It was in the 6th and 5th centuries BCE that Buddhist art was implemented in the Indian subcontinent to document the life of Gautama Buddha. Throughout Asia the dharma of the Buddhist of the religion spread and developed as it came into contact with the various cultures in its path. Practitioners and artists who created Tibetan art used a style that is known as aniconic, which was the use of Buddhist symbology and iconography without the actual use of the image of the human figure. In the first century CE, the human appearance of the Buddha started to become prominent in the Tibetan art at the time and this practice continues even unto this modern day. Buddhist art followed the believers in the Buddhist religion wherever it developed throughout all of Asia, in every Buddhist temple.

Tibetan Buddhist art is considered sacred and religious in nature, or was always thought of as religious in Asiatic cultures throughout the continent and in ancient Himalayan kingdoms such as Ladakh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

The Tibetan Buddhist art that was created previous to the middle of the twentieth century was steeped in traditional techniques and devoted to the vision of sacred iconography. Not only are the works of these early Tibetan Buddhist artists festooned with the central topics of philosophy and spirituality, they were also dedicated in showing the energy of the aesthetics that Tibetan Buddhist art was known for as it came into eminence during the growth of the various schools of Buddhism all over Asia and the regions it influenced with its presence over the years.

In the fourth century saw the emergence of the Mahayana Buddhist influence. This particular influence emphasized those who wished to forgo achieving Nirvana in order to help those others in need. The deity Chenrezig is commonly depicted as a thousand armed deity with a single eye in each hand in the Tibetan art of this Buddhist influence.

Another great influence in Tibetan Buddhist art is the Tantric influence, its main symbol being the diamond thunderbolt. Tantric influence art is most often depicted as having many gods with angry faces that actually represent guardians of those who are dedicated to the practice and teaching of Tantric Buddhism and the purging of negative thoughts.

The in the Himalayas, a religion with shamanistic foundations known as Bon brings to Tibetan Buddhist art a wide variety of local gods. These local deities are often depicted in Tibetan temples along with statues of the Buddha. These shamanistic gods were once considered harmful, but are now subjugated and in the service of Buddha.

A great variety of techniques are used in Buddhist meditation in order to achieve mindfulness, concentration and the promotion of well being. Ancient texts were set down by priests and other practitioners of Buddhism to preserve the core techniques that are passed between teachers and pupils.

Hinduism was also greatly influenced by Tibetan Buddhist art but in the tenth century, Buddhism was no longer practiced in India due to the expansion of Hinduism and the enthusiastic growth of Islam.

Bihar is a north province of Republic of India. The state of Bihar lies south of Nepal and with West Bengal in the west and Uttar Pradesh in the east. It is the Hindi heartland of Republic of India. It is here that Gautama Buddha gifted his first ever preachings and found Nirvana.

The capital city of Bihar is city of Patna. Patna is situated at the meeting point of 3 important rivers of which one is the might river Ganges.

They were to constitue fire, political agitation and flood. Indeed in recent times, the province of Bihar and also the city of Patna has been under ceaseless terror from fire, flooding from the 3 major rivers and it’s a governmental hotbed.

The state of Bihar was named as Magadha in its ancient times. Its very first major ruler was called Ashoka the Great. The spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the Far East is credited to this great ruler.

It is said that he directed his numerous sons to several regions of the Earth as missionaries. The empire of Ashoka fans out from the east of India to the Persian Empire. It is said that he fell short of occupying the Persian Empire merely because the ruler had a matrimonial alliance to the king of Persia.

For the pupil of olden history and followers of Buddhism, a trip to Bihar is essential. The old township of Bodh Gaya in Bihar homes the most sacred places of Buddhism. A few of which includes the original Bodhi tree where Gautama Buddha got Nirvana.

Here grows the Bodhi tree, where Buddha attained enlightenment. Most Buddhism countries and sects of the world have set of temples in the holy town of Bodh Gaya. The city of Bodh Gaya can be reached by either flying or taking a train to Patna and then taking the road or train to Bodh Gaya. A trip to the town of Godh Gaya is revelation.

Beijing has been a focal point for China’s most important religious observances since it become the country’s capital in 1420. Of all the temples built to worship the mighty forces in nature, the Temple of Heaven in southern Beijing is easily the most significant one.

Governing the worlds largest population, Chinese emperors needed more than just intimidation and an effective government. They had to show their subjects that they had the legitimacy to rule.

As you step into the Temple of Heaven, a secret world once sealed off from the common people is now ready to reveal itself.

The Hall of Abstinence is on the west side. The emperor used this area to prepare himself for the prayers to Heaven. He would keep himself away from alcohol, meat, garlic, onions, and sexual relations. The hall was kept simple, for a luxury-loving emperor wouldn’t be favored by Heaven.

The Animal Slaughtering Hall and the Divine Kitchen stand on the other side of the temple. Animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs were slaughtered, and it took scores of workers several days to finish the work. As the emperor fasted in the Hall of Abstinence, the kitchen prepared all kinds of delicious offerings such as biscuits, sugarcane, bread, and dried fruits.

Music was also an important facet of all ceremonies in the Temple of Heaven. In the Hall of Divine Music Administration, imperial orchestras practiced compositions day and night. When rituals were held, they would play all throughout. Sometimes rituals lasts a whole day and into the night!

Visiting this hall, you are amazed by the antique instruments. Every two hours, a mock performance is staged.

The Circular Altar, standing at the center of the temple, is the most important structure in the Temple of Heaven. A radial terrace, the altar was built for the emperor to worship Heaven. Dont skip your photo opportunity here, as in ancient China this was believed to be the center of the universe.

During the worshiping ceremonies held on the winter solstice, the emperor would bow down to receive his mandate from Heaven to rule China. A Chinese philosopher once wrote: if the ruler does things right, then the creative energy of the universe will be harmonious, the wind and rain will be on time, auspicious stars will show up, and then, the yellow dragon will descend from Heaven.

Now with the mandate from Heaven, the emperor is able to legitimately rule China.

The Pak Ou Caves of Laos are one of the most interesting sights in the country and it should be at the top of anyones destination list. A mere 25 km from Luang Prabang, the travel to the caves is almost as exciting as the destination. You can hire a boat to take you down the Mekong River to witness this historical site. If you are feeling adventurous, hire a songthaew to take you through the countryside.

Located directly on the Mekong River, the Pak Ou Caves are one of the most sacred sights in the country. They are actually still used as a place of worship. Every New Year people from Luang Prabang make a pilgrimage to visit the caves containing over 4000 Buddha images and statues.

The caves contain mostly the traditional tall standing Luang Prabang Buddha statues, but you can find Buddhas of all shapes and sizes. As you approach the caves from the opposite side of the river, an incredible view unfolds. High limestone cliffs jut above the banks with a black hole cut into its side. As you come closer, you will see the white stairs leading to the upper chamber and know that you are about to witness something magical.

The caves contain two chambers. Tham Thing and Tham Pheung. Both are filled with thousands of statues, but Tham Pheung has more than the two. Tham Pheung is the higher cave and a torch is recommended as it can be quite dark.

While the caves make for a great day trip from Luang Prabang, there are many things that you can do in town. The city is beautiful and there is no better way to see it than by bicycle.

Luang Prabang is filled with intricate temples. A World Heritage Sight, you can explore its rich history for days. Check out the former Royal Palace a.k.a. Haw Kham, one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. Examine the ornate interiors filled with reclining Buddhas, carvings and tapestries.

There is no shortage of food in Luang Prabang. From traditional Lao meals to coffee and pastry shops. You will never go hungry or tire of the choices. And after you have rejuvenated from a hearty lunch, you are ready to explore more of the sights, like a working Monastery. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a group of monks practicing their drums.

If you want to witness a beautiful sunset be sure to make the journey up to Phou Si. A popular spot in the evening, this hill offers an unobstructed view of the land. Relax and mingle as the sun goes down between two mountains. It is truly an incredible sight.

Luang Prabang has a famous night market. Pick up all of your trinkets and souvenirs here. Be ready to barter hard though because it is definitely over priced. Restaurants line the streets and you will have no problem finding any food that you are craving to fit your budget.

There are many things that you can do in Laos, and this only touches the tip of the iceburg. The Plain of Jars, Vientianne and Vang Vieng are only a few of the other places that you can visit besides Luang Prabang. But hurry, it may be an unspoiled beauty of a destination for only a little while longer.