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.

Read the full story

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.

Read the full story

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.

Read the full story

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.

Read the full story

Tibet is set between picturesque mountains and the deep blue sky isolated from much of the world. It is this seclusion of its people that has given rise to its unique culture and traditions particularly of interest are the antique ornaments and rugs fashioned by its people. Made by hand, unlike other rugs found in Asia Tibetan rugs have a one of a kind knot from which they are made.

The particular way in which the Tibetan rugs are made where wool is wrapped around a rod and then piled up is now considered an ancient technique. The designs are exceptionally different as they include every thing from the vast use of colors to the plethora of religious symbols. Distinguished floral patterns inspired by the local vegetation are often seen.

Read the full story

Himalayan bowls popularly known as ‘Tibetan singing bowls’ due to the popularity of the ones hailing from Tibet; are standing bells resting at the bottom surface. The rims and sides are struck with a leather or plastic mallet to produce beautiful sounds to induce trance in Buddhist practice.

Effects of Tibetan singing bowl – Singing bowls of high quality produce complex and harmonic overtones. When struck with a soft mallet, they produce the tone of a warm bell. In Asian countries where Buddhist religion is practiced, during prayers, the sounds they produce are meant to induce hypnotic meditative trance and are believed to be a method to get blessings from the spiritual world.

Read the full story

Welcome to Tibetan Singing. This is the first kick off post.