Himalayan Art Resources

News

Universal Deities - Added

The idea of a universal deity is based entirely on appearance and in some cases relating back to the origin myth and narrative of a particular figure such as the Eleven-faced Avalokiteshvara or the Hindu goddess Durga. Some universal deities are created from the powers and abilities of all the other gods combined, or all of the buddhas of an eon, thus creating a super god or universal deity. Deities such as these are depicted in a unique manner by having multiple heads, arms and legs, often into the thousands.

Edible Mantras, Stamps & Imprints

Stamps are used for making multiple copies of edible 'mantra' charms. After stamping and creating edible paper copies the paper imprints are then carefully rolled and stored in a jar or some type of container. Typically they would be blessed by a teacher who is an expert in mantra practice. The paper imprints are swallowed as needed, depending on the illness or condition, or according to auspicious days of the Lunar calendar. For example, edible mantras, appropriately blessed, have been a long standing treatment for individuals with epilepsy.

Female Teachers Depicted in Art

There are only a few prominent Female Teachers depicted in sculpture or in painting as the central subject. There are many more women depicted in lineage paintings and murals, specifically the Sakya Lamdre and Vajrayogini Lineages and also the more recent Nyingma Mindrolling Lineage.