Used in Tibetan Buddhism, a dorje is a representation of a thunderbolt, symbolising the male aspect of the spirit and held during invocations and prayers. Brass double dorjetibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

A prayer wheel is used in Tibetan Buddhism for personal worship. Tibetans believe that spinning the prayer wheel which as thousands or millions of mantras inside is equal to saying that many mantras, while being done in a fraction of the time. This helps accumulate merits, purify negative karma and obstacles on the path to enlightenment. This wheel has a hollow metal cylinder attached to a rod handle, made of ivory (with carved elephants), inlaid with coral and turquoise. Inside the cylinder is a tightly wound scroll printed with numerous mantras and wrapped around a spindle. The cylinder is embossed and decorated with inlaid coral and turquoise. A chain with a small weight at the end (made out of copper alloy) is affixed to the cylinder, allowing it to be spun by a slight rotation of the wrist. tibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

Thangkas are cloth scrolls unique to Tibetan Buddhism, depicting deities, venerated spiritual figures, or common religious symbols. Intended for personal meditation or instruction of monastic students, they are invested with the spirit of a deity to whom they are consecrated. A thangka is a composite three-dimensional object consisting of: a picture panel which is painted or embroidered; a brocade mounting; and one or more of the following: a silk cover, leather corners, wooden dowels at the top and bottom and metal or wooden decorative knobs on the bottom dowel. A Tibetan thangka depicting Shakyamuni Buddha.buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, holy objects

A kangling is a trumpet made out of a human thighbone, used in Tibetan Buddhism for various chöd rituals. The practitioner, motivated by compassion, plays the kangling as a gesture of fearlessness, to summon hungry spirits and demons so that she or he may satisfy their hunger and thereby relieve their sufferings. It is also played as a way of "cutting off of the ego." The hip end of the thigh bone is cut off, forming a nearly circular opening in the bone’s shaft, and it becomes the mouthpiece. The large flaring at the knee is left intact except for two gouged openings through which air and sound escape. The “bell” end of a kangling is usually covered with tightly sewn skin to ensure durability. Made out of a human thighbone, reinforced with leather. tibetan buddhism, musical instruments, ceremonies, ritual implements

The print was created using a traditional woodblock technique. After ink is spread over a rectangular block carved with words and religious images, a thin piece of paper is placed atop the block and a roller is run over it. Then the paper is put aside to dry. Printed from a carved block of wood by a traditional method. Old Tibetan woodblock print featuring Padmasambhava. This woodblock print on hand-made paper depicts Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, revered in Tibet as the second Buddha. Widely recognised as a great Buddhist teacher, he played an important role in spreading Buddhism in Tibet. padmasambhava, tibetan buddhism, woodblock printing

Amitayus, also called Amitabha, is the Buddha of Infinite Light, associated with longevity. He is holding in his hands a vessel containing the nectar of immortality. Amitayus is considered one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas in Mahayana Buddhism. Amitayus Buddha statue, wearing jewelled ornaments of a peaceful heavenly god according to the classical Indian system of divine aesthetics. tibetan buddhism, holy objects, buddhist art, statues

Representing the original Indian pandits (Hindu scholars) who brought Buddhism to Tibet; used in the Cham Dances performed by monks during the Monlam Prayer Festival. A solid wood mask carved in a Tibetan styletibetan buddhism, worship devices, rituals

Shakyamuni Buddha is a name given to the historical Buddha. It is depicted here seating in meditation on a lotus throne. His legs are crossed in the lotus position. His right hand is holding an alms bowl, signifying care and compassion for all beings. His left hand touches the ground in a gesture (bhumisparsha mudra) calling the earth to witness his determination to achieve enlightenment, despite the temptations of the evil goddess Mara.Brass Buddha statue, with head and face painted in a traditional Tibetan way.buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, holy objects, statues