Jewels of Tibet

I recently had the pleasure to interview Richard Rudis, a Buddhist who has traveled to Tibet many times, who also teaches people how to work with Gongs, Tingshas, and Tibetan Singing Bowls. One question I asked him was about the fact that lately it seems that everyone and their brother is offering Tibetan Singing Bowls for sale. I asked Richard to discuss this phenomenon: Richard: In regard to the singing bowl proliferation, we should start in India. Now, India is a wonderful country and it is full of wonderful opportunists. If there is a way of financially gaining from anything within their realm of understanding, they are on it in a moment. So in India there are warehouses full of what are...

Tibetan singing bowls originated in the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Northern China, India, Bhutan, and Nepal. Historians are unable to pinpoint exactly when singing bowls came into being, but the technique to build similar instruments existed in Asia as long as 2,500 years ago. Some sources believe that singing bowls were first used in India 3,000 years ago, and in Tibet 1,000 years ago. It is believed that the "Bon" sect of shamans often used singing bowls in their rituals. Singing bowls were originally comprised of five, seven, or nine different metals including gold, silver, mercury, copper, tin, and iron. Some also believe that meteorite was used in making the original bowls. But most bowls...

Tibetan singing bowls originated in the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Northern China, India, Bhutan, and Nepal. Historians are unable to pinpoint exactly when singing bowls came into being, but the technique to build similar instruments existed in Asia as long as 2,500 years ago. Some sources believe that singing bowls were first used in India 3,000 years ago, and in Tibet 1,000 years ago. It is believed that the "Bon" sect of shamans often used singing bowls in their rituals. Singing bowls were originally comprised of five, seven, or nine different metals including gold, silver, mercury, copper, tin, and iron. Some also believe that meteorite was used in making the original bowls. But most bowls...

A Northern California vacation just isn't complete without a visit to the Shastas - Shasta Lake and Mt. Shasta. No matter what you're into - golf, boating, spirituality - the Shastas won't disappoint. Mt. Shasta Located approximately 208 miles north of Sacramento, Mt. Shasta is a 14,179-foot volcano, the second-highest peak in the Cascade Range. Yeah, it's big. And beautiful. And, some claim, home to a vortex which attracts "New Age" types. A drive down Mt. Shasta Blvd. in Mt. Shasta City reveals a vast array of spiritual shops and assorted healers. You can buy singing bowls and tuning forks, divination tools, yoga supplies, vibrational sprays and magical jewelry. You can also find all types of...

lass="bottom-link"> Thinking of travelling to Tibet? If so, you'll need to know when to go in order to get the best out of your trip. The summer is definitely the best time to travel, and here's an in-depth guide below. Tibet is a fascinating and remote country to visit, perched high in the Himalayas. If you're planning on taking a Tibet tour, you'll need some climate information, as this will be an essential part of your decision making process. Himalayan foothills The mountains and valleys off the Himalayan foothills have a moderate climate. Warm summers make way for cold winters. The average temperature in this area varies between approximately 5 degrees Celsius in January to about 25 degrees...

The phenomena of humans to see, hear and sense things not possible for others around them. An ability that can bring them fame, but one that isn't measurable and can hardly be tested. Let me jump right in. Every undertaking of mankind appears to follow a cyclic pattern. This is also the case with any Psychic Phenomena. Each has a period of optimum development, a time when it reaches its highest level of expression not equaled before. Then it seems to fade again until it is hardly mentioned. This isn't new and since the beginning of time people of all cultures have occasionally crossed the boundaries of the physical world to find themselves in what seemed to be a different dimension. A new reality...

Istanbul is the largest and the most historical city in Turkey. The name "Istanbul" comes from the Greek phrase "eis ten polin" used by Constantinople's inhabitants, and which meant "in the city". The city is sometimes referred to as the "Soul of Turkey". Istanbul is the only major city that lies on two continents, Asia & Europe. Here's a top ten of must-see attractions in Istanbul, Turkey: 1. Topkapi Palace. Topkapi Palace, which means "Cannongate Palace",is the old palace-city of the sultans. Topkapi Palace was home to all the Ottoman sultans for a period of nearly four centuries. This splendid palace is museum now. The Treasury of the Museum of Topkapi Palace is considered one of the most...

Calligraphy is an artistic style of lettering. Aesthetics of this stylish lettering system helped it earn its place among all visual art forms. The historic perspective of its evolution as a technique as well as skill also supports its categorization among the art forms. It was initially a vehicle of preserving religious texts. But today it is a means of designer lettering for invitation cards of events, nameplates, memorial documents, and certificates, inscriptions on various media like stone or metal plates, fine art pieces and also for designing logos. It has been evolved on different parts of the globe in different manners. The conspicuous lines of evolutions have been distinguished as Western...

High up on the Tibetan Plateau, Tibet is a remote and fascinating country to visit. Southern Tibet is blocked off by towering Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest or as the Tibetans call it, Qomolongma. But these rugged snow-capped mountains and green valleys are only a small part of what makes Tibet so special - another part is the Tibet's devout Buddhism. Everywhere, you'll see prayer flags, monasteries and temples honouring the Buddhist Gods and praying pilgrims en route to Lhasa. Here are a few Tibet travel tips to help you get started with your travel plans. Lhasa - Tibet's holy city lies at 3600m above sea level, so you'll need some time to acclimatise. Not only will you find the Potala...

’s so much to see and do in Paris that it’s difficult knowing where to start. Here’s a handy guide to the top attractions in the city to help you plan and make the most of your stay in this beautiful city. A great way to save money if you’re planning to visit lots of museums and attractions in Paris is to buy a Paris Museum Pass, which can be obtained at any participating establishment. It gives access to over 60 attractions and as well as saving you money it will allow you to jump the queues. See for details. Another important point when planning your visit is that most museums and galleries in Paris are closed one day per week, usually Monday or Tuesday. Also, some museums...

Istanbul is the jewel of Turkey, the land of exceptional cultural and natural treasures, country of contrasts and contradictions, and history filled with epic episodes. If you already had chance to visit this beautiful city, probably you're waiting for the day to go back. If you still haven't, treat yourself with a trip to this amazing city, the crossroad of modern Europe and mystic Asia; Istanbul should be definitely included into your Turkey tour package. Almost everyone who arrives in Istanbul begins with the classic Sultanahmet (old city) tour. Visit will include Topkapi Palace Museum and Haghia Sophia Museum along with other Sultanahmet highlights. Well known Topkapi Palace was the imperial...

Mandala is a geometrical expression of the whole universe; a mystical protective signification mandala, manda; means what is contained defendant or held and La; menas that which contains defends or holds. It is a visual aid for concentration and introvative meditation leading to the attainment of insights and to activate of forces culminating in "siddhi" super naturals forces. The mandala represents place of purity, a magic sphere and bad energy cleansed of spiritual obstacles and impurities. The square of the sacred place proper is enclosed in multiple circles of flam, four thunderbolts, eight cemeteries and lotus. Buddhist monks, lamas, prepare the mandala. Meditation mandala brings us to the...