Amitabha is the Buddha of Immeasurable Light in Mahayana and Tibetan Buddhism — the red Buddha who presides over the western Pure Land of Sukhavati.
Manjushri is the Bodhisattva of transcendent wisdom, shown with a flaming sword and the Perfection of Wisdom scripture. What he means, and how to recognize him.
Mahakala is the chief protector deity (dharmapala) of Tibetan Buddhism — a wrathful guardian whose fearsome face destroys obstacles to enlightenment, not a demon.
Chenrezig, the Tibetan name for Avalokiteshvara, is the bodhisattva of infinite compassion in Buddhism. Learn his meaning, mantra, and iconography.
The Medicine Buddha is Bhaiṣajyaguru, the Master of Healing — worshipped across Tibet, China, and Japan for healing of body, mind, and circumstance.
A stupa is a dome-shaped Buddhist monument that enshrines sacred relics and maps the path to awakening in stone — not a tomb, and not a pagoda.
A phurba is a three-sided Tibetan ritual implement used to cut through inner obstacles, not a weapon. Here is what it means and how it is used.
A damaru is a small hourglass-shaped Tibetan hand drum. It is not just a drum: its rattle marks ritual rhythm and signals impermanence, method, and wisdom.
Tingsha are a pair of small, thick Tibetan Buddhist cymbals struck together to mark the start and end of practice – not wind chimes, and not a single bell.
Tibetan incense is a hand-rolled blend of Himalayan herbs, woods, and resins burned as an offering and meditation aid. It is not just smoke.