Amitabha is the Buddha of Immeasurable Light in Mahayana and Tibetan Buddhism — the red Buddha who presides over the western Pure Land of Sukhavati.
Maitreya is the future Buddha of loving-kindness in Buddhism. Learn what his name means, how to recognize his statue, and how he differs from Tara or Medicine Buddha.
Mahakala is the chief protector deity (dharmapala) of Tibetan Buddhism — a wrathful guardian whose fearsome face destroys obstacles to enlightenment, not a demon.
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.
Tara is the female bodhisattva of compassion in Tibetan Buddhism. Green Tara acts swiftly to remove fear and obstacles; White Tara heals and grants long life.