Lanterns Up

Kalachakra is a Sanskrit term used in Tantric Buddhism that means “time-wheel” or “time-cycles”. The Kalachakra tradition revolves around the concept of time and cycles: from the cycles of the planets, to the cycles of human breathing, it teaches the practice of working with the most subtle energies within one’s body on the path to enlightenment.

The Kalachakra deity represents a Buddha and thus omniscience. Since Kalachakra is time and everything is under the influence of time, Kalachakra knows all.

The Kalachakra mantra, which is shown as OM AH HUM HOH HAM KSHAH MA LA VA RA YA HUM PHET, consists of seven individual syllables combined together with three other components to make a total of ten very powerful elements within the image. The ten powers are described as ten existences – body, awareness, space, wind, fire, water, earth, stable, moving, and the gods unseen and uncreated. So, the Kalachakra symbol means “The one with ten powers”, which is the best known symbols of the Kalachakra system. It is carved onto pendants, rings, bracelets, etc. for the use of protection against spirit harm.

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A pottery Whistle of Miaos’ Handicraft.

The unique whistle is initiated by Mr.wu guoqing,a respectable master of Miaos’ earthenware.It is a pottery treasure with its interesting design,bright color and fantastic whistling.

Tibetan pendants are among the most stunning jewelry pieces you’ll find on the market today. High in the mountains of Nepal, skilled artisans use the same techniques that have been used for generations to create the most gorgeous silverworks and gem cuts.

Asia is home to some of the worlds finest gemstones, so grand master artisans have a wide variety of stunning stones to work with. Tibetan pendants are often set with green turquoise, red coral, butterscotch yellow amber, carnelian and deep blue lapis lazuli. Gorgeous emeralds, rubies, sapphires, amethysts, citrines and garnets are common as well.

Thangka is a Nepalese art form imported to Tibet after Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal, daughter of King Lichchavi, married Sron Tsan Gampo, the ruler of  Tibet imported the images of Aryawalokirteshwar and other Nepalese deities to Tibet.  Thangkas are made on various fabrics. The most common is a loosely woven cotton produced in widths from 40 to 58 centimeters (16 – 23 inches). While some variations do exist, thangkas wider than 45 centimeters (17 or 18 inches) frequently have seams in the support.

These lovely & fashionable felted wool handbags, coin purses, and hats are hand-sewn by artisans in Kathmandu, Nepal. Wool felt-making is a lengthy process involving boiling and shaping wool into the desired final shape of the item – with the intriguing result that most styles are actually seamless! Once an item’s shape is established through this process, other finishing touches are carefully hand-sewn onto the wool, including flowers, felt balls, and decorative embroidery on certain styles.

For thousands of years, Dzi (pronounced as “ji”) beads have been deeply entrenched in Tibetan culture. The Dzi beads, being Tibetan’s most precious living gemstone and charm are worshipped, revered and passed down from generations after generations. Did you know that in Tibet, the ancient pure Dzi beads can be used for mortgage purposes in banks! As with all things ancient and mystical, there is plenty of folklore associated with Dzi beads. One legend has it that demi-gods threw away their Dzi beads when they became ever so slightly blemished, which explains why the Dzi bead is also regarded as the “Heavenly Stone” by the Tibetans.

Tibet, being the former home of the Dalai Lama, has always been associated with the mystical and the holy. There is no denying that the beads’ very origins certainly lend it a metaphysical air. It is believed that the Dzi Bead has the ability to protect its wearer from supernatural “bad” forces. Many believers claim that donning a Dzi bead is akin to having an invisible cloak protect you from the intangible negative elements and energies. Evil spirits, sickness, misfortunes and sudden death are kept at bay with the presence of a powerful Dzi bead. Dzi can also balance the body of the wearer’s yin yang and five elements, hence improves the body’s immunity system and promotes overall health. Other reasons people wear Dzi beads include to usher in greater wealth, for spiritual enlightenment and even just as an aid in enhancing a feeling of calm within oneself.

The mysterious Dzi beads are shiny stone beads that often feature a universally recognized pattern, usually that of ‘eyes’, circles, squares or certain stripes and wave patterns. There are also some pieces that boast some rare patterns and are equally potent in their protective powers such as one that has the silhouette of the Goddess of Mercy Kwan Yin outlined on the bead. The different patterns found on the surface of the Dzi beads all serve a different purpose. One-eyed Dzi beads are generally meant to promote brilliance and growth in wisdom while a 13-eyed Dzi will promote tranquility and serenity. For the savvy businessman, the three-eyed Dzi will certainly serve you well as it is said to help in bringing prosperity and wealth. The most favored bead is usually the nine-eyed one, as it is said to have the powers to bring about compassion, power and glory.

The Dzi bead can be worn by everyone regardless of race, religion, gender and age because these beads are not meant to be religious. Its main purpose is to promote the good aura of a person.