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We have just a few words on some of the categories in the Sanghashop, which is then followed by in-depth details on product information.
INCENSE: All of our incense products are specifically chosen for inclusion by Order Members. Consideration is given to the quality, fragrance and ascetic qualities of the incense. Our ranges, include Tibetan incense, Chinese incense, Nepalese incense, Indian incense and Thai incense. We also have extraordinary ranges including Bhutanese incense, Vietnamese incense, Korean Incense and Peruvian incense. The collection includes incense ideas; and of course not forgetting the ever-popular Nag Champa incense, both Indian Nag Champa and Tibetan Nag Champa. Our collection of incense burners includes burners in a variety of burner styles and burner designs.
Our ranges include sticks, incense cones, incense coils, incense burners, incense greeting cards (!), and many more
THANGKAS: All our Thangka Paintings have been individually selected for inclusion in our shop. They have been selected for their unique imagery and art work. Our collection includes Milarepa Thangkas, Avalokiteshvara thangkas, Green Tara thangkas, Mahakala thangkas, mandala thangkas, Buddha thangkas, medicine Buddha thangkas, Wheel of Life thangkas and many more. The Thangkas in this collection are stunning and will bring much pleasure whether they are used for religious or ornate purposes.Please note that images have had to be downsized to make easy web viewing and they do not do full justice to the actual paintings. We have tried to reproduce the colours but much is lost over the web.
Tibetan art is the visual and symbolic interpretation of the Buddha's teachings and philosophy. Imagery is used to guide and support an individual's spiritual progress.The art is functional, never signed and the strict ethos is on accuracy and intricacy, allowing the traditional rules of iconometry to ensure spiritually beneficial images are created. As such the true techniques take years to master and a lifetime to perfect. Images are considered receptacles of the divine and treated with the utmost respect.
STATUES & SCULPTURES: All our of statues and sculptures have been individually selected for their art, ascetic appearance and quality. We have these items in Buddhist Brass statues, Buddhist Bronze statues, Buddhist Copper statues, Buddhist wood statues, Buddhist stone statues and Buddhist marble statues.
About one hundred and fifty years after the Buddha's death and contrary to his wishes, statues depicting him began to appear in Asian countries. The Buddha had always encouraged his disciples to "be a lamp unto themselves" and not look outside for figures to worship. But, perhaps due to the influence of Greek statuary and, later, the devotional tenor of Mahayana Buddhism, Indian Buddhists began to create representations, not only of Shakyamuni Buddha, but also of a host of other Buddha's and bodhisattvas, each with his or her own virtues or powers. In Buddhist iconography each Buddha is depicted with a characteristic mudra. The Sanskrit "mudra" literally means "seal" or "sign" and it identifies specific gestures associated with different aspects of the Buddhist teachings. In the Mahayana (Great Vehicle) and Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle) schools of Buddhism, mudras accompany the performance of liturgy and the recitation of mantras. They also help to establish or bring into being certain inner states by anticipating their physical expression. In this way, the dhyani or cosmic mudra used in zazen brings about the focus and inner stillness needed to sit in long periods of meditation. Other mudras include the Anjali mudra or gassho, to express "suchness" or the nonduality inherent in the realm of differences, and the vitarka mudra, a teaching mudra most commonly used in statues of Amitabha Buddha.
PUBLICATIONS & BOOKS: All of our Publications and Books have been individually selected for inclusion in our shop. They have been selected for their originality and interesting topics. We have a vast range of books including generic Buddhism, books on Theravada Buddhism, books on Tibetan Buddhism, books on Buddhist lifestyle, and many a Buddhist academic book. Many of the publications and books in our collection are not generally available in high-street book-sellers We are sure you will find something of interest, whether it's for religious, education or relaxing that will prove to be an enjoyable read.
CANDLES: All our candles have been individually selected for inclusion in our shop. Not only do we have candles for religious use, we also have candles suitable for relaxing, and candles selected for their ascetic use that would look great in any environment. The candles in these collections are varied and in many cases unique with an original theme. We are sure that you will find suitable candles whether it be for religious, relaxing or ascetic use. Remember too that candles make a great gift.
CD’S /DVD’s: All of our CD's/DVD's have been individually selected for inclusion in our shop. They have been selected for their originality and relevance to topic . Many of the CD's/DVD's in our collection are not generally available in the high-street. We are sure you will find something of interest, whether it's for religious, education or relaxing that will prove to be an enjoyable experience.
JEWELRY: All items in our jewelry collections have been chosen individually. Our range includes pendant jewelry, bracelet jewelry, ring jewelry, beaded necklace jewelry and ear ring jewelry. Our jewelry range includes, Nepalese Jewelry, Tibetan jewelry, Chinese jewelry, and generic Buddhist jewelry. Our jewelry comes in a diversified range including gold-plated jewelry, silver jewelry, turquoise jewelry, stone jewelry, lapis jewelry, coral jewelry and malachite jewelry. All jewelry ranges are stunning and will bring many hours of pleasure whether they are worn for religious or ornate purposes.
GREETING CARDS: All our Greeting cards have been individually selected for inclusion in our shop. The items in this collection are varied and in many cases unique with an original theme. We have greeting cards with specific Buddhist themes, Greeting cards with incense, and greeting cards of a more generic nature. Whatever occasion you need a greeting card for, we're sure our ranges of greeting cards will be a pleasure to choose from.
MEDITATION ACCESSORIES: Our Meditation accessories include Meditation Cushions, Meditation Mats and Meditation Benches. The finest quality and economical meditation zafus, meditation zabutons and meditation support cushions with 100% cotton, organic fabrics, and natural fillings of Cotton, Kapok, and Buckwheat. Expertly stuffed and sewn. We know the importance of a good meditation cushion for long periods of meditation, sitting, yoga, or simple relaxation. Our meditation benches are crafted in natural hard woods in several finishes and styles. Our meditation mats are handcrafted with close attention to detail and style.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS: All our Musical Instruments are chosen for inclusion by Order Members. They include Bells, Drums, Gongs, Conchs, Singing bowls and Long Horns.
Wherever possible we source our bells, drums, gongs, singing bowls and long horns so that they come from unique sources, such as monks in-exile or from localised crafts. Some of our musical instruments are also sourced for their product uniqueness or quality. We also try and source those products that go to help other Buddhist projects
The Music instruments in our collection will bring much pleasure whether used for religious or ornate purposes.
RITUAL ITEMS: All our Ritual Items have been individually selected for their unique imagery and art work. Many of the items in this collection are absolutely stunning and will bring much pleasure whether they are used for religious or ornate purposes. The range includes, Prayer Wheels, Dorjes, Kapalas (skull cups), butter lamps and many other ceremonial items such as RARE Rinchen Darrus, Vajra Hammers and Thod Dbyug; as well as some rare antique items. This is a section not to be missed.
TEXTILE & FABRIC: All our small textile and fabric items have been individually selected for inclusion in our shop. Our collection includes door curtains, prayer flags, wall hangings, altar clothes, kafen and gyaltshen, as well as Throne fronts and Throne backs.
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Abalone shells have a low and open spiral structure, and are characterized by several respiratory holes in a row near the shell's outer edge. The innermost layer of the shell is composed of nacre or mother-of-pearl, which in many species is highly iridescent, giving rise to a range of strong and changeable colors which make them attractive to humans as a decorative object.
Amber is fossil resin or tree sap, which is appreciated for its colour and beauty. Good quality amber is used for the manufacture of ornamental objects and jewellery. Although not mineralized, it is often classified as a gemstone.Most of the world's amber is in the range of 30–90 million years old. Because it used to be soft and sticky tree resin, amber can sometimes contain insects and even small vertebrates. The English word amber stems from the old Arabic word anbargris or ambergris and refers to an oily, perfumed substance secreted by the sperm whale. Middle English ambre, Old French ambre, Medieval Latin ambra (or ambar). It floats on water and is washed up on the beaches. Due to a confusion of terms it became to be the name for fossil resin or tree sap, which is also found on beaches, and which is lighter than stone, but not light enough to float. Amber was much valued as an ornamental material in very early times. It has been found in Mycenaean tombs; it is known from lake-dwellings in Switzerland, and it occurs with Neolithic remains in Denmark, whilst in England it is found with interments of the bronze age. A cup turned in amber from a bronze-age barrow at Hove is now in the Brighton Museum. Beads of amber occur with AngloSaxon relics in the south of England. Amber was valued as an amulet and it is still believed to possess medicinal properties.
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz often used as an ornamental stone in jewellery. The name comes from the Ancient Greek a- ("not") and methustos ("intoxicated"), a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness; the ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication.
Ashtamangala are a sacred suite of 'Eight Auspicious Signs' endemic to a number of Indian religions. The symbols or 'symbolic attributes' (Tibetan: phyag mtshan are yidam and teaching tools. Not only do these attributes, these energetic signatures, point to qualities of enlightened mindstream, but they are the investiture that ornaments these enlightened 'qualities' (Tibetan: yon tan; Sanskrit: guna) In Buddhism, these eight symbols of good fortune represent the offerings made by the gods to Shakyamuni Buddha immediately after he gained enlightenment. In buddhism these symbols are Conch, Fish, Banner, knot, Lotus, Parasol, Urn and wheel.
Aquamarine (Lat. aqua marinā, "water of the sea") is a gemstone-quality transparent variety of beryl, having a delicate blue or turquoise color, suggestive of the tint of seawater. Aquamarine is a beryl with a hexagonal crystal structure and a chemical formula of Be3Al2Si6O18. Its light blue arouses feelings of sympathy, trust, harmony and friendship. Good feelings. Feelings which are based on mutuality and which prove their worth in lasting relationships. The blue of aquamarine is a divine, eternal colour, because it is the colour of the sky. However, aquamarine blue is also the colour of water with its life-giving force. The light colour of aquamarine leaves the gemstone designer free to bring out the brilliance of the gem with fine grooves, notches, curves and edges. In this way, each aquamarine becomes a unique specimen.
Avalokiteshvara, also known as Chenrezig, is the Bodhisattva of Compassion. A bodhisattva is an enlightened being who has decided to delay becoming a fully enlightened Buddha and who lives in a compassionate spirit life for the sake of all beings He has taken vows to save all beings. With a mantra, Om mani padme hum! (Hail the jewel in the lotus), he tirelessly attempts to deliver all beings from suffering. He appears in many different forms to assist suffering beings. Tibetans believe that Chenrezig, as a disciple of the Buddha, made a vow of compassion to free the Tibetan peoples from their violent ways: "May I be able to establish in emancipation all living beings in the barbaric Land of Snow; where the beings are so hard to discipline and none of the buddhas of the three times has stepped...May I be able to mature and emancipate them, each according to his/her own way. May that gloomy barbaric country become bright, like an island of precious jewels." (Geshe Wangyal , Door of Liberation, New York, Lotsawa, 1978, pp. 54-55). He is the patron of Tibet. The Tibetan people claim descent from Chenrezig, who in the form of a monkey sired the original inhabitants of Tibet. Chenrezig, according to Tibetan legends, has appeared in numerous forms to defend Buddhist teachings. He has been identified with the Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo (617-698 C.E.) and the successive lineage of Dalai Lamas. The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the current incarnation of Chenrezig. Tibetans believe that every person whose heart is moved by love and compassion, who deeply and sincerely act for the benefit of others without concern for fame, profit, social position, or recognition expresses the activity of Chenrezig. Love and compassion are the true signs revealing the presence of Chenrezig. Compassion is the most important religious practice. For Tibetan Buddhists, compassion is sensitivity to the sufferings of others and attempt to relieve suffering. It is the realization that we (human beings, animals, and the earth itself) are all interconnected. The Buddha is an example of compassion, for he taught human beings the way to freedom.
Bodhi seeds are rich in tradition. It was under a Bodhi tree that the Buddha Shakyamuni sat before his Enlightenment. A sapling from that tree was carried to
Brass is any alloy of copper and zinc; the proportions of zinc and copper can be varied to create a range of brasses with varying properties. Brass has a muted yellow color, somewhat similar to gold. It is relatively resistant to tarnishing, and is often used as decoration and for coins. When pollished brass can be very shiney, like a mirror. It can also be brushed which is basically a scratched up appearance. Brass has likely been known to humans since prehistoric times, even before zinc itself was discovered. It was produced by melting copper together with calamine, a zinc ore. In the German
Carnelian, sometimes spelled cornelian, is a red or reddish-brown variant of chalcedony.
Chalcedony is a cryptocrystalline form of silica, composed of very fine intergrowths of the minerals quartz and moganite.Chalcedony has a waxy lustre, and may be semitransparent or translucent. It can assume a wide range of colors, but those most commonly seen are white to gray, grayish-blue or a shade of brown ranging from pale to nearly black. The term chalcedony is derived from the name of the ancient Greek town Chalkedon in Asia Minor, in modern English usually spelled Chalcedon, today the Kadıköy district of Istanbul. As early as the Bronze Age chalcedony was in use in the Mediterranean region; for example, on Minoan Crete at the Palace of Knossos chalcedony seals have been recovered dating to circa 1800 BC.
Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) is the Bodhisattva of Compassion. A bodhisattva is an enlightened being who has decided to delay becoming a fully enlightened Buddha and who lives in a compassionate spirit life for the sake of all beings He has taken vows to save all beings. With a mantra, Om mani padme hum! (Hail the jewel in the lotus), he tirelessly attempts to deliver all beings from suffering. He appears in many different forms to assist suffering beings. Tibetans believe that Chenrezig, as a disciple of the Buddha, made a vow of compassion to free the Tibetan peoples from their violent ways: "May I be able to establish in emancipation all living beings in the barbaric Land of Snow; where the beings are so hard to discipline and none of the buddhas of the three times has stepped...May I be able to mature and emancipate them, each according to his/her own way. May that gloomy barbaric country become bright, like an island of precious jewels." (Geshe Wangyal , Door of Liberation, New York, Lotsawa, 1978, pp. 54-55). He is the patron of Tibet. The Tibetan people claim descent from Chenrezig, who in the form of a monkey sired the original inhabitants of Tibet. Chenrezig, according to Tibetan legends, has appeared in numerous forms to defend Buddhist teachings. He has been identified with the Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo (617-698 C.E.) and the successive lineage of Dalai Lamas. The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the current incarnation of Chenrezig. Tibetans believe that every person whose heart is moved by love and compassion, who deeply and sincerely act for the benefit of others without concern for fame, profit, social position, or recognition expresses the activity of Chenrezig. Love and compassion are the true signs revealing the presence of Chenrezig. Compassion is the most important religious practice. For Tibetan Buddhists, compassion is sensitivity to the sufferings of others and attempt to relieve suffering. It is the realization that we (human beings, animals, and the earth itself) are all interconnected. The Buddha is an example of compassion, for he taught human beings the way to freedom.
The conch shell (Sanskrit shankha; Tibetan dung dkar) has survived as the original horn trumpet since time immemorial. Ancient Indian epics describe how each hero of mythical warfare carried a mighty white conch shell, which often bore a personal name. Today, in its greatly tamed avatar, the conch is used in Tibetan Buddhism to call together religious assemblies. During the actual practise of rituals, it is used both as a musical instrument and as a container for holy water. Vajrayana Buddhism absorbed the conch as a symbol which fearlessly proclaimed the truth of the dharma. Among the eight symbols, it stands for the fame of the Buddha's teaching, which spreads in all directions like the sound of the conch trumpet. In addition to Buddha's throat, the conch also appears as an auspicious mark on the soles, palms, limbs, breast or forehead of a divinely endowed being.
Copper, Latin cuprum , from the
Precious coral or red coral is the common name given to Corallium rubrum and several related species of marine coral. The distinguishing characteristic of precious corals is their durable and intensely colored red skeleton, which is used for making jewelry.
Diamond is the allotrope of carbon where the carbon atoms are arranged in an isometric-hexoctahedral crystal lattice. Its hardness and high dispersion of light make it useful for industrial applications and jewelry. It is the hardest known naturally-occurring mineral The name diamond derives from the ancient Greek ἀδάμας (adamas) "invincible", "untamed", from ἀ- (a-), "un-" + δαμάω (damáō), "to overpower, to tame". They have been treasured as gemstones since their use as religious icons in ancient India and usage in engraving tools also dates to early human history. The hardness of diamonds contributes to its suitability as a gemstone. Because it can only be scratched by other diamonds, it maintains its polish extremely well. Unlike many other gems, it is well-suited to daily wear because of its resistance to scratching.
The Vajra, or dorje, is the quintessential symbol of Vajrayana Buddhism, which derives its name from the vajra itself. The Sanskrit term vajra means 'the hard or mighty one', and its Tibetan equivalent dorje means an indestructible hardness and brilliance like the diamond, which cannot be cut or broken. The vajra essentially symbolizes the impenetrable, immovable, immutable, indivisible, and indestructible state of enlightenment or Buddhahood. The form of the vajra as a scepter or a weapon appears to have its origin in the single or double trident, which arose as a symbol of the thunderbolt or lightning in many ancient civilizations of the Near and Middle East. Parallels are postulated with the meteoric hammer of the Teutonic sky-god Thor, the thunderbolt and scepter of the Greek sky-god Zeus, and the three thunderbolts of the Roman god Jupiter. As a hurled weapon the indestructible thunderbolt blazed like a meteoric fireball across the heavens, in a maelstrom of thunder, fire and lightning. The vajra is generally two-sided but the vishvavajra or double dorje,the double thunderbolt has four heads representing the four dhyani Buddhas of the four directions namely, Amoghasiddhi for north, Akshobhya, who presides over the east, Ratnasambhava, lord of the south, and Amitabha who reigns over the west. It is the emblem of the crossed vajra that is inscribed upon the metal base that is used to seal deity statues after they have been consecrated. The vajra is indeed the most important ritual implement and symbol of Vajrayana Buddhism. It is so important that many of the Vajrayana deities have the word vajra prefixed to their names, two of them being Vajradhara and Vajrasattva. When used in ritual, the vajra is paired with the bell. It represents the masculine principle and is held in the right hand, the bell, held in the left hand, represents the female principle.
Dragons figure importantly in folk beliefs throughout Asia, and are dressed heavily in Buddhist garb. In India, the birthplace of Buddhism around 500 BC, pre-Buddhist snake or serpentine-like creatures known as the NAGA were incorporated early on into Buddhist mythology. Described as "water spirits with human shapes wearing a crown of serpents on their heads" or as "snake-like beings resembling clouds," the NAGA are among the eight classes of deities who worship and protect the Historical Buddha. Even before the Historical Buddha (Siddhartha, Guatama) attained enlightenment, the Naga King Mucilinda (Sanskrit) is said to have protected Siddhartha from wind and rain for seven days. This motif is found often in Buddhist art from India, represented by images of the Buddha sitting beneath Mucilinda's hood and coils.
The endless knot (Skt. shrivatsa; Tib. dpal be'u) is a closed, graphic ornament composed of right-angled, intertwined lines. It overlaps without a beginning or an end, symbolising the Buddha's endless wisdom and compassion. It indicates continuity as the underlying reality of existence. It is conjectured that it may have evolved from an ancient naga symbol with two stylized snakes. The image signifies the dramatic interplay and interaction of the opposing forces in the dualistic world of manifestation, leading to their union, and ultimately to harmony in the universe. This fact is amply reflected in the symmetrical and regular form of the endless knot. The intertwining of lines represents how all phenomena are conjoined and yoked together as a closed cycle of cause and effect. Thus the whole composition is a pattern that is closed on in itself with no gaps, leading to a representational form of great simplicity and fully balanced harmony. Since all phenomena are interrelated, the placing of the endless knot on a gift or greeting card is understood to establish an auspicious connection between the giver and the recipient. At the same time, the recipient is goaded to righteous karma, being reminded that future positive effects have their roots in the causes of the present. This is because the knot represents a connection, a link with our fates, binding us to our karmic destiny. Not surprisingly, this is one of the most favorite symbols in Tibetan Buddhism, and often occurs on its own.
Garnet is a group of minerals that have been used since the Bronze Age as gemstones and abrasives. Garnets are most often seen in red, but are available in a wide variety of colors spanning the entire spectrum. The name "garnet" comes from the Latin granatus ("grain"), possibly a reference to the Punica granatum ("pomegranate"), a plant with red seeds similar in shape, size, and color to some garnet crystals.
A Ghau box is a traditional Tibetan prayer box. The back of this box opens and allows you to keep a prayer or relic inside.
Gold plating is a method of depositing a thin layer of gold onto the surface of another metal, most often copper or silver, by chemical or electrochemical means. Gold plating of silver is used in the manufacture of jewelry. Like copper, silver atoms diffuse into the gold layer, causing slow gradual fading of its color and eventually causing tarnishing of the surface. This process may take months and even years, depending on the thickness of the gold layer. A barrier metal layer is used to counter this effect. Copper, which also migrates into gold, does so more slowly than silver. The copper is usually further plated with nickel. A gold-plated silver article is usually a silver substrate with layers of copper, nickel, and gold deposited on top of it.
Indian Jade, also known as Aventurine, is a variety of Quartz containing glistening fragments (usually mica), which can be cut and polished as a gemstone.
Jade is an ornamental stone. The term jade is applied to two different rocks that are made up of different silicate minerals. The English word 'jade' is derived from the Spanish term piedra de ijada (first recorded in 1565) or 'loin stone', from its reputed efficacy in curing ailments of the loins and kidneys. In almost all dictionaries, the Chinese character 'yù' (玉) is translated into English as 'jade'. However, this frequently leads to misunderstanding: Chinese, Koreans, and Westerners alike generally fail to appreciate that the cultural concept of 'jade' is considerably broader in China and Korea than in the West. A more accurate translation for this character on its own would be 'precious/ornamental rock'. It is seldom, if ever, used on its own to denote 'true' jade in Mandarin Chinese; for example, one would normally refer to 'ying yu' (硬玉, 'hard jade') for jadeite, or 'ruan yu' (軟玉, 'soft jade') for nephrite. Symbolic energy and beauty, the traditional and the modern are combined in jade in a particularly harmonious way. And in gemstone therapy it is said that jade 'stimulates creativity and mental agility on the one hand, while also having a balancing and harmonising effect.' So this beautiful gemstone brings us joy, vivacity and happiness all at the same time.
Kalachakra means Time-Wheel, as "Kāla" is Sanskrit for Time and "Chakra" (or Cakra) is Wheel in Sanskrit (In Tibetan his name is dus.'khor). It is also translated as Time-Cycles. It is a complex Buddhist emblem symbolizing the Wheel of Time. The seven intertwined letters represent the seven words of the kalachakra mantra - 'Ham Ksha Ma La Va Ra Ya'. Much in this tradition revolves around the concept of time and cycles: from the cycles of the planets, to the cycles of our breath and the practice of controlling the most subtle energies within one's body on the path to enlightenment. The Kalachakra deity represents omniscience, as everything is under the influence of time, he is time and therefore knows all. Similarly, the wheel is beginningless and endless.
Labradorite is truely a fascinatingly beautiful mineral. Its a mineral whose charm is not fully noticed and may be overlooked if not viewed from the proper position. Generally a dull, dark looking mineral with no special virtue until the colorful shiller is observed glowing on the surface. Labradorite can produce a colorful play of light across cleavage planes and in sliced sections called labradorescence. The usually intense colors range from the typical blues and violets through greens, yellows and oranges. Some rare specimens display all these colors simultaneously.
Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone prized since antiquity for its intense blue color. Lapis lazuli is regarded by many people around the world as the stone of friendship and truth. The blue stone is said to encourage harmony in relationships and help its wearer to be authentic and give his or her opinion openly.
Lotus seeds or Lotus nuts are the seeds of plants in the genus Nelumbo, particularly the species Nelumbo nucifera. Lotus Seed (Kamal Gatta) Mala promotes devotion and opens the heart.
Mahakala, “Lord of the Tent”, is one of the most revered Tibetan protector deities. He is worshipped as a protector of the entire realm as well as a personal tutelary deity. Well represented and revered in all orders of Tantric Tibetan Buddhism, Mahakala is especially popular with the Sakya order. In his most common form he is believed to be the fierce manifestationof the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara who plays a prominent role in Tibetan Buddhism, andwas the tutelary deity of the Mongolian ruler Kublai Khan. Mahakala is a Dharmapala,a protector of religious law. He is always depicted as an extremely fierce and terrifying deity. His purpose is to help in overcoming negative obstacles on the path to enlightenment. A compassionate wrathful deity, he appears evil, like a demon, but functions more likea guard dog, or guardian angel. His aggression is necessary, for it allows him to demolish obstacles and negativities one faces on the path to enlightenment. Mahakala is depicted in a variety of different ways, sometimes with six arms, other times with two. He is often brown skinned.Mahakala’s role as “Lord of the Tent” explainshis popularity in Tibetan religion. Tibetans are historically a nomadicpeople and tents have always been an important form of protection and shelter,providing the basis for their way of life. Tents being essentialfor survival resulted in Mahakala, the “Lord of the Tent”, becoming one of the most important protector deities.
An implement carried around by most Tibetans is the Mala or a rosary of prayer beads. These are not unlike the Christian rosary, or the beads used in Islam and Hinduism. They are used to focus ones' mind on the recitation of mantras, and to count them as part of a practice.
The story of the beads' origin is as follows: “Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, paid a visit to king Vaidunya…Sakya directed him to thread 108 seeds of the Bodhi tree on a string, and while passing them between his fingers to repeat… ‘Hail to the Buddha, the law, and the congregation’… (2,000) times a day There are for example practices for which one is required to recite 100,000 mantras; obviously a simple counter is needed to keep track of this huge number. The Tibetan mala usually has at least 108 beads - this number probably originates to the 108 names for Hindu deities (incidentally, the same number is used in Islam to refer to God).Tibetans often attach strings to their malas which have little sliding rings on them, these are to keep count of the number of malas; in such a way one can count up to 10,000 or even more on one mala. (The word 'rosary,' which has obvious similarities to the mala, is said to have come from 'japa mala.' When Roman explorers came into
Malachite is a carbonate mineral normally known as "copper carbonate" with the formula Cu2CO3(OH)2. Malachite often results from weathering of copper ores. The stone's name derives (via Latin and French) from Greek molochitis, "mallow-green stone", from molochē, variant of malachē, "mallow". Malachite was used as a mineral pigment in green paints from antiquity until about 1800. Malachite is an opaque, banded stone, the colors in the bands range from a very light green to almost deep green. Mining Malachite began as early as 4000 BC by ancient Egyptians. In the Middle ages, malachite was worn to protect from black magic and sorcery. In Ancient Greece amulets for children were made of malachite.
In the New Stone Age came the discovery of the possibility of extracting certain metals from the ores in which they generally occur. Probably the first such material to be used was malachite, then already in use as a cosmetic and easily reduced to copper in a strong fire. It is impossible to be precise about the time and place of this discovery, but its consequences were tremendous. Namely it led to the search for other metallic ores, to the development of metallurgy. Malachite is said to aid in the regeneration of body cells, creates calm and peace, and aids one's sleep. A gorgeous stone, Malachite is worn by many to detect impending danger. This beautiful green stone offers bands of varying hues and is believed by many to lend extra energy. It is believed that gazing at Malachite or holding it relaxes the nervous system and calms stormy emotions. Malachite is said to bring harmony into one's life. It is also believed that malachite gives knowledge and patience. Malachite is used as a children's talisman to ward off danger and illness. It is attached to infant's cradles.
Manjushri is a bodhisattva associated with Vairochana (Tibetan: nangpar nangdze,) the Buddha Resplendent, who is like the sun in glory at its zenith.Manjushri is viewed both as a historical bodhisattva, and as an emanation of Vairochana, ("Berotsana," Tibetan: nangpar nangdze, Jap.: Dainichi Nyorai) the primordial white Buddha that is compared to the sun -- his nature is "everywhere-pervading." He manifests as a bodhisattva to provoke investigation into such topics as Emptiness (or, void-ness,) free will, and the nature of the self.When the primordial buddha Vairochana vowed to emanate throughout the universe as the princely and ever-youthful, bodhisattva of Wisdom, his purpose was to lead beings in an inquiry whereby they could discover the true nature of reality. For that reason, he is usually depicted displaying the two tools essential to that investigation: in his right hand he wields the double-edged sword of logic or analytic discrimination and in his left, the Prajnaparamita Sutra, the text of the teaching on Emptiness. This teaching is fundamental to all forms of Buddhism and for that reason it is often called "Mother of All Buddhas." It is cushioned on the lotus of Compassion. Manjushri's sword of discriminating wisdom is tipped with flames to show that it severs all notions of duality. It can cut away delusion, aversion and longing, to reveal understanding, equanimity and compassion.Sometimes he is depicted with his hands making the gesture of teaching at the level of his heart. Often we see him with a double set of arms, which combines internal and external qualities. Mañjushrî is either seated on a lion throne or on an elephant . Both animals are associated a fully enlightened buddha. However, as a bodhisattva, he is depicted as a sixteen-year old youth. This is a confirmation of the fact that wisdom is not merely associated with maturity and age; it but is a direct consequence of anyone's logical inquiry into the true nature of reality. In the sutras, Mañjushrî is described as inhabiting a Pure Land (or, "heaven") in another universe, where he dwells as the Buddha he actually is. Since the 7th century, he has been inextricably linked to the 5 Sacred Peaks (Wu-tai Shan -- "Five-mountain Paradise," Tib: Riwo Tsenga) of China. There, as Wen-Shu Shi-Li, Manjushri is depicted as a boy with his hair in 5 bunches ("5 peaks") The northeastern Chinese location is still an important place of pilgrimage for Tibetans, Mongolians, Chinese and other Buddhists.
The Om Mani Padme Hum mantra is the most widely used of all Buddhist mantras. Tibetan Buddhists believe that saying the mantra (prayer), Om Mani Padme Hum, out loud or silently to oneself, invokes the powerful benevolent attention and blessings of Chenrezig, the embodiment of compassionOm Mani Padme Hum. The first,
Onyx is a cryptocrystalline form of quartz. Pure black Onyx is common, and perhaps the most famous variety. The name comes from the Greek word 'onyx', which means nail or claw. The story is that one day the frisky Cupid cut the divine fingernails of Venus with an arrowhead while she was sleeping. He left the clippings scattered on the sand and the fates turned them into stone so that no part of the heavenly body would ever perish.
A pearl is a hard, roundish object produced within the soft tissue (specifically the mantle) of a living shelled mollusk. Just like the shell of mollusks, a pearl is composed of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, which has been deposited in concentric layers. The ideal pearl is perfectly round and smooth, but many other shapes of pearls (baroque pearls) occur.The finest quality pearls have been highly valued as gemstones and objects of beauty for many centuries, and the word pearl has become a metaphor for something rare, fine, and admirable. The unique luster of pearls depends upon the reflection, refraction, and diffraction of light from the translucent layers. The thinner and more numerous the layers in the pearl, the finer the luster. The iridescence that pearls display is caused by the overlapping of successive layers, which breaks up light falling on the surface.Pearls are often white or cream, but the colour can vary quite a lot according to the natural colour of the nacre in the various species of mollusk used. Thus pearls can also be black, or various pastel shades.
Rose quartz is one of the most desirable varieties of quartz. The pink to rose red color is completely unique, unlike any other pink mineral species. The color is caused by iron and titanium impurities. Rose quartz is known as the "love stone", and can be used to attract love, promote self-acceptance or, on a more spiritual level, love of whatever you hold sacred or Divine. It is extremely supportive for the broken-hearted or recently bereaved. In addition, this wonderful crystal has a deadening effect on electromagnetic stress, and it is beneficial to keep some near your computer.
Rosewood refers to a number of richly hued timbers, often brownish with darker veining but found in many different colors. All rosewoods are strong and heavy, taking an excellent polish.
Sandalwood is the name for several fragrant woods and their essential oil. Most are medium-sized hemiparasitic trees of the Santalaceae family of the genus, Santalum. The most notable members of this group are Santalum album, Indian Sandalwood and Santalum spicatum, Australian sandalwood. Several other members of the genus species also have fragrant wood and are found across
Sapphire refers to gem varieties of the mineral corundum, an aluminium oxide (Al2O3), when it is a colour other than red. The English word sapphire derives from the Hebrew sapir (via Greek sapphiros). The mineral corundum consists of pure aluminium oxide. Trace amounts of other elements such as iron, titanium and chromium give corundum their blue, yellow, pink, purple, orange or greenish colour. Although blue is considered the normal colour for sapphires, they can be found across a full range of spectral colors as well as brown, colorless, grey and black.
Smoky quartz or Smokey quartz, also known as Cairngorm or Cairngormstone is a brown to black variety of quartz caused through the natural (or artificial) irradiation of aluminium-containing rock crystal. A very dark brown to black opaque variety is known as morion. Smoky quartz is a brown transparent quartz that is sometimes used for unusual faceted cuts. This variety was sometimes known as smoky topaz in the past, though the term is incorrect and misleading
The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness of 925.
Tiger's eye is a chatoyant gemstone that is usually yellow- to red-brown, with a silky luster. A member of the quartz group, it is a classic example of pseudomorphous replacement by silica of fibrous crocidolite. Tiger eye with its bands resembles an eye of tiger, so it is received its name due to this similarity. Roman soldiers wore tiger's-eye for protection in battle. Tiger Eye was thought to be all seeing due to its appearance. Tiger Eye is used for focusing the mind. It is said that Tiger Eye offers protection during travel, strengthens convictions and confidence. This very warm stone is beneficial for the weak and sick Tiger eye allegedly relieves high blood pressure. Tiger eye wear is very helpful in the presence of following diseases: bronchial asthmakidney, rheumatic heart disease, otitis and psoriasis.
