Wishing you Happy Holidays

My dear Friends,
Wish New Year will bring Peace Prosperity & every success on your life & God bless you & your family.

Thank you for your support and making 2008 memorable for us. We look forward to the brand new year with you. Hope you have enjoyed this blog.
Regards,

Bharat

Master Artist Mukti Singh Thapa

Mukti Singh Thapa is one of Nepal's foremost traditional painters and one of the principal originators of the revived Newar style of painting. A Magar from Bandipur in the Eastern hills, Mukti Singh came to Kathmandu and began painting in the mid 1970s, and quickly became attracted to the early medieval Newar style of the 13-16th centuries.

In this style he has become a master, one of the only painters using this style and associated techniques who does not rely on copying earlier works, preferring to design his own compositions within the bounds of the Newar paintings iconography and canon. He paints almost exclusively in the natural pigments of the Newar palette. Please Visit Asian Art's Website to view Collection of Mukti Singh Thapa.

Mahakala Thanka Paintings

Newari arts had a great influence on the development of Tibetan paintings. The arts flourished later in the 15th and 16th century. Tibetan reliance in newar style in painting was finally replaced by distinctly Tibetan style. The existence in constant assimilation, adoption of new ideas in a vibrant cultural resulted into two developments in Tibetan paintings in 15th century based on Indo-Newar and primarily Chinese elements. Newari art has the huge influence, evident in style over Tibetan painting.plz read more at Types of Thangka Paintings


Source of Paintings : Asian Art
Also Visit : Types of Thangka Paintings

MANJUSHREE CAVE IN NEPAL

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is rich in arts, architecture, culture and religious spots which make it a great tourist destination for national and international visitors. Manjushree Cave is a new destination in Kathmandu which opened for visitors from Jan. 30. 2007.

Who Is Manjushree ?
MANJUSHREE, personification of Transcendent Wisdom, and embodiment of the discriminative awareness (prajna). He is also the first among other Boddhisattvas according to Mahayana Buddhist scriptures. In the Namasangiti [Mahayana scripture] he is called 'Adi-Buddha', or pre-moral Buddha, while in some of the text of sutras, he is referred as an historical character.

Manjushree Cave ( Nepali word is "Gufa") is located in Chobhar gorge of Kritipur municipality, which lies in the southern part of Kathmandu Valley. Chobhar gorge, where the Manjushree Cave is located, is related with the interesting legends of the origin of Kathmandu Valley.

In the Svayambhu-purana, it is related that Manjushree left Mount Pancasirsha to visit the shrine of Svayambhu [presently in Kathmandu], which was on a mountain in the center of Lake Kalihrada. He found the lake filled with aquatic monsters and the temple inaccessible. He therefore 'opened with his sword a valley on the southern side of the lake [presently CHOVAR], the waters of the lake drained through the opening, leaving dry land at the bottom, and this was the Katmandu, the capital city of Nepal. So, he is believed as founder of civilization in Nepal and a 'Wanderer' [mendicant Buddhist priest] who propagated Buddhism into Nepal. That's why the cave is named after the name of Manjushree.

Manjushree Cave was formally opened by the Jal Binayak Community Forest Users' Group. The total length of the cave is said to be 1250m long, although only 350m of the cave is open to visitors. One has to pay an entrance fee to explore the cave. The photographer and Blogger N.Baral have visit Gufa and share his experince in his Blog Nepal Through the lens (Pictures in this post and information about Gufa also taken from same blog).

The fees are a minimum US$5 to a maximum $10 per person. The price depends upon the length of the route that a visitor wants to visit. The cost of the headlamp and a cave guide is included in the price.

There are five routes which have been opened at present. These routes converge at different points, so it is possible for visitors to enter from one point and to exit from another point. There are three entrance points; one is the main entrance and the others are Bagh Gufa and Naya Gufa.

There are two small ponds inside the cave. The first pond is Mahadev Pond which is 40.3m from the main entrance and the other is Naya Pond which is about 60m from main entrance.

Read Full Post and more pictures at N.Baral's Blog Nepal Through the lens
Also visit Jal Vinayak Website to see Ganesh Worship as Jal Vinayak.

Kalachakra seed syllable

The Kalachakra seed syllable or Tenfold Powerful One is the best known symbols of the Kalachakra system. The symbol consists of an ornamental ring of fire, then the main symbol which combines seven individual syllables, on top are a crescent, a disc and a curved shape, making ten.

Kalachakra Symbol or tenfold powerful one is very popular Among Tibetan and Nepalese community. This is one of the most treasured of protection symbol, emerge from Tibet. Mostly Buddhist family decorated their house with the many auspicious Symbols including Kalachakra symbol for complete and Ten fold powerful protection against spirit harm, untimely death and non-virtuous behavior.

This (below) is an interactive Flash image to explain the Kalachakra seed syllable or 10-Fold Powerful One (courtesy of: kalachakranet.org).(click Flash Image to see explanation of particular element.)


On the left (E) and right (VAM) of the actual Tenfold Powerful symbol are the Ranjana characters for E (left) and VAM (right), representing the union of respectively emptiness (E) and bliss (VAM).

As Kalachakra Symbol protect from all dangers people used it as pendent, rings, bracelets etc. for the protection.

I will Show you some Silver Handmade Kalachakra pendants. These Silver protective pendants are available at our Gallery in reasonable price. So these Kalachakra symbol rings or pendants are should be worn and kept in your possession throughout your life for complete and Ten fold powerful protection against spirit harm, untimely death and non-virtuous behavior.


Surrounding the main symbol is a kind of frame made of flames, which corresponds to the outermost "Circle of Wisdom" of the mandala.

These are Some Kalachakra Symbol silver "Ghau" or Prayer box Pendents. Which can be Open and store blessings inside the pendents.

KATHMANDU VALLEY STYLE

The long awaited book KATHMANDU VALLEY STYLE, now available at our Gallery !
Authors: Lisa Choegyal, Craig Potton and Gautam SJB Rana
Size: 270 x 290 mm (10.75 x 11.5 inches)
Pages: 188
Color Image: 200+
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: Serindia Publications (7 November 2008)
Price: 2,195 baht (get 20% special discounts only at Tibet arts Gallery)
ISBN: 978-1932476-34-7
This book is collection of unique art and architectural styles of Kathmandu Valley. The ancient palaces, temples, courtyards and streets capes of Kathmandu Valley are protected as no less than seven World Heritage Sites. Shrines are worshipped daily as part of Nepal’s vibrant living heritage. Recent efforts to preserve the architectural heritage of Kathmandu have carefully and authentically restored many of the Valley’s important public monuments.

Lesser known are the recent imaginative and adaptive use of Nepali architecture and decorative styles into new buildings and private homes. Kathmandu Valley Style captures the wealth of the past and illustrates how influences from the Malla Newar, Tibetan and Rana architecture have been incorporated into present-day buildings and lifestyles. Using traditional themes and building techniques in the restored historic and new structures has breathed fresh life into Kathmandu’s rich living cultural heritage, and provided additional attractions for visitors.

Kathmandu Valley Style features over 40 historic and new buildings, many of them never before photographed or published. Reinforcing national pride in Nepal’s vernacular architecture, this unique collection demonstrates how traditional art and architecture can be successfully incorporated into homes for today’s changing world. The book will appeal to residents, visitors, tourists, and all who love Nepal, as well as devotees of fine books on art, architecture, and interior design.

Kathmandu Valley Style available at Our gallery and all major book stores in Thailand. This Book was launched on Friday 7 November 2008 in Siam Paragon, Bkk , Thailand.
Visit Special Exhibition of Home and Styles of the Kathmandu Valley at Siam Paragon. Exhibition is managed by Serindia Publications and The Thousand Stars Foundation. Exhibition continues through 13 November 2008.

Buddha Image for 7 days

We have read many posts about Buddhist meaning in Nepal and Tibet. I always wonder to know the meaning about Buddha images for each day. If you visit in Thai temple you may notice the 8 Buddha statues with different gesture, they are the Buddha images for the Seven Days of the Week (wednesday have two Buddha image). You may want to know the meaning of 7 days Buddha. Buddha gestures represent certain events in the Buddha’s life. These events are thought to have occurred on certain days. The Buddha Image gestures representing these events also associated with the days on which they occurred. People, who born on a certain day of the week, may be most interested in a Buddha Image related to that day, like when commissioning a Buddha image. If you want to know which day you were born, simply click here Calendar Conversion.
Buddha Image for Sunday:
In Pensive thought, the enlightened Buddha stands with hands crossed over his abdomen (right hand over the left). The Buddha contemplates his achievement of complete knowledge under the Bodhi tree.
After enlightenment, the Buddha stood still for seven days under the Bodhi Tree to contemplate the suffering of all living things. He was tempted to enter Nirvana at once (By Mara), but he wants others to know the true doctrine, and resolves to communicate his doctrine to others.
Red is color for Sunday. People who born Sunday’s character: respectable, carefree, wise, and beloved by both friends and relatives

Buddha Image for Monday:
Preventing Calamities (This gesture is Similar as the Image for 'Stopping the relatives from fighting').
The city of Vesali was under attack by three evils: poverty, cholera and devils. Devils were roaming the city feasting on dead bodies and even people. The King of Vesali was advised to ask for the help of the Buddha.
Accepting the invitation, the Buddha with company, arrived at Vesali. With his transcendental powers, he caused heavy rain to pour down, so heavy that it cleaned the city of all dead bodies and pollution.
Later on, Ananda, his disciple went around the city, reciting portions of the Tripitika, and sprinkling holy water around the city. Suffering humans were healed, while all devils were frightened and ran away from the city.
Yellow is color for Monday. People who born Monday’s character: Good memory, serious, love to travel

(The Buddha stops the relatives from fighting or pacifying his relatives. When the Buddha came back from Heaven, he found that his relatives were quarreling about the right to use water from a river for their rice fields. The Buddha encouraged them to compromise and said that human life is much more valuable than water and it was not worth killing men for water. Then, his relatives stopped fighting.)

Buddha Image for Tuesday :
Reclining Buddha
Left arm along the body, right arm serves as a pillow with the hand supporting the head.
The reclining Buddha represents the passage to Nirvana or a resting Buddha. The gesture represents complete peace and detachment from the world. It was believed that the Buddha entered Nirvana on this day of the week.
Pink is color for Tuesday. People who born Tuesday’s character: brave, active, broad and serious mind
Buddha Image for Wednesday Morning :
Holding an alms bowl
The Buddha is standing with both hands around an alms bowl.
This symbolizes Buddha visited his family after four years in the monastery.
In the morning the Buddha went out to receive alms in the city. His father was not content when he saw the Buddha “begged” for food holding an alms bowl. Buddha explained to his father that performing pindabat, or holding an alms bowl are the lineage of Buddha. Thus, the disciples can offer their food. The virtue of giving among Buddhists is strong until today.
Green is color for Wednesday morning. People who born Wednesday’s Character: ambitious, gregarious, fun loving
Buddha Image for Wednesday Evening:
Retreat in the Forest
Buddha spent the rain retreat on his own in the Palilayaka forest because he was tired of the monks of Kosambi who had split into two groups and were not in harmony. While in the forest, the elephant Palilayaka attended to him and monkey offered him a bee hive.
Light Green is color for Wednesday evening. People who born Wednesday evening’s Character: diligent, honest, hardworking

Buddha Image for Thursday:
The Buddha is sitting in the meditation gesture. This is the perfect mental discipline. The gesture is the ultimate balance of tranquility and thoughts. It is believed that the body in the position is receptive to power or energy to enter the body from the top of the head and the opening palms.
Orange is color for Thursday. People who born Thursday’s character: honest, good heart, graceful, tranquil

Buddha Image for Friday:
In contemplation (Deeply Thinking)
Hands are crossed across the chest, right hand in front of the left.
The Buddha wonders how he can explain the cause of all suffering to others. The gesture represents a complete spiritual transformation.
Blue is color for Friday. People who born on Friday’s Character: ambitious, gregarious, fun loving

Buddha Image for Saturday:
Sitting in meditation, protected by Mucalinda's cobra hood. (Mucalinda is King of the Naga)
The Buddha is in meditation and protected from a storm by Maculinda (The King of the Naga). The image is related to the moment when a naga spreaded its hood to protect the Buddha from a rainstorm while he was in profound meditation.
Purple is color for Saturday. People who born Saturday’s Character: logical, tranquil, reclusive

Finally, there is an image often which is not specific to any day of the week, "Victory over Mara". The Buddha image is seated in meditation with the fingers of the right hand touching the earth. Buddha is confirming to all creation his imperturbability when besieged by temptation, fear, delusion and desire.
Source: Thai Buddha Image
5 Meditaion Buddha Hand Gestures(mudra) Meanings

8 Symbols in Wood Carving

In Mahayana Buddhism there are eight auspicious symbols (sanskrit: Astamangal) or the eight auspicious and glorious emblems. These symbols appear all together (like picture in right) or single as frequent decorative motif in stone, wood, metal and paintings. In this post I like to show you eight auspicious symbols carved in wood.
These symbols are believed to represent the gifts, given by celestial beings to the Shakyamuni Buddha on his attainment of enlightenment of Buddhahood.

Precious Umbrella
The precious umbrella symbolizes protection and royalty. The shadow protects from the heat and sun, and the coolness of the shade represents protection or preserving beings from the heat of suffering, obstacles, desire, illness and so forth in this life and all kinds of temporary and enduring sufferings of the three lower realms, and the realms of men and gods in future lives. It also represents the enjoyment of a feast of benefit under its cool shade. The parasol dome can symbolize wisdom and the hanging skirt symbolizes compassion.

Right-coiled White Conch
The white conch which coils to the right symbolizes the deep, far-reaching and melodious sound of the Dharma teachings, which being appropriate to different natures, predispositions and aspirations of disciples, awakens them from the deep slumber of ignorance and urges them to accomplish their own and others' welfare.

Victory Banner
The victory banner symbolizes the victory of the activities of one's own and others body, speech and mind over obstacles and negativitities. It was adopted as the symbol of Buddha's enlightenment. It also stands for the complete victory of the Buddhist Doctrine over all harmful and pernicious forces.

Golden Fish
The golden fish symbolizes happiness the auspiciousness of all living beings in a state of fearlessness, without danger of drowning in the ocean of sufferings, and migrating from place to place freely and spontaneously, just as fish swim freely without fear through water.

Dharma Wheel
The golden wheel symbolizes the auspiciousness of the turning of the precious wheel of Buddha's doctrine, both in its teachings and realizations, in all realms and at all times, enabling beings to experience the joy of wholesome deeds and liberation.

Endless Knot(The auspicious drawing)
The Endless Knot symbolizes the mutual dependence of religious doctrine and secular affairs. Similarly, it represents the union of wisdom and method, the inseparability of emptiness and dependent arising at the time of path, and finally, at the time of enlightenment, the complete union of wisdom and great compassion.
Endless Knot is one of the most favorite symbols in Tibetan Buddhism. It is often related to the endless wisdom of Buddha and it is also significant for the interaction of opposing forces leading to their union and harmony in the universe. The symmetrical shape of the knot signifies all these things and arouses the curiosity of those who are passionate about wearing Tibetan jewelry. Giving someone Tibetan gift representing an Endless Knot, it signifies a connection between the giver and the receiver. It is also a reminder that the roots of every future positive effect are found in the present.

Lotus Flower
The lotus flower symbolizes purity, It is able to grow and blossom from the muddy water, and therefore is a symbol of divine generation. the complete purification of the defilements of the body, speech and mind, and the full blossoming of wholesome deeds in blissful liberation. Deities are often depicted holding a lotus as a symbol of their purity, compassion, renunciation and perfection of qualities.

Vase of Treasure
The treasure vase or (sanskrit: Kalash) symbolizes an endless rain of long life, wealth and prosperity and all the benefits of this world and liberation.

Eight Auspicious Symbols are usually displayed during the all good ceremonies. i.e.: consecration of house, fire sacrifice, wedding, etc.
Read Meaning in Thai สื่อความหมายของ "อัฐมังคลา" หรือมงคล 8 ประการ

Wooden Carved Arts

We have learned and see many Nepalese and Tibetan Arts such as metal statues, Thanka paintings, Pashmina shawls and more in this blog. Today i will show you some Wooden Carved Art.

Wood carving is another art that traces Nepalese culture. These wood carving art can be seen in the form of many Hindu and Buddhist gods, goddess and Buddha statues, many different type of windows and religious symbols etc. from its early beginnings right up to modern times. Highly skilled and capable wood carver in Nepal today continue to use techniques and tools unchanged over the centuries. If you have been in Nepal you will find most of the wood carving that have survived throughout Nepal around temples and other heritage sites are from the thirteenth to eighteenth century Malla period.

So We have brought Some Wood Carvings Statues, Auspicious Symbols and Some wooden prayer table. Visit our gallery to See this beautiful wood carvings. we also sell this wood carvings in very special prices that you won’t believe.
Below are just only few wood carving from our Collection. click the pictures to see its detail.