Four Major Schools of Tibetan Buddhism: Nyingmapa, Kagyugpa, Sakyapa and Gelugpa

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Vishal

When we delve into the extensive philosophy and practices of Tibetan Buddhism it is imperative to look at the foundation of its four major schools. The history and teachings of these schools are as interesting as it is important to understanding the concepts of Tibetan Buddhism.

Once, at one of the famous monasteries of the Himalayas, I noticed a huge statue of Sakyamuni Buddha behind a slab of wall that partially covered the main altar. In front of the wall stood a huge throne-like seat on which a framed picture of one of the reincarnated monks of a certain sect rested and it completely blocked the view of the statue of Lord Buddha. I found this unusual and asked an attending lay monk why it was so. He replied to me simply, “He (the reincarnated monk in the photo frame) is our Buddha. Without him we wouldn’t have known about Buddhism”. Such is the conviction of the followers of Tibetan Buddhism in the Himalayas and it is hard to disagree. Continue reading →

Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana: The Three Vehicles of Buddhism

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Vishal

In the lifetime of Lord Buddha after enlightenment, he is believed to have turned the ‘Dharmachakra’ or ‘Wheel of Dharma’, three times signifying the three teachings of Buddhism which is known as ‘yana’ or ‘vehicles’, which he prophesied would be disseminated in the future. They are categorically known as (1) Hinayana / Theravada, the ‘smaller vehicle’ (2) Mahayana the ‘greater vehicle’ and (3) Vajrayana, the ‘diamond vehicle’. The basic differences between the three lie in their forms of interpretation and teachings. Continue reading →

Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Vishal

Buddhism, as most of us are familiar, began with the revelation and teachings of Lord Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, a prince turned ascetic. His life and accomplishments have never seen a more urgent and exemplary need as in the materialistic world of today, where kindness and charity are misinterpreted.

The philosophy of Buddhism was much embraced by a famous emperor of early medieval India, Ashoka the Great. It was during his reign that Buddhism spread in the regions of South and Central Asia, while also involving his daugther, Sanghamitta and his son Mahinda, in the missionary to preach Buddhism. This period gave the first of the three forms of Buddhism, Theravada.

Chenrezig

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“Ok, I’ll take an Auto!”

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Vishal

This is what I’d say to a friend or a relative who’s staying in one of the great Indian cities when they advise me not to take a taxi after alighting out of the train station.

Because it is cheaper.

Yes, the yellow and green colored bug-like three wheelers that ‘turrt!-turrt!’ in the busy city roads is one of the best means of getting around the cities of India. Continue reading →

Is the weather going to be better?

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Vishal

I am not easily convinced unless it comes with convincing exaggeration. In India, it works like a charm. It may also be because of my profession as a guide, where exaggerations become a way of life. I remember a very poignant moment in my guiding experience. A few years back, before I started Himani Himalaya, I was guiding a European couple on a trek and the weather was really not with us. It was everything but clear and sunny. And this trekking was a bit different from the usual treks because the couple had especially booked this trip to film the majestic Himalayas. So, as a guide, I could empathize with the couple’s disappointment with the project not materializing and limited duration of their trip. Continue reading →

Chimi Lhakhang – The Legend of Lama Drukpa Kuenley

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Vishal

Every time I sight the ‘bosom hill” as I cascade along the narrow road of Lobeysa town, I am reminded of the free thinking Buddhist monk and philosopher that many fondly call him the Divine Madman. The legend of Bhutan is incomplete without the mention of Lama Drukpa Kuenly. Originally from Tibet, he journeyed the Himalayas inviting himself to his hosts residences, drinking chaang, making love to his female hosts, and leaving a legendary display of his tantric powers through his phallus while subduing the demons. Continue reading →

Mystical Tiger Nest – Paro

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Vishal

Taktsang - The Tiger Nest

The Himalayas are a mystic adventure for many people especially from the west and the far-east. Grand white mass of mountains, dark forested hills, beautiful waterfalls…the list of rhetoric are endless. They all seem to attract the discerning travelers as the bees to flowers. The memories are sweet nectar.

My three hrs hike to Taktsang Monastery in Paro, Bhutan, was one that transported me to an era that I thought existed only in a digital studio in some corner of Hollywood. Bhutan has always prided herself in the ‘Thunder Dragon Kingdom’ ruled by a benevolent King. So, it is a surprise not to experience that in Paro, a truly picturesque valley. There are Continue reading →

Tiger Hill – Rush of the Dawn