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Jhana is the Pali word for meditation or a meditative state that is best characterized as a condition of supreme tranquillity. According to the Pali Canon, there are eight stages of jhana, one progres … read more

The serene smile of the Buddha is his most distinguishing feature. Along with this, the viewer’s attention cannot help but be drawn towards the Buddha’s graceful hands, displayed in a variety of gestu … read more

Places connected to the life of the Buddha are sacred to Buddhists across the world. The most important of these are his birthplace in Lumbini, Nepal, and in India — Bodh Gaya where he attained Nirvan … read more

History Buddhism travelled into Tibet towards the end of the 8th century CE when its King, Trisong Detsen, invited two Buddhist masters from India. Shantarakshita from Nalanda (in modern day Bihar, In … read more

Lamas or teachers are senior monks (or nuns). Lay Tibetans can also become lamas. Well-versed in the sacred texts, a lama must also possess the requisite skills for conducting rituals. Lamas are beli … read more