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.

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.

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.

Thangkas are one of Tibet’s most famous art forms, and they have fascinated generations of art fans around the world. Developed during the Songtsan Gampo era of Tibet, they incorporate elements from both Nepalese art and traditional Chinese paintings. Valued for their exquisite craftsmanship, they are also admired for their unique beauty and practical function. When traveling to other places, Tibetan monks will often carry a thangka to communicate with their gods. On a good tour in Beijing, you can find exquisite thangkas made by great Tibetan artists.

Thangkas are a type of scroll painting that can be easily rolled up for storage. Most thangkas are either hung on the wall of a house or carried by a monk or traveler when moving around to different places. Because Tibetans are traditionally a nomadic people who are also deeply religious, they need an easy-to-carry item like a thangka to help them communicate with gods on their journeys.

In many ways, thangkas are like Buddhist statues. Both of them are used as a medium through which people pay tribute to their gods, say prayers, and make requests. But the difference is also obvious: whereas a Buddhist statue only represents a certain deity in Buddhism, a thangka shows the deity and depicts his/her life stories, important events, and the Buddhist teachings associated with the deity. Such depiction is aimed to educate, enlighten, and enhance the contemplative experience of the Buddhists who study them.

On a thangka, no detail is too small to ignore. Everything, like the color, the clothes, and the positions or postures of the people, contains bits of information that contribute to the profound symbolism of the overall image. For a Buddhist, the teachings of Buddhism can be learned by memorizing these details and imaging the image in their minds.

When used by monks traveling from place to place, thangkas can serve as an excellent educational tool. Tibetan monks who carry thangkas have been traveling to remote regions and teaching Buddhism for hundreds of years. As a tradition, monks living in monasteries display their precious thangkas to the public during ceremonies or festivals.

Thangkas are either painted by hand or embroidered with high-quality threads. Some extremely valuable thangkas are made of precious pearls and gold. Making a thangka is not an easy task. Usually it takes five properly trained artists to finish one thangka. Paint made of natural minerals is commonly used, as it gives a touch of vividness to the picture. Painting a thangka requires a mastery over a variety of drawing skills and an in-depth understanding of Tibetan Buddhism. Subtle hints are incorporated into every detail on the image.

Depending on the method of production and materials used, thangkas can be grouped into two main categories: “Bris-Tang” and “Go-Tang.”

“Bris-Tang”: Thangkas that are painted are called “Bris-Tang.” The five specific types of this category are: Multi-Colored, Gold Background, Vermilion Background, Black Background, and Block Printing “Bris-Tang.”

“Go-Tang”: Thangkas that are made of silk or decorated with embroidery are called “Go-Tang.” This category includes: Embroidery, Applique, Glued Applique, Hand-Woven, and Block Printing “Go-Tang.”

All thangkas are made to conform to a strict standard concerning the use of colors. Different colors are used to show different themes or different characters. Red is the main color for thangkas that depict the life stories of the Buddha. Black is the main color for thangkas depicting gods who fight against evils. Blue is used to represent joy. Green is used to represent activity. And white is the symbol for peace and compassion.

In the amazing local shops of Beijing, there are authentic thangkas made by master painters from Tibet. When you are in the city, be sure to check out these exquisite products. If you are not familiar with the local business, it’s best to find a tour guide in Beijing to help you shop.

A. Lao writes about Chinese culture and history. He assists a Beijing personal shopper who helps tourists find unique Chinese items. Sometimes he personally tailors Beijing tours.

Tags: Asia, beijing, Buddhist, China, embroidery, handicraft, painting, religious, shopping, thangkas, tibet, tour

Thangkas are a unique, popular Tibetan art form that originated in the Songtsan Gampo era of Tibet. Initially a type of painting designed based on the Nepalese style, it later developed into a mesmerizing, full-fledged art form with its unique beauty and function. In its last stage of development during the 18th century, it was heavily influenced by the elements of traditional Chinese paintings. To pay tribute to their gods, Tibetan monks and commoners alike carry a thangka with them as they travel from place to place. When in Beijing, remember that some local shops here have exquisite thangkas for shoppers and tourists like you in Beijing.

Much like a scroll painting, thangkas can be easily rolled up for storage and unrolled for display. Travelers and monks like to carry a thangka when they travel to other places because it is very lightweight. Home-dwelling Tibetans also like to use thangkas in their homes because they are beautiful and can be easily be put on a wall.

Serving as an object for worship and meditation, thangkas often have images that depict prominent figures of Buddism, like the Buddha, bodhisattvas, and other gods. These figures, along with the depictions of their life stories that usually appear in the background, are intended to educate, enlighten, or enhance the contemplative experience of the people who study them.

For people who understand Tibetan Buddhism, the complex picture on a finely made thangka has a profound symbolism that reveals itself through very exquisite details on the picture. People can learn the teachings of Buddhism by carefully studying these details and finding out the intricate connections among them. One of the most common items depicted on thangkas is the Wheel of Life, or the universe in Buddhism.

When used by monks traveling from place to place, thangkas can serve as an excellent educational tool. Tibetan monks who carry thangkas have been traveling to remote regions and teaching Buddhism for hundreds of years. As a tradition, monks living in monasteries display their precious thangkas to the public during ceremonies or festivals.

Most thangkas are painted by hand on a cotton canvas or silk, but a few of them are embroidered or made of precious materials like pearls and gold. Making a thangka is usually an extremely complex process that employs a variety of techniques and paints. Paint made of natural minerals is often used, giving the pictures a bright and unique color that can last hundreds of years. Such paintings require a mastery of different drawing skills and a deep understanding of Buddhism and Tibetan culture. Since every detail on a thangka contributes to the overall symbolism through subtle hints, only a properly trained artist can make a thangka.

Depending on the materials used and the way it was made, thangkas can be divided into two main categories: “Bris-Tang” and “Go-Tang.”

“Bris-Tang”: Thangkas that are painted are called “Bris-Tang.” The five specific types belonging to this category are: Multi-Colored, Gold Background, Vermilion Background, Black Background, and Block Printing “Bris-Tang.”

“Go-Tang”: “Go-Tang” is the name for thangkas that are made with silk and adorned with embroidery. This category also has five specific types: Embroidery, Applique, Glued Applique, Hand-Woven, and Block Printing “Go-Tang.”

All thangkas are made to conform to a strict standard concerning the use of colors. Different colors are used to show different themes or different characters. Red is the main color for thangkas that depict the life stories of the Buddha. Black is the main color for thangkas depicting gods who fight against evils. Blue is used to represent joy. Green is used to represent activity. And white is the symbol for peace and compassion.

When in Beijing, check out the beautiful, authentic thangkas in many of the city’s shops. For shoppers unfamiliar with the local business, it’s best to find a Beijing tour guide to help with the shopping.

Tags: Asia, beijing, Buddhist, China, embroidery, handicraft, painting, religious, shopping, thangkas, tibet, tour

By Michael Heath,  March 13 (Bloomberg) — President Barack Obama urged China to renew talks with the Dalai Lama’s envoys on Tibet, shortly after Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi asked the U.S. to respect his country’s position on the Himalayan region.

“The president expressed his hope there would be progress in the dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama’s representatives,” the White House said in a statement after Obama met with Yang. “The promotion of human rights is an essential aspect of U.S. global foreign policy,” it said.

Earlier yesterday, Yang said in a speech to the Center for Strategic and International Studies that “Tibet is an inalienable part of China’s territory and Tibetan affairs are exclusively China’s internal affairs.”

The Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, ended contacts with China last November after eight rounds of talks failed to produce results. China deployed armed police in Tibet, stepped up patrols on the border with India and cut mobile telephone and Internet connections in some areas ahead of the March 10 anniversary of a 1959 uprising that led to the Dalai Lama’s exile, according to Tibetan groups.

Last March, the largest Tibetan uprising in almost two decades broke out after Chinese security forces suppressed a protest by monks in Lhasa. At least 19 people were killed in rioting in the city, most of them ethnic Han Chinese, the government in Beijing said.

In the ensuing crackdown, more than 200 Tibetans were killed, according to Tibet’s government-in-exile, based in northern India.

‘Hell on Earth’

The Dalai Lama said in a speech marking the 50th anniversary that Tibetans have suffered “hell on earth” under Chinese rule. He accuses the government in Beijing of committing “cultural genocide” in the region and says mass migration of ethnic Han Chinese has made Tibetans a minority in their own land.

Tibet is stable and peaceful overall, China’s Premier Wen Jiabao said in a press briefing in Beijing today.

The U.S. Congress passed a resolution two days ago that urged China to “cease its repression of the Tibetan people, and to lift immediately the harsh policies imposed on Tibetans.”

In a statement issued late yesterday, the National Peoples’ Congress Foreign Affairs Committee called the U.S. resolution “a gross interference in China’s domestic affairs,” the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

Tibet, a theocratic state ruled by the Buddhist clergy before Chinese rule, has made “remarkable progress” since the launch of democratic reform 50 years ago, Yang told the CSIS. Tibet’s traditional culture has been “well preserved” and people there enjoy all the rights prescribed by law, he said.

Respect China’s Position

“I hope that people from various sectors of the United States will appreciate these facts, and understand and respect the Chinese people’s position of upholding state sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the foreign minister said.

The Chinese Communist army fought its way onto the 3.2- kilometer (2-mile) high Tibetan Plateau in 1950 and 1951, easily defeating Tibet’s horse-borne troops. The Dalai Lama, then a teenager, accepted Chinese control to save his people from war, he wrote in his 1977 book, “My Land and My People.”

In 1959, with the Chinese troops’ presence straining Tibet’s economy, citizens of Lhasa grew alarmed when a Chinese army commander summoned the Dalai Lama, without his usual bodyguard, to the army’s camp in the city. Tibetans surrounded the Dalai Lama’s palace and forced a standoff with troops.

“A vast multitude of excited, angry people” had “armed themselves with sticks, spades or knives” and a few guns, the Dalai Lama wrote in his memoir. To avoid a battle, he slipped out, disguised as a Tibetan soldier, and fled to India.

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Tags: buddhism, China, Dalai Lama, News, Politics

BEIJING (AFP) — China’s communist government will decide on the reincarnated successor of the Dalai Lama when Tibetan Buddhism’s highest spiritual leader passes away, state press said Thursday.

“Besides religious rites and historical conventions, there is also a very important condition for the reincarnation of the Dalai and that is the approval of the central government,” top Tibetan legislator Legqoq told Xinhua news agency.

Legqoq, who goes by only one name, was speaking on the sidelines of China’s ongoing annual session of parliament which coincided with this month’s 50th anniversary of a Tibetan uprising that led to the exile of the current Dalai Lama.

Legqoq said China’s State Religious Affairs Commission issued regulations in 2007 that mandate government approval for all reincarnated “Living Buddhas,” or lamas.

The rules were widely seen as an effort to bring Tibetan Buddhism more firmly under China’s control, after decades of unrest over religious freedom and the plight of the Dalai Lama.

Living Buddhas are an important element in Tibetan Buddhism, forming a clergy of influential religious figures who are believed to be continuously reincarnated to take up their positions anew.

Often there is more than one candidate competing to be recognised as the actual reincarnation, and the authority to decide who is the true claimant carries significant power.

This is especially true in the case of the Panchen Lama, the second-most influential figure in Tibetan Buddhism behind the Dalai Lama.

Chinese authorities detained the Dalai Lama’s choice of the Panchen Lama in 1995 when the boy was six years old, and he has not been seen in public since.

The Chinese government’s choice as the Panchen Lama has meanwhile been paraded around the country in recent years to promote China’s rule over Tibet.

He will also likely oversee the reincarnation of the next Dalai Lama, after the 73-year-old incumbent passes away.

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Tags: buddhism, China, Dalai Lama, News, Politics

By Stephanie Ho, VOANews
Beijing, 13 March 2009

China has issued its strongest recent criticism of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama - calling him a political exile who directly heads an illegal theocratic government. The comments came Friday in Premier Wen Jiabao’s press conference at the end of the annual session of China’s legislature, the National People’s Congress.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao discussed a host of issues in a news conference that stretched for more than two hours.

These topics ranged from the global economic crisis, to the Central Asia-focused Shanghai Cooperation Organization, to debt relief for developing nations in Africa.

The issue that the Chinese Premier spoke about most forcefully, though, was Tibet, which he stressed was an inalienable part of China’s territory.

Wen says Tibet-related issues are completely China’s internal affairs and that Beijing will accept no foreign interference on the matter.

The Chinese leader also had strongly critical words for Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who fled to India after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in his homeland.

The premier said Beijing considers the Dalai Lama a political exile, not a religious figure.

Wen pointed to the Tibetan government in exile, which is based in Dharamsala, India. He called that government theocratic and illegal, and said it is under the direct leadership of the Dalai Lama.

This comment preceded his recitation of what has become a standard phrase - Beijing wants to see what the Dalai Lama does, not what he says.

Premier Wen accused the Dalai Lama of misleading political figures around the world, but added that some western leaders are also trying to use him for their own purposes.

The Chinese leader had a much different approach to Taiwan, a separately-governed island Beijing considers a renegade province and has been trying to woo.

Mr. Wen called Taiwan a “treasure island” and said he has a long-cherished hope of going to visit it someday.

In the only comments that elicited apparently spontaneous applause, Mr. Wen said he is already 67 years old, and even if he could no longer walk, he would crawl to get to the island.

On other issues, the premier said he is, in his words, “a little bit worried” about China’s “huge amount” of U.S debt, which totals about $1 trillion. He urged the United States to continue to be what he called “a credible nation” that can “ensure the safety of Chinese assets.”

Meanwhile, he said China is working very hard to cope with the negative effects of the global economic downturn. He said China is aware that no country can overcome these economic difficulties alone. But at the same time, he said his country’s view is that, in his words, “we would rather dig a well for ourselves than beg for water from others.”

© Leo Golan for Tibetan Incense Blog, 2009. |
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Tags: buddhism, China, Dalai Lama, News, Politics

On Thursday, March 12, the European Parliament (EP) held a debate and resolution to mark the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against China, calling on Beijing to resume dialogue with the Dalai Lama.

On 10 March 1959 the people of Tibet rose up against the Chinese occupation of their country. The anniversary of that failed enterprise was marked this week by MEPs who passed a resolution 338 votes in favour with 131 against calling for China and the Dalai Lama to pursue dialogue based on the “Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People”.

Speaking in the debate German Christian Democrat Thomas Mann said, “the Memorandum must be the basis for further discussion with China.” He regretted that the non-violent appeal of the Dalai Lama for dialogue found no echo in Beijing.

British Labour MEP Glyn Ford said the resolution was “counter-productive” to Chinese-EU dialogue. In his view the way forward is “through dialogue and engagement not through rehash resolutions.”

EP’s official press release

In a resolution adopted by MEPs on Thursday to mark the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule, the Chinese Government is urged to resume talks with the Dalai Lama’s representatives with a view to “positive, meaningful change in Tibet”, not ruling out autonomy for the region, a solution that MEPs believe need not compromise China’s territorial integrity.

The EP’s call for talks to resume came as Tibetans in many countries commemorated the 50th anniversary of the 1959 revolt against China, which led to the flight of the Dalai Lama and the beginning of his exile in India.  Eight rounds of dialogue in recent years between the Dalai Lama’s envoys and Chinese Government representatives have produced no breakthrough and no further talks are planned.  In recent days the Chinese authorities have tightened security in Tibet, banning journalists and foreigners from visiting the region.(…)
Read the rest of European Parliament Urges China to Negotiate with Dalai Lama (347 words)

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Tags: buddhism, China, Dalai Lama, News, Politics