Himalayan Stories

The Art of Making Tibetan Tsa Tsa: Traditional Molds, Materials and Craftsmanship
The Art of Making Tibetan Tsa Tsa: Traditional Molds, Materials and Craftsmanship
|KailashSpirit
Learn how Tibetan tsa tsa are formed using traditional molds and different materials. Explore the stages of preparation, molding, drying, finishing, and the distinction between craftsmanship and Buddhist consecration. Read more...
The Story of Tibetan Thangka Painting: The Sacred Art of the Himalayas
The Story of Tibetan Thangka Painting: The Sacred Art of the Himalayas
|KailashSpirit
Discover the art of Tibetan thangka painting, its Himalayan history, traditional materials, detailed creation process, sacred symbolism, and the artists who continue this living tradition. Read more...
Tibetan Monks: Monastery Life, Study and Practice
Tibetan Monks: Monastery Life, Study and Practice
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An introduction to Tibetan monastic education, daily practice and the distinction between a monk and a lama. Read more...
Tibetan Sand Mandalas: How They Are Made and Dismantled
Tibetan Sand Mandalas: How They Are Made and Dismantled
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How a Tibetan Buddhist sand mandala is measured, built with colored sand and dismantled at the end of the ritual. Read more...
Tibetan Prayer Flags Across the Mountain Passes
Tibetan Prayer Flags Across the Mountain Passes
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Prayer flags seen along mountain passes, with an introduction to their colors, inscriptions and religious meaning. Read more...
Lungta: Tibetan Wind Horse Prayer Papers
Lungta: Tibetan Wind Horse Prayer Papers
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The wind horse symbol, the practice of releasing lungta papers and how these papers differ from prayer flags. Read more...
Mani Stones and Cairns Along the Pilgrimage Road
Mani Stones and Cairns Along the Pilgrimage Road
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Stone cairns and inscribed mani stones seen along a pilgrimage road, with notes on their differences and devotional use. Read more...
Palden Lhamo: Protector of the Dharma
Palden Lhamo: Protector of the Dharma
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The stories and imagery of Palden Lhamo, including her mule and her role as a Buddhist protector. Read more...
Guru Rinpoche: The Lotus-Born Master
Guru Rinpoche: The Lotus-Born Master
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Guru Rinpoche’s traditional life stories, role in Tibet and distinctive attributes in paintings and sculpture. Read more...
Manjushri: The Bodhisattva of Wisdom
Manjushri: The Bodhisattva of Wisdom
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The meaning of Manjushri’s sword, lotus and scripture, and his place in Tibetan Buddhist art. Read more...
Vajrabhairava: Manjushri’s Wrathful Form
Vajrabhairava: Manjushri’s Wrathful Form
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An introduction to Vajrabhairava’s buffalo head, many arms and legs, and relationship with Manjushri. Read more...
Six-Armed Mahakala: Symbolism of a Buddhist Protector
Six-Armed Mahakala: Symbolism of a Buddhist Protector
|KailashSpirit
The story and iconography of Six-Armed Mahakala, from his six arms and skull crown to his role as a Dharma protector. Read more...
The Wheel of Life: A Guide to Its Buddhist Symbols
The Wheel of Life: A Guide to Its Buddhist Symbols
|KailashSpirit
The three poisons, six realms and other symbols of the Wheel of Life, a visual teaching on samsara and liberation. Read more...
Green Tara: Stories and Symbols of Compassion
Green Tara: Stories and Symbols of Compassion
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Traditional stories of Green Tara, her vow and the symbols used to depict her in Buddhist art. Read more...
Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara: The Story of Chenrezig
Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara: The Story of Chenrezig
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The legend of Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara, known in Tibet as Chenrezig, and the meaning of his many hands and eyes. Read more...
Black Jambhala: A Tibetan Buddhist Wealth Deity
Black Jambhala: A Tibetan Buddhist Wealth Deity
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Black Jambhala’s wrathful appearance, traditional associations and place in Tibetan Buddhist art. Read more...
Yellow Jambhala: Symbolism and Generosity
Yellow Jambhala: Symbolism and Generosity
|KailashSpirit
An introduction to Yellow Jambhala, his imagery and his association with prosperity and generosity in Tibetan Buddhism. Read more...