Thursday, March 13, 2008

Buddhapada: The Buddha's Footprint

The footprints of the Buddha (Buddhapada) are one of the early representations of the Buddha in the anticonic (no statues) stage of Buddhist art. The Buddhapada are highly revered in all Buddhist countries, especially in Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Symbolizing the grounding of the transcendent, feet have been objects of respect in India long before Buddhism.

According to Buddhist legend, after the Buddha attained enlightenment, his feet made an imprint in the stone where he stepped.

In another tradition, the infant Buddha took seven steps after his birth to symbolize his spiritual domination of the universe.

The footprints of the Buddha symbolize the Buddha's presence, as they are believed to be the imprints where the Buddha actually touched the ground.

At the same time, the Buddhapada signify the Buddha's absence now that he has entered nirvana, and thus are a reminder of the Buddhist ideal of nonattachment.

The Buddha's footprints are usually depicted with the toes of all one length and with a dharmachakra (wheel) in the center.

Other early Buddhist symbols also appear on the heels and toes, such as the lotus, the swastika and the triratna (Three Jewels).

Some Buddhapada can be very large and detailed, displaying the 32, 108 or 132 distinctive marks of a Buddha in a checkerboard pattern.

These symbols are also seen on the bottom of the feet of large statues of the reclining Buddha.

Sculptures of Buddha's footprints are usually protected in a special temple structure, where the faithful bring flowers and other offerings to them. The Buddhapada image can also be found on Tibetan thangkas.

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Buddhist Symbols

In the earliest centuries of Buddhism, statues of the Buddha were not used. Instead, Buddhist art consisted of images symbolizing the Buddha and his teachings, such as the lotus, the Wheel of the Law, the Bodhi tree and the Buddha's footprints.

Eventually, the Buddha image became one of the most popular representations in Buddhism, but these early symbols remain important and are frequently used to this day. They are especially important in Theravada Buddhist countries like Sri Lanka and Thailand.

As Buddhism spread, Buddhist symbolism was enriched by the cultures it came into contact with. This is especially true of Buddhism in Tibet, which has developed a rich symbolic tradition. The central symbols of Tibetan Buddhism are the Eight Auspicious Symbols, known in Sanskrit as Ashtamangala (ashta meaning eight and mangala meaning auspicious). The Eight Auspicious Symbols are printed on Tibetan prayer flags, incorporated into mandalas and thangkas, and used in other forms of ritual art. Another important symbol is the Wheel of Life, a symbolic representation of the universe as understood by Tibetan Buddhists.

Other important types of symbolism in Buddhism include colors, especially the five colors of white, yellow, red, blue and green, and symbolic hand gestures called mudras. The articles in this section explore these Buddhist symbols, providing information on their history, meaning and use in Buddhism today. (For an introduction and quick guide to Buddhist colors, see our Chart of Buddhist Color Symbolism.)

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Skull Cups in Tibetan Ritual

Ritual skull cups are traditionally formed from a human skull that has been cut into shape, lined with a metal rim and ornamented. Many skull cups are simply made out of a precious metal in the form of a cranium. They are usually elaborately decorated with artistic designs and Buddhist symbols like lotuses and vajras. Many are fitted with ornamented lids and have feet or a separate base in the form of human skulls.

As the libation vessel of a Vajrayana Buddhist, the skull cup can be seen as a parallel of the clay pot (kumbha in Sanskrit) of the Vedic sacrifice, the alms bowl of the Buddha, and the sacred water vase (kalasha in Sanskrit) of the bodhisattvas. In addition, as a receptacle for sacrificial offerings presented to wrathful deities, the skull cup parallels the tray of auspicious substances like jewels, flowers, or fruit presented to peaceful deities. In its most benign symbolism, as the begging bowl or food vessel of an ascetic, the skull cup serves as a constant reminder of death and impermanence.

When used for esoteric rituals, the history of the cranium's original owner has an important bearing on its ritual potency. The skull of a murder or execution victim is believed to possess the greatest tantric power; the skull of one who has died from a violent or accidental death, or from a virulent illness, possesses a medium magical power; the skull of a person who died peacefully in old age has virtually no occult power. Having great potency are the skulls of children who died during the onset of puberty or were born from the forbidden union of castes, out of wedlock, from sexual misdemeanor, or particularly from incest. The vital force or potential of the skull's previous owner is embodied within the bone as a spirit, rendering it as an effective power object for the performance of rituals.

In the ritual, lamas and other advanced practitioners drink consecrated alcoholic beverages or sometimes even blood from the skull cup, symbolizing the wrathful deity drinking the blood of his or her victim.

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Antique Tibet Skulls - Skull Cups in Tibetan Art

In Tibetan sculptures and paintings, skull cups are often seen in the hands of wrathful Buddhist deities, usually held at the level of the heart and often paired with the curved knife or chopper. The weapon slays demonic enemies, and the cup is the oblation vessel in which the blood and organs are collected as the deity's sustenance. Descriptions of the contents of a wrathful deity's kapala include warm human blood, blood and brains, blood and intestines, human flesh and fat, the heart or the heart and lungs of an enemy, the heart of Mara and the blood of Rudra.

Less often, non-wrathful Buddhist deities are depicted with a skull cup, which holds less violent contents. Padmasambhava, for example, holds a skull cup described as an ocean of nectar, in which floats a longevity vase.

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Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Tibet Buddha Statues

Our Tibetan Buddha Statues come in the shape of every possible Buddhist deity. In general, Buddhism is a practice of finding peace within oneself. Tibetan Buddhism is practiced by people who live in Tibetan, and there are some practices that are unique to Tibetan Buddhism. Buddhism is a religion formulated to win happiness during the present life as well as in the next. Through the influence of Karma, the mechanism that determines how a person's acts will impact their next incarnation, Buddhists practice finding the good within everything. Their desire is to live happily, not harming others and working towards their ultimate goal of enlightenment. Buddhism acts as a philosophy that regulates a person's place in the world, and the universe. Our Tibetan Buddha statue collection varies widely in terms of style and material they are made from. Some Buddha statues are made from gold, while others are made from turquoise and bronze. The statues below are of particular Buddhas who each represent certain characteristics. Please read the description below each Tibetan Buddha statue to find out the meaning of each Tibetan Buddha statue. Check out our glossary for more information on Buddhism, and start a Tibetan Buddha statue collection to add peace and tranquility in your home today.

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Friday, May 18, 2007

Tibetan Custom - Religion - tibet buddhism

Ceremony
here are a lot of Ceremonies in Tibet, and also in different area of Tibet, the Ceremonies has a little different touch. We will introduce some ceremonies, including: the birth ceremony,the wedding ceremony, the funeral ceremony,Vanquishing Evil

- The birth ceremony
- When a baby is born
- Tibetan name
- The Functions of the Surname
Tibet burial ceremony
ibetans hold funeral in a way different from others. Tibetan funeral is held to redeem the sins of the dead and bless his future. It is a link between death and life. These are several main Tibet Burial ceremonies as follows.

- Sky burial
- Cremation
- Earth burial
- River burial
Religion
Taboo
Tibetans have formed their own living-habits and taboos. Before you travel there, you had better know something about their taboos.
Tibetan food and drinks
here are different kinds of food and drinking in various Tibetan areas. The following are typical Tibetan food and drinking:
Tsampa, butter Tea, Chang Wine, Winded dried meat, Masan...

 

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Tibet People and Monks

People and Monks

People of Tibet - The Divinest of All ! Tibet serves as a home to many communities like Menpa, Han, Chinese, Sherpa, Dengs and Luopa. The area is quite thinly populated with only 1.68 persons per sq. km on an average. The overall population of Tibet is around 260,0000. The ancestors of the present Tibetans lived on both sides of Tsangpo River and mainly earned their livelihood from cultivation of barely, wheat and peas. There is also nomadic population in Tibet that keeps moving from one place to other herding their yaks and sheep. But slowly more and more people are moving towards cities for better education and job.

Are Tibetans A Holy Lot !

You will witness a number of religions practice prevailing in the region as the majority of the population is the firm follower of Buddhism. People who follow Islam and Catholicism are present in large numbers, especially in Lhasa and Yanjing. Tibet has the largest number of monks in the world with almost 1/3 of the population being a monk. They are considered to be the ultimate followers of Buddhism. Even you will feel internally rejuvenated by finding the people so optimistic and so proud of their beliefs and religion. Tibetan is the main language that is spoken here. Although the accent and pronunciation varies from region to region but most of them belong to the Sino- Tibetan phylum. 

What is the Occupation of Tibetans !

Majority of the people are still confined to agriculture sector, but the number has been steadily declining. More and more people are getting educated and moving out into the cities for jobs in factories and government postings. Since most tourists more often travel only to the important destinations and leave, they miss out on a lot of local and unique stuff that is really worth visiting.

What Makes Tibitan Lifestyle !

What will strike you the most is the life style and nature of the people of Tibet. They all seem so happy and content in whatever way they live, they work, right from their homes, the dress they wear to the knife they carry, everything is so detailed and carefully chosen. Each community has its own traditional clothing for both men and women. One can easily distinguish the people from their clothing itself.

Want to Know More About The People of Tibet !

Tibet, you will learn how to be happy and live a life full of contentment without a complaint. Just pass a smile to a Tibetan who is looking at you and believe us you will get an even bigger smile in return. This is the way they are much warm, caring and full of hospitality towards their guests for whom they will go out of the way to help. To learn the simple courtesies of life and to acclimatize moral values there is no other place better than Tibet where one can learn the best of it. They seem like a new breed of humans, happy the way they are, totally unperturbed by outside world. Come to Tibet and get to know these wonderful people, from whom we can still learn a lot about life.
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Arts and Crafts of Tibet

Arts and Crafts of Tibet

Looking For Arts and Cafts of Tibet ! Tibetan art and craft is one of the virtues of the town that can be traced in its most original form, not been influenced even a bit by the western styles and traditions. And the people of Tibet are proud of their this cultural heritage. Whatever be the field, painting, music, crafts, Tibet has its own identity, its own charm.

What are the Famous Art Form of Tibet !

People of Tibet consider paintings as strong medium for spreading their knowledge and religion to all possible parts of the world. Most of the paintings portray an unshakable belief of people in Buddhism and the way they lead their life. Most of the paintings in Tibet are frescoes, cliff paintings, Thangka and wood-prints. You will see most of the cliff paintings on huge rocks and what you will find most astonishing will be the close resemblance of these paintings to mid- Asian cliff paintings. Probably, this is because the cliff painting in Tibet is prevalent from pre historic times. Even the frescoes that you will see on the walls of temples, monasteries and palaces are close to the ones that are found in India. 

Is Tibet Famous For Its Handicraft Items !

Handicraft works in Tibet are quite unique and rare and their specializations are also quite incomparable. Sharp knives, as a handicraft product, are quite flattering. They are in-fact very beautiful to look at and the shape, decorations and attention given to the minutest of detail, will without a doubt leave you spellbound and definitely increases the temptation to possess one. Though you cannot carry a knife on a flight but you can definitely send them by post to your living place. So when you reach home, expect a shiny and sharp gift from Tibet, waiting for you.

Silver ornaments are also very famous in Tibet. These are worn by almost every citizen of Tibet. These ornaments are studded with different prestigious stones that also are considered to be a symbol of health and good luck. You would not like to leave Tibet without one for yourself as they are exceptionally elegant and classy in looks. Other things that should be part of your shopping list in Tibet are Tibetan carpets, masks and rugs.

Do Painted Structure Symbolize Tibet Art !

Painting of the structure in Tibet also form a major part in the showcasing the rich art skills. It is sure that the moment you enter a Tibet city, first thing that catches your eyes will be the intricate use of colors on the walls and roofs of temples, monasteries as well as houses. People here believe that colors have a language of their own and can communicate a feeling very easily. The best example of this is the Potala Palace. The red and white colors used in the building symbolizes power and peace respectively. Apart from the use of colors, even the structure of these buildings is unique.

Want to Know More About Tibet Art and Craft !

Tibet is a place where you will find art in almost all aspects of life of people. Be it the decorations in their homes, the clothes they wear or even the knife they carry with themselves should be artistic. You can find all these items to buy on the Barkhor Street which is the biggest market in Tibet. So from the time you land in Tibet, look out for some of the most stunning works of crafts and do catch the most unique form of art in the paintings, handicrafts and architecture of Tibet.
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