Ashoka Newmedia

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual and political leader of the Tibetan people. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 and has travelled extensively around the world offering the message of Tibetan Buddhism.The Dalai Lama was born in the small Tibetan village of Takster in Northern Tibet. His original name being Tenzin Gyatso. At the age of 2 Tenzin was recognized as the reincarnation of his predecessor, the 13th Dalai Lama. Thus from an early age the Dalai Lama spent many years studying Tibetan scriptures and he completed a doctorate in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy by the age of 25.The Dalai Lama means Ocean of Wisdom...

In Mongolia as in other regions of Central Asia a diverse set of Buddhist traditions have been cultivated by the Buddhist faithful. Among these traditions, perhaps some of the most important customs are those associated with Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, and more specifically, a particular symbol known as the "Kalachakra, Wheel of Time". The "Kalachakra" "Wheel of Time" is a "Mandala"; a Buddhist symbol that has a round, perfectly shaped symmetrical form. It is divided into four separate sections; each of them contributing to a single unitary shape.Recognized in many regions throughout much of the world today, the "Mandala", first appeared as a religious representation of Hindu, and afterward Buddhist...

Tibetan medicine is a centuries-old hallowed traditional medical system. This is a fairly complex approach to diagnosis and utilizes behavior and dietary modification, natural medicines and physical therapies to treat illnesses. Since Tibet is a border country, Tibetan medicine is a synthesis of the Indian (Ayurveda), Persian (Unani), Chinese, Greek and Tibetan medical systems. Tibetan medicine is practiced in a wide belt of the world including countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, Ladakh, Siberia, China and Mongolia, in addition to Tibet. More recently, Tibetan medicine has also started seeping into the West, invading parts of Europe and America.Since Tibet is the land of monasteries, monks and...

In Mongolia as in other regions of Central Asia a diverse set of Buddhist traditions have been cultivated by the Buddhist faithful. Among these traditions, perhaps some of the most important customs are those associated with Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, and more specifically, a particular symbol known as the "Kalachakra, Wheel of Time". The "Kalachakra" "Wheel of Time" is a "Mandala"; a Buddhist symbol that has a round, perfectly shaped symmetrical form. It is divided into four separate sections; each of them contributing to a single unitary shape.Recognized in many regions throughout much of the world today, the "Mandala", first appeared as a religious representation of Hindu, and afterward Buddhist...

Jewelry is part of our daily lives. When two people get married, they exchange wedding rings, a perfect circle symbolizing unity and continuity. But jewelry can be offered on other occasions as well. And what if you could offer someone a gift bearing some special meaning and be a beautiful piece of jewelry at the same time? David Weitzman's website is a great source for beautiful jewelry endowed with special energies. The spiritual gift section of the website will unveil beautiful designs based on symbols from major religions around the world and mystic concepts, which promote unity, harmony and love. Here are some examples of jewelry and their meanings. The engravings on the ring of Tao are in...

This is not the Karate Kid performing the Crane kick down at the beach with Mr. Miyagi, nor is it meditating like a Buddhist monk high in the mountains of Tibet...

In Mongolia as in other regions of Central Asia a diverse set of Buddhist traditions have been cultivated by the Buddhist faithful. Among these traditions, perhaps some of the most important customs are those associated with Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, and more specifically, a particular symbol known as the "Kalachakra, Wheel of Time". The "Kalachakra" "Wheel of Time" is a "Mandala"; a Buddhist symbol that has a round, perfectly shaped symmetrical form. It is divided into four separate sections; each of them contributing to a single unitary shape.Recognized in many regions throughout much of the world today, the "Mandala", first appeared as a religious representation of Hindu, and afterward Buddhist...

Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world, being exceeded in numbers only by Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. It was founded in Northern India by the first known Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. In 535 BCE, he attained enlightenment and assumed the title Lord Buddha (one who has awakened). Siddhartha Gautama was born in Lumbini, now part of Nepal.Top 10 countries with the highest percent of Buddhists. Rank Country % Buddhist Population 1 Thailand 94% 61,517,708 2 Cambodia 93% 12,654,574 3 Mongolia 93% 2,595,882 4 Myanmar 90% 38,618,517 5 Bhutan 74% 1,651,895 6 Japan 71% 90,466,243 7...

Referred to by the Dalai Lama as his 'little sister' this Burmese freedom fighter has tirelessly worked for democracy in her country for the last 16 years...Danubyu, Myanmar. 5 April, 1989: two months before the Tiananmen Square massacre in nearby China.A woman walks down the middle of the street, accompanied by several men.Six soldiers of the State Law and Order Restoration Council - the junta which has crushed the democracy movement and killed thousands of people in Rangoon - order the group to stop. The group pays no heed. A young army captain whips out his revolver and jumps out of his jeep, ready to open fire.The woman asks the men to move aside. "It seemed so much simpler to provide them...

Asia, when you start thinking about Asia, the first country that comes into the mind is China, then India and then Japan. After the nuclear bomb tragedy with Japan, life has taken a different dimension altogether in this country. India and China, the land of Saints, Buddhism and Hinduism are what runs these countries. India is the land of God and Goddess. Anyone from around the world who takes up the path of spiritualism lands up in this place. The culture, the rivers, the people all is very different here. They think very differently from the rest of the world. They consider a human to be a human first and then a identity. Why? is a question that pops into minds. The answer may lie in the history...

In Mongolia as in other regions of Central Asia a diverse set of Buddhist traditions have been cultivated by the Buddhist faithful. Among these traditions, perhaps some of the most important customs are those associated with Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, and more specifically, a particular symbol known as the "Kalachakra, Wheel of Time". The "Kalachakra" "Wheel of Time" is a "Mandala"; a Buddhist symbol that has a round, perfectly shaped symmetrical form. It is divided into four separate sections; each of them contributing to a single unitary shape.Recognized in many regions throughout much of the world today, the "Mandala", first appeared as a religious representation of Hindu, and afterward Buddhist...

To conclude this section may we just add that Newton's subjects emphasize strongly that God is never once seen in the higher realms, although a strong feeling of a Supreme Power is felt ruling the ongoings of devachan, or "heaven," and the kinetic motion of magnetic streams of energy flowing in the atmosphere and environment. This truth denounces certain religious beliefs that in heaven one would finally see God face to face--for while on earth one may not see God's face and live, one would surely behold God's countenance in heaven. This principle has been vmisunderstood and misinterpreted for the past two thousand years; it should actually be understood in a mystical rather than in a literal manner...

CULTS, NOT THE OCCULTWhat's the difference? I've heard many people attempt to use these two words interchangeably and, often, inappropriately.Quite simply, the word "occult" is derived from a Latin word (occultus) that means, basically, "that which is hidden." The word "cult," on the other hand, comes from a word which means "to cultivate." In other words, to break down and train up in accordance with the prescribed method. That's what this article is all about.DEFINING THE CULTSMany years ago, as I was devouring every spiritual thing I could get my hands on (good and bad), I wound up involved with a group that 20/20's Barbara Walters later referred to as "the fastest growing cult in America." The...

Dissolution of the physical form causes a release of the awareness-principle from the body and expands the consciousness to enfold a higher state. The absorption of the four elements are spiritually related to the activities of their subtle counterpart personified as goddesses:1) Buddhalocana - Earth2) Mamaki - Water3) Pandaravasini - Fire4) Samayatara - AirAfter the absorption of the elements, what is called the "Three Paths" commences. Whereas the above is known as the "gross dissolution," the Three Paths is known as the "subtle dissolution." The Three Paths is associated with inner processes called by lamas the stages of "appearance," "increase" and "attainment." They are associated with the...

Samsara In the time of Buddha's enlightening most people in India believed in reincarnation. In Buddhism as well as in Hinduism the thought about rebirth is one of the strongest components of the two religions. The process of endless birth and rebirth is Samsara and is having no beginning or end. It what way you will be reborn is determent by Karma. The best definition about Karma would be action. Good action equals good karma, and a bad action equals bad karma. If a person has accumulated an advantage of karma this person should be reborn in a better position compared to the present life. The range of different possible rebirths range from the smallest of bacteria's and minerals to be reborn as a...

The topic of this article is the concept of Karma, which is common to most Eastern Philosophies be it Hinduism or Buddhism. It is said that in the second watch of the night when the Buddha attained enlightenment he gained a different kind of knowledge, which complemented his knowledge of rebirth - The Law of Karma. Karma is mistaken in the West as a doctrine of Fate or Predestination. It is not so. The word Karma literally means action - and the Law of Karma is the infallible law of cause and effect, which governs the Universe. The doctrine of Karma has many implications as to how we may lead our lives. In the first place it means that all our actions will lead to its natural consequence. We may not...

Right around the world people are starting to take notice of the amazing fruit that is known as the goji berry. It's unbelievable to think that such a small berry could have the potential to prolong life for an extended period of time. What's more it's hard to believe that in fact people have known this secret for many centuries and have kept it a secret for so long. So What are Tibetan Goji Berries? Goji berries are a red colored berry and originate from deep within the desolate mountains of the Himalayas, more accurately in the regions of Tibet, China and Mongolia. Tibetan goji berries were said to have been first discovered by Buddhist monks behind a well in Tibet and later became a part of every...

The eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism, translated from the Sanskrit 'Ashtamangala', are very popular in Tibet and are used for Tibetan jewelry. It is said that Buddha didn't like to be worshiped as a person and therefore he was reluctant to accept images of himself. Because of that he was mostly represented by the Eight-Spoked Wheel and the Bobhi Tree. Other signs were used in representing him also, like Buddha's Footprints, an Empty Throne, a Begging Bowl and a Lion. The eight auspicious symbols are however the following: the Umbrella or parasol, the Golden Fish, the Treasure Vase, the Lotus, the Conch, the Endless Knot, the Victory Banner and the Dharma-Wheel (Dharmachackra). The Umbrella or...

What Is Goji? There is a lot of talk about goji berries in the market today, which makes one wonder about what this so-called miracle fruit really is. The goji berries come from a vine-like plant that can sometimes reach 15-20 feet in height. This is commonly found in the Ningxia Province in China. Many people describe the goji berry plant as a mix between a grape vine, and a tomato creeper. Legend has it that in about 800 AD, during China's Tang Dynasty, some unidentified berries were found growing on a vine near a well next to a Tibetan Buddhist temple in the Himalayas. As time passed, these goji berries dropped off the vine and into the well. The monks who drank the water were exceptionally long...

The perennial philosophy "nondual" spiritual traditions (such as Nisargadatta's Vedanta, and Tibetan Buddhism's Dzogchen) hold that existence involves a monistic, enduring, unchanging, absolute reality and a dualistic, ephemeral, constantly-changing relative reality. Through the practices that I describe in my book Toward Wisdom, I too have come to see that this is the way it is. Describing the situation in words has always been tricky, but I found that certain "information age" concepts clarify the situation. The way I put it in a Zygon paper and in Part 1 of my 2004 book Matters of Consequence, the absolute reality, the foundation of all that is, is a oneness that has both a physical aspect we...

Many people are unfamiliar with goji berries and the history that is behind them. Many centuries ago it was said that they were found growing near a well next to a Tibetan Buddhist Temple which is located in the Himalayan mountain ranges. It is also said that it was these Buddhist monks who were the first to drink the juice of these goji berries and were said to have lived for much longer than most people during those times. So throughout the next centuries to come, the juice from goji berries became a stable part of the Buddhist monks diets and this remained a secrets for many years until now. People are starting to become aware of the potential health benefits of goji berries and are starting to...

Meditation is not just good for you. It can also brighten your outlook on life. Two separate scientific studies, one done in Australia and one done in the United States, have shown that certain meditation techniques stimulate the left side of the brain, resulting in decreased anxiety and a happy disposition. Science meets ancient wisdom Findings from these studies lend scientific credibility to what Buddhist monks have known for years. Meditation can treat physical pain as well as anxiety and depression. The study done by researchers in the United States found that people who meditated had a more active left frontal lobe, which is related to lower anxiety and a more positive emotional state. And...

How does feng shui study can help you to practice traditional Feng shui. What are the different resources that can help you in 'feng shui study'. How does one become a feng shui consultant? Feng Shui is relevant to any body. You can practice Feng Shui in any situation and living environment. Anyone who is interested in knowing about nature and is interested in improving the quality of life forself and others is sure to be benefited by Feng Shui study. But before you take up the Feng Shui study it is important to know that there are many schools of Feng Shui and there are many variations that exist within each school. What ever school you might consider for your Feng Shui study, remember the basic...

Aikido was developed by as a martial art by Morihei Ueshiba who studied several martial arts since 1912. Known to many aikido practitioners as "O Sensei" or the "Great Teacher," Ueshiba was able to develop the martial art based on a purely physical level using techniques and movements such those of "Jujitsu" and "Kenjutsu" called "aikido." It is believed that aikido was first introduced to the Western culture way back in 1951 by a martial arts practitioner Minoru Mochizuki when he visited France. Then, he introduced aikido and several aikido techniques to judo students in different areas of France. After this introduction, Tadashi Abe, who cane as the official Aikikai Honbu representative in 1952...

The meaning of Talismans What is a talisman? The word "Talisman," derived from the Greek verb "teleo," means, primarily, to accomplish, or bring into effect. The Talisman is an object marked with magic signs and is believed to confer on its bearer supernatural powers or protection. Virtually every religion in human history has offered as adherents small decorative objects which purpose is to do anything ranging between healing, protection or success. Talismans and sacred geometry Very often the talismans symbols are taken out of sacred geometry. The term "sacred geometry" is used by archaeologists, anthropologists, and geometricians to encompass the religious, philosophical and spiritual beliefs...

Diamonds have been the focus of attention for artists, writers, religions, and people in general for almost all cultures for years because they represent status, beauty, perfection and wealth. There have been people who commited murder or will endure a great deal of trouble to steal diamonds. And there are people who will spend a great deal of money to get that perfect piece of diamond jewelry. Diamonds are especially significant for many women especially as they represent status, beauty, andclass for the wearer. Owners of the larger diamonds are held in high regard by admirers, as these people are perceived as special and high status. In addition, various religions have recognized the symbolic...

If you are on a tour to China and decide to stop at Yunnan province, then you are guaranteed a wonderful time with Chinese minority groups. Yunnan is a beautiful province which is proud of its ethnic minorities and culture; this is reflected in the lifestyle of the locals who inhabit the community. Considered as one of the beautiful places to go in China, the province of Yunnan is a place that celebrates life. It can be divided into different cities namely Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Zhongdian and Deqin. Each of these cities has various sightseeing and highlights which attracts tourists all year round. Kunming is known as the city of eternal spring which is usually the best city to travel to in China in...

As a financial economist my motivation has long been to understand a simple academic koan: "why is there scarcity in an abundant world?" A koan is a question in the history and lore of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, to which the answer is inaccessible to rational understanding, yet may with great effort be obtained through accessing our higher collective mind. The motivational force driving my financial studies and research rests in the little known fact that the planet earth and this universe have such great abundance that no living being need lack anything! Here is another real noodle twister. Did you know that quantum physicists are people who have dedicated themselves to trying to figure out what the...

Shamanism to some is a system of beliefs. However, the goals of a Shaman are very individualized. Joseph Campbell describes in his survey of Shamanism in his book Primitive Mythology, as people who had a direct experience of power, or of understanding, which gave them power. Given the structure of the tribe, or any human society, there is an understanding of who is in power and how that power has to be respected. Often a Shaman develops tricks to scare the hunter or villager to keep them from harming them with their greater numbers. A Shaman kept his freedom and administered authority by the social respect and the use of abilities that were observable AND by using 'tricks' to keep the more violent...

Does the ninja secret training school still really exist? And if it does, what can it teach us about self defense that we need to understand for everyday life, far away from the cloak and dagger images that the ninja warriors so often inspire? It is the practical side of the ninja warriors training that is the most relevant. It was no secret that their school did not bind them with the same rules and taught them to use methods that their fellow japanese countrymen considered underhand or downright dishonest. In addition, they would abandon or avoid fights that did not suit them. Not for them the principles of other japanese fighters who preferred to die with honour rather than run away and live. The...

Feng Shui is relevant to any body. You can practice Feng Shui in any situation and living environment. Anyone who is interested in knowing about nature and is interested in improving the quality of life forself and others is sure to be benefited by Feng Shui study. But before you take up the Feng Shui study it is important to know that there are many schools of Feng Shui and there are many variations that exist within each school. What ever school you might consider for your Feng Shui study, remember the basic principles and theories (Feng Shui elements, concept of yin and yang, Feng Shui Colors ) would remain the same but there can be some variation in the tools that are used for analysis and...