Tibetan Incense Blog

New Arrivals and Total Sale in the Tibetan Incense Shop

Leo Golan — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:19:37 +0000

We have new things in the Tibetan Incense Shop!

We now have a greater variety of Incense, more than 450 different scents.

And that is not all! We also have many other goods from Nepal and Tibet such as:

Singing Bowls
Ritual Items
Malas
Textile

And much more!

Currently we’re inventorying all the new items, once this is done you will be able to see a description of each new item on our website (you may already see them categories…)

And since there is so much new stock, we are happy to announce a sale on all of our old stock!

So come on in and get 40% off all of the items on sale!

Once announced, the sale lasts for 24 hours! So hurry!

The sale starts on June 29th @ 4pm EDT (21:00 BST) and ends on June 30th @ 4pm EDT (21:00 BST)
Don’t miss your chance!

Hope to see you amongst our happy consistent clients!

Peace, Karmapa Chenno… Om Ma Ni Pe Me Hung…

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There are some of our new items…

Meditation Incense from Bhutan

(...)
Read the rest of New Arrivals and Total Sale in the Tibetan Incense Shop (108 words)

This article New Arrivals and Total Sale in the Tibetan Incense Shop was originally posted at Tibetan Incense Blog.

H.H. the 17th Karmapa Visits Russia For The First Time

Leo Golan — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:04:29 +0000

In June 2009, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje is visiting Russia on an official invitation of the Head of the Kalmyk Republic, Kirsan Ilumzhinov. H.H. the 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje is the head of the Karma Kagyu Buddhist tradition.

17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje

Karmapa is planning to visit St. Petersburg (June, 9-11), Elista (June, 11–15), Moscow (June, 15–17), Irkutsk (June, 18–19), Ulan-Ude (June, 20–21), and Vladivostok (June, 24–26). During His visit to Russia, His Holiness will make Buddhist dedications, visit the Buddhist sacred places and meet His followers.

On the 12th of June, Russia Day – a national holiday in Russia, H.H. the 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje is meeting the Head of the Kalmyk Republic, Kirsan Ilumzhinov. In the Kalmyk capital city of Elista, His Holiness will visit the international festival “Compassion without Borders” as an honorable guest (June, 12–15). He will also visit the Central Hurul “the Golden Temple of Buddha Shakyamuni”, the Stupa of Enlightenment, and will give initiations on the 2nd Karmapa Karma Pakshi (Bakshi) and the Buddha of Compassion (the Loving Eyes).

“Of course, the visit of the spiritual leader of such a high rank is a great blessing for me personally, and for all the people of our republic. I think that when he comes, when his feet step on our ground, we will have more rains, more harvest, and more animal yield. On the other hand, it is good for people – we will become calmer and kinder”, – said the Head of the Kalmyk Republic Kirsan Ilumzhinov at the press conference. This conference was dedicated to the opening of “The Days of the Traditional Russian Buddhism”.

“The Russian Buddhism is not something exotic, something faraway and oriental. Although Karmapa visits Russia for the first time, already in the 13th century the Kalmyk, then called the Oirats, received the lineage of the Study from the 2nd Karmapa – Karma Pakshi (Bakshi). That means that historically speaking the Kalmyk have had a long-lasting connection with the Karmapas and the Kagyu School. That is why, among other rituals in Elista, Karmapa is going to give initiation on Karma Pakshi. No doubt, Karmapa’s visit is a memorable event, first of all, for Buddhism practitioners, for His disciples, and for everybody interested in Buddhism. But it is also a great blessing for the whole country”, – said Alexander Koybagarov, the President of the Russian Association of the Buddhists of the Karma Kagyu School.

In Buryatia H.H. the 17th Karmapa will give initiations on Guru Rinpoche and will carry out the Bodhisattva Promise Ceremony. His Holiness is also going to visit the Ivolginsky Datsan to see the sacred Buddhist thing – the incorruptible relics of Hambo Lama Itigelov. “The High Lamas – are reincarnations, they bring knowledge. The 17th Karmapa is a person who has realized himself in 17 lives as an enlightened teacher, as Buddha. It is a special, good karma, and every Buddhist should appreciate that, no matter which school of Buddhism he refers himself to. All the Russian Buddhists are waiting for His Holiness to come”, – said Yanjima Vasilyeva, the director of the Pandito Hambo Lama Itigelov Institute.

During His stay in St. Petersburg, Karmapa will visit the state reception given in His honor in the Buddhist Datsan. He is also invited to visit the Hermitage Museum to get acquainted with the art collections, especially, the Buddhist Art collections from the Eastern Art Department.

“It is an entirely fantastic story: the 10th Karmapa was a great artist and sculptor. His two works are kept in the Hermitage. These are a Thangka (a painting on silk) depicting Buddha Shakyamuni and a sculpture of Avalokiteśvara – Buddha of Compassion (Eng. the Loving Eyes, Tib. Chenrezig). And now, after 400 years, the 17th Karmapa comes to look at His works in the remarkable treasure-house of the Russian Art. All the seventeen reincarnations of Karmapa, who is also called “the King of the Tibetan Yogis” or “the Treasure that Makes the Wishes Come True”, are famous for their extraordinary talents. Good wishes made near Karmapa come true, and amazing things happen around Him. We hope that this time something wonderful is also going to happen,” – said Alexander Koybagarov, the President of the Russian Association of the Buddhists of the Karma Kagyu School.

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This article H.H. the 17th Karmapa Visits Russia For The First Time was originally posted at Tibetan Incense Blog.

Compassion In The Modern World

Leo Golan — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:38:48 +0000

Lam Shenphen Zangpo, kuenselonline.com

Compassion is supposed to be the essence of Buddhism, but many Buddhists just spend their time and money going on pilgrimage tours or making merit for themselves. Isn’t this a contradiction?

That’s a good point. Let’s explore how compassion is linked with undertaking meritorious action, such as going on a pilgrimage, offering butter lamps or hoisting prayer flags. Everyone will agree that action begins in the mind. Even the construction of the world’s tallest building or the invention of the internet began as one single thought. Therefore, transforming the mind is the focus of Buddhist practice. If we are arrogant or proud, for example, how can our activities benefit others. It is no different from expecting healthy crops to grow from polluted or infertile soil. While a farmer will use manure to vitalize the ground, a Buddhist will undertake meritorious action to purify the mind.

1000 Arm Chenrezig

As the question states, however, many people practice Dharma activities for personal benefit, not out of compassion. They go to Bodh Gaya or circumambulate a chorten in order to pray for business or examination success. Some even consider a pilgrimage as a feather in their cap, something to boast about to friends. Rather than decreasing attachment to the idea of a separate and permanent self, which is the root of negative action and suffering, a pilgrimage done in this way actually perpetuates the attachment. When we undertake a Dharma activity, therefore, it is absolutely essential that it is done with a pure motivation to benefit others.(...)
Read the rest of Compassion In The Modern World (493 words)

This article Compassion In The Modern World was originally posted at Tibetan Incense Blog.

17th Karmapa Visits Russia in June 2009

Leo Golan — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:38:32 +0000

There is going to be a long-awaited and grandiose event in June: HH 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje will visit Russia for the first time on Kalmykian president Kirsan Ilyumzhinov invitation. His Holiness will visit 6 Russian cities.

Schedule:

June, 10: Saint-Petersburg,
White Tara initiation

June, 13: Elista,
Loving Eyes initiation

June, 14: Elista,
Karma Pakshi initiation

June, 15: Moscow,
Questions and Answers

June, 16: Moscow,
Diamond Mind initiation

June, 19: Irkutsk,
Marpa initiation

June, 20: Ulan-Ude,
Guru Rinpoche initiation and Bodhisattva Promise

June, 24: Vladivostok,
Bodhisattva Promise

June, 25: Vladivostok,

Milarepa initiation

17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje

Details: Diamond Way Buddhism in Russia

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This article 17th Karmapa Visits Russia in June 2009 was originally posted at Tibetan Incense Blog.

Kalachakra Wheel of Time Sand Mandala

Leo Golan — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:35:23 +0000

Photos and text: Claire “Vimala” Anderson www.vimsplace.com

Arizona Friends of Tibet sponsored the creation of this mandala along with the University of Arizona Bookstore. The sand painting was created by the Venerable Losang Samten, a former Namgyal monk and attendant to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I tried to visit the mandala at least once a week over the four weeks it was being constructed. Here are some of the photos I got over five visits, including the very moving dissolution service held Sunday, March 15th.

“The dismantling of such an exquisite work of devotion and purification of obstacles is a special ritual considered to be supreme offering for WORLD PEACE rather than just the simple destruction of an art installation. After the dissolution, the colored sand from the Kalachakra Mandala will be offered to the water…In the Tibetan tradition it is believed that through the medium of all penetrating water, the power of peace, love and kindness which is bestowed in the blessed sand of the Kalachakra Celestial Palace, will reach innumerable beings all over the world.

Peace on Earth.
Enjoy!
Vimala

Photos taken Feb. 15 through March 15, 2009.

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This article Kalachakra Wheel of Time Sand Mandala was originally posted at Tibetan Incense Blog.

© Leo Golan for Tibetan Incense Blog, 2009. | No comments yet | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Buddhist Art, Buddhist_Symbols, Pictures, Sand Mandala

Dalai Lama to Visit France in June

Leo Golan — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:11:59 +0000

Phayul, April 28, by Tenam

In a visit that is likely to raise the political temperature between Paris and Beijing, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be arriving in France for a two-day, 6-7 June, visit to the French capital. It is expected that His Holiness the Dalai Lama will also be officially presented with the Citizen of Honour, a legislation that the Paris City had passed in April 2008.

After the mass protest against the Beijing torch relay in Paris, France has been the target of government and nationalist scorn in China. French supermarket chain Carefour came under increasing calls for boycott. President Sarkozy sent a delegation of high level French officials led by former Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin to China. It has been widely reported that the Speaker of the French National Assembly was sent by President Sarkozy to China with an invitation for Chinese president Hu Jintao to visit France.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his French interpreter Mathieu Ricard at a press conference in Paris, August 2008. Photo: Tenam

Before the G 20 meeting in London, a joint communique by the French foreign ministry and China on 1 April, declared that France does not “support any form of Tibet’s independence,” which is credited with the eventual meeting between Sarkozy and Hu Jintao in London.

The Tibet Group in the French Senate said in response that the Tibet issue cannot be considered an internal issue of China and that the Tibetan cause is very important and sensitive to the French people and their elected officials.

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This article Dalai Lama to Visit France in June was originally posted at Tibetan Incense Blog.

Bodhgaya. As We’ve Gathered Under Bodhi Tree.

Oxanna — Sat, 09 May 2009 12:59:58 +0000

This is Kaguy Monlam-2008.

It’s quite rare that you get the chance to see both lineage holders together: Karmapa and Shamarpa, Black Hat Lama and Red Hat Lama.

And also most of our lamas together with them. Lama Ole Nydahl was not present which is no wonder as it’s totally different style though same lineage.(...)
Read the rest of Bodhgaya. As We’ve Gathered Under Bodhi Tree. (704 words)

This article Bodhgaya. As We’ve Gathered Under Bodhi Tree. was originally posted at Tibetan Incense Blog.

© Oxanna for Tibetan Incense Blog, 2009. | No comments yet | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Buddhism, Kagyu, Karmapa, Pictures, Teachers, Tibetan Buddhism

Buddhist Jewelry At Tibetan Incense Shop

Leo Golan — Fri, 08 May 2009 21:16:55 +0000

We are glad to inform you that we had opened new section at our shop - Jewelry and Buddhist Symbolics.

The first items there are Gau (Buddhist locket for relics), made by Israeli designer Anika.

Be ready: we expect new arrival in the beginning of June…

Stay with us!

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This article Buddhist Jewelry At Tibetan Incense Shop was originally posted at Tibetan Incense Blog.

Lama Ole Nydahl Makes Rare Three-Day New York City Appearance

Leo Golan — Tue, 05 May 2009 20:36:08 +0000

NEW YORK, April 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Lama Ole Nydahl, Danish-born Buddhist master, author, and founder of Diamond Way Buddhism Worldwide, visits New York City for a rare, three-day event. The Diamond Way Marpa Retreat, led by Lama Ole, is a lively weekend of interactive talks and guided meditations on Diamond Way Buddhist principles and techniques. Diamond Way Buddhism Worldwide, a global, non-profit religious organization, comprises nearly 600 meditation centers and groups spread throughout 52 nations, including 38 host cities in the U.S. The Diamond Way Marpa Retreat with Lama Ole Nydahl is scheduled Friday, May 8, through Sunday, May 10, at the Diocesan Complex, 630 Second Avenue (at 34th Street) in Manhattan. For complete program schedule, individual sessions and full event package information, go to www.diamondway.org/ny/events.

“New Yorkers may feel, to use an ancient Chinese proverb that some regard a curse, that they are living in interesting times,” states Lama Ole Nydahl. In Tibetan Buddhism, the title ‘Lama’ is conferred to one of profound spiritual development and the authority to teach others. “Diamond Way Buddhism shows that if one has an unshakeable center, then whatever happens is a gift, and one is a very rich person.”

16th Karmapa, young Ole and Hanna Nydahl

Lama Ole Nydahl first made direct contact with Buddhism in 1968 while trekking through Nepal on his honeymoon. Eventually, he and his wife became the first Western students of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism. Years later, following the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa’s wish, Nydahl returned to his native Denmark to begin introducing the Diamond Way to the rest of the world. Since then, Lama Ole has been on constant tour, lecturing virtually every day in a different city.

Lama Ole Nydahl is the founder and director of Diamond Way Buddhism Worldwide, a global, non-profit religious organization, part of the Karma Kagyu tradition, and under the spiritual guidance of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje. Established in 1972 in Nydahl’s native Copenhagen, today there are nearly 600 Diamond Way meditation centers and meeting groups active in over 52 nations around the world. For information on Diamond Way Buddhism Worldwide, go to www.diamondway-buddhism.org.

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This article Lama Ole Nydahl Makes Rare Three-Day New York City Appearance was originally posted at Tibetan Incense Blog.

Making of Seat of Honor for Dalai Lama in Boston

Leo Golan — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:40:19 +0000

By Michael Paulson, The Boston Globe, April 17, 2009

In the basement and driveway of a humble Malden house, the carpenters are building a throne.

Across town, in Medford, a lab technician spends his nights sewing embroidered silk for the drapery.

Three Tibetan-American men, two of them former monks, have devoted much of the last month to constructing the 9-foot high chair on which a cross-legged Dalai Lama will sit for a pair of lectures at Gillette Stadium next month.

The resulting throne is the most visible manifestation of the efforts by Boston’s small Tibetan community to prepare for the Dalai Lama’s four-day visit to the region, which begins April 29. But the throne also sheds light on the unusual backstories of local Tibetans, many of whom escaped difficult lives in Tibet or lived in exile in India before arriving in the United States.

The needleworker, Kunga Namgyal, leads the ordinary life of a research scientist at Shire, a biopharmaceutical company. But Namgyal is also the son and grandson of famed Tibetan tailors - his father was a tailor for the Dalai Lama - and now, at night, when he can steal time from playing with his son and dining with his wife, he sits on the floor by a china cabinet filled with Buddha statues and tries to remember what his own dad taught him about sewing.

One gem: While conventional sewing often involves pointing a needle away from the artisan, Tibetan Buddhists sew with the needle pointing toward themselves, to symbolize compassion for others who won’t get poked.

The financial backer of the $5,000 throne, Lobsang Paljor, was a farmer and nomad in Tibet who in 1985 became a monk there; he fled to India in 1987 and in 1991 moved to the United States. After six years selling carpets, he started Tibet Construction Inc. in 2000.

The carpenter, Kunga Lhatse, plied his trade in Lhasa before escaping to India and then moving in 2002 to the United States. He now is a member of Paljor’s 12-man crew.

“For me, his holiness, the Dalai Lama, represents Tibet,” Lhatse said, via a translator. “He is like a teacher or a parent.”

The Dalai Lama, the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, is the spiritual and political leader of Tibetan Buddhists and leads a government in exile from Dharamshala, India. Also called Tenzin Gyatso, the 73-year-old lama is believed by Tibetan Buddhists to be a reincarnation of previous Dalai Lamas; he is the 14th man to hold the title.

The throne is a conventional element of the stages from which the Dalai Lama teaches about Buddhism to large crowds. When he gives a more conventional lecture or meets with scholars, as he will do at several events in Boston and Cambridge before the Foxborough sessions, he sits in a chair.

“In our religious tradition, you show respect to your teacher, and that’s why he is put on the highest pedestal,” said Lobsang Sangay, coordinator of the Dalai Lama’s visit to Boston and also a research fellow at the East Asian Legal Studies Program at Harvard Law School.

Often institutions hosting the Dalai Lama borrow a throne from another community, but the Boston-area Tibetan community, now thought to number about 600, saw itself as mature enough this year to construct a throne. After the Dalai Lama’s visit, the chair is intended to be a central element of a local Tibetan heritage center that the community hopes to construct in the area.

The throne is made of hand-carved teak - there is a single gold throne, in Lhasa - and the one built for Boston has carved into it the eight “auspicious symbols” of Buddhism: images of a parasol, fish, vase, lotus, conch, knot, wheel, and victory banner. The silk drapery features an image of a dorje, a small scepter traditionally associated with Tibetan Buddhist lamas.

“The Dalai Lama has been to Massachusetts several times, but this is the first time the Tibetan Association of Massachusetts is hosting it, and that reflects that we are now more organized and capable,” Sangay said.

The six previous visits have been hosted by local universities and interest groups, he said. “For many of us, it is like a lifelong dream coming true, to be able to host your spiritual and temporal leader.”

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This article Making of Seat of Honor for Dalai Lama in Boston was originally posted at Tibetan Incense Blog.

© Leo Golan for Tibetan Incense Blog, 2009. | No comments yet | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Buddhist_Symbols, Dalai Lama, News, Video