As we enter the holy month of Saka Dawa, we would like to share something of how Tibetans observe this most sacred of Buddhist holidays, when we celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death (parinirvana) of the Buddha Shakyamuni1. The merit of any good deeds that you perform during this month are considered to be [...]
Lives of Tibetan Buddhist Masters
April 12, 2013 By 2 Comments
In February, we attended an excellent symposium at the University of San Francisco (USF), organized by our good friend, and Lobsang’s former classmate, Dr. Tsering Wangchuk. At the symposium, which involved two days of talks on the topic of the reincarnation system in Tibetan Buddhism, we met Asha Kaufman of the Treasury of Lives project. [...]
If You Know Nothing About Tibetan Buddhism
March 3, 2013 By 5 Comments
Recently, a kind reader, Linda, wrote us this: “It seems more and more often I find myself visiting your very special website. I have your cookbook and enjoy cooking from it so much. If you were to recommend one book for someone who knows nothing about Tibetan Buddhism, what would it be?“ Thank you, and [...]
Losar — Tibetan New Year
January 4, 2013 By 2 Comments
The Tibetan New Year – Losar – will be here before you know it and we want to offer you a “how-to” guide for some of the major new year traditions and dishes. The first day of Losar in 2013 will fall on February 11. By the Tibetan calendar, this will be the first [...]
Buddha Shakyamuni Mantra: Om Muni Muni Maha Muniye Soha
December 8, 2012 By 2 Comments
Among the Buddhist mantras commonly used by Tibetans, the Buddha Shakyamuni mantra – om muni muni maha muniye soha – is one of the most popular. (Along with some others, like the mantras associated with Avalokitesvara and Green Tara.) Many Tibetans recite this mantra every day, many times a day, while praying on [...]
Nyi-Shu-Gu Traditions: Out with the Old
November 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
We continue our series of posts on traditions related to Losar, Tibetan New Year, with a deeper look at the rituals that take place in the closing days of the outgoing year. Two weeks ago we offered a vegetarian recipe for guthuk, the special noodle soup that is the highlight of nyi-shu-gu, the eve [...]
