The essence of Buddhist Prayers is the fact that our thoughts can directly influence and help the other sentient beings. Buddhist prayers are a way to express good wishes as Buddhism is based on a non-theistic tradition. The word for prayer in Tibetan is ‘Mantra’ meaning an intention that is focused.

The prayer books that Buddhists use as guides are called Sadhanas. ‘Sadhana’ means the method of attainment.

Buddhism is based on a very practical philosophy. Like everything else, Prayers also have a very practical purpose of transforming one’s neutral or negative state into a positive state of being. Prayers aim at increasing the positivities in life including compassion, love and wisdom. In Buddhism, meditation is silently practiced while prayers are chanted aloud.

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Tibetan Monasteries

The foundation of Buddhism in Tibet lies in the practice of monasticism. Around six thousand monasteries existed in Tibet of which nearly all were destroyed by Chinese communists during the Cultural Revolution. Most major monasteries have been re-established, although partially but many remain in ruins to date.

In Mongolia, out of the total male population one third was monks during the 1920s decade; most of who lived outside the monasteries. At the onset of the 20th century, more than 750 monasteries functioned in Mongolia, which were again ruined during the communist rule and later re-established when Buddhism was revived in Mongolia, after the fall of Communism.

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Tibetan Healing

‘Gso-wa Rig-pa’ is Tibetan, which means the science of healing. It is the ancient form of medicine that Tibetans have been using for healing since centuries. The origin of the highly esteemed Tibetan medicine lies in the teachings of Lord Buddha.

In the medical tradition of Tibet, the well-being of a human being is achieved through healing based on the union of mind, spirit and the body. Tibetan Medicine has its roots deeply penetrated into Buddhist tradition, which employs therapeutic treatments of three kinds.

These treatments are the three m’s that include the power of medicine, mantra and meditation collectively.

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Crystal Singing Bowls

Crystal singing bowls are made from 99.992% pure crushed quartz and heated to about 4000 degrees in a centrifugal mold.

They are available in clear or frosted bowls in a variety of sizes. The bowls emit a powerful and pure resonance. The larger bowls are much more reverberant, with the tone lingering longer, simply because of the size and amount of crystal. The sound emitted from Crystal Singing bowls is known to have healing effects.

Some crystal singing bowls even harmonize with other bowls, and when played simultaneously, the effect is exquisite and synergistic.

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The art of making rugs the Tibetan style is an ancient art in the Tibetan tradition. There are made from the virgin wool of special types of highland sheep found in Tibet. In Tibet, people use these rugs for almost all types of domestic use ranging from using them as saddle for horses to wall hangings or the most conventional use of them all, which is simply flooring.

The process of making Tibetan rugs is highly unique because mostly everything about them is meticulously handmade. With the advent of Modern technology, machines have taken over a few rug making aspects, mainly, due to cost cutting and the gradually increasing lack of knowledge. A few of the finishing touches can also be made by the machines.

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As humans we love stories, especially those which make us believe in happy endings. And so to achieve these happy endings, this nirvana, this epitome of satisfaction the human mind strives to create an environment which would ensure the ending we so desire. And this is how rituals are born. And over time, the stories behind the rituals are lost and they become part of our daily life.

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