Tibetan Buddhism, additional interest continues to grow in the peripheral items connected to such worship. That is why many will purchase prayer wheels for their decorative value. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with making such a purchase as prayer wheels do make excellent decorations.

Primary topic: Meditation

2,007 views4/5 (1)

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

The Essentials of Buddhism

A topic along the lines of the essential of Buddhism is something that could take many volumes to cover. That is because there is a great deal of complexity associated with the religion of Buddhism. However, there is a certain irony present here as well. Namely, Buddhism is a very simple religion at its core. It is primarily a practice of worship that entails adherence to simple logic and common sense. This is far removed from many of the past religions of the world that are rooted in spiritualism, mysticism, and magic.

Primary topic: Meditation

1,720 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

How to Meditate Using a Buddhist Japa Mala

Tibetan prayer beads, or malas, are strings of beads that have been used by Buddhists for thousands of years to help count prayers, which are known as mantras. Buddhist malas are usually composed of a circle of 108 beads which are used to complete 100 repetitions of a mantra. The extra 8 beads are used to account for any mistakes made during the repetitions.

Primary topic: Meditation

2,859 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

The Kalachakra Mantra

The Kalachakra Mantra symbol of Buddhism is complex and comprehensive. It is also referred to as the “Tenfold Powerful One”. It is thus named because it consists of ten different parts. This ancient symbol is made up of a mantra of seven syllables surrounded by a ring of fire. Above and to the left and right of the mantra are three additional symbols, thus totaling ten parts of the design. The symbol’s many parts are intertwined with each other to form an elaborate pattern. The Sanskrit word Kalachakra means “time wheel”. The entirety of the Kalachakra mantra is:

Primary topic: Meditation

9,842 views

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

Tibetan Buddhist Tingsha Bells

Tibetan Buddhists often use tingshas during their meditation practices. A tingsha is a pair of small cymbals connected by a strap. Tingshas are used in prayer and rituals, and produce a clear, high-pitched tone when struck. A tingsha is a relatively small instrument, usually measuring between two and four inches in diameter (each). Tingshas are often embossed with a mantra, such as the popular “Om Mani Padme Hum”, which is said to invoke the nature of Chenrezig, the great Buddha of compassion. Many others are embossed with “Om Ah Hung”, which represents the attainment of Enlightenment.

Primary topic: Meditation

4,454 views5/5 (1)

By sylvia smelcerRecently published1 topic

Prayer Flags and Tibetan Buddhism

Prayer flags are believed to have originated with the Shakyamuni Buddha, who had prayers written on flags that were taken into battle to protect the warriors. The traditional Bon religion of Tibet, which was in effect before Buddhism, also employed prayer flags in which important symbols were put on flags for protection. It’s believed that they later incorporated Buddhist prayers onto their flags when the religion became the predominate one of their culture.

Primary topic: Meditation

1,579 views

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