News from TNG Centre Dharmashop

This year, Lama Sangyay Tendzin, hosts the French Kagyü Mönlam in celebration of the 25th anniversary of THEG-CHOG NORBU LING®, a Karma Kagyü retreat sanctuary established by him under the benevolence of His Holiness Karmapa, who named it in 1997.

At this occasion, Lama invited the Venerable Drubpön Dechen Rinpoche to preside the event. Everyone concerned with universal peace and wishing to dedicate time to recite the profound aspiration prayers of the Kagyü Mönlam, is cordially invited to this event.

Situated in a remote forest area on the High plateau of the Corbières in Aude, the location is away from the turmoil of large cities. It is ideal for meditation retreat.

For more information please see: https://tngcentre.org/en/

Washing and oiling (for wood/seed beads)...

It is best to keep them moisturized with an oil of choice, or by using a pea-sized amount of Mineral Oil occasionally.  Rub a small amount in your hand along with an essential oil (optional) and then rub into your mala beads thoroughly.  If you live in a dry climate this may need to be done every few months to maintain the beads but otherwise once a year may be sufficient.  Over time your natural beads will darken.  This is a normal process and is a great visual reminder of the growth in your practice!

If washing is required, we suggest using warm water with a small amount of liquid dish soap.  Pat dry and hang. 

The prayer wheel is a sacred object in Tibetan Buddhism, with a rich history and important role in spiritual practice. In this post, we'll explore the origins of the prayer wheel and how it is used by Tibetans today.

The origins of the prayer wheel can be traced back to the ancient Bon tradition of Tibet, which predates the arrival of Buddhism in the region. In the Bon tradition, prayer wheels were used as a means of transmitting prayers and invoking the blessings of the spirits. When the Buddhist teachings were introduced to Tibet, the prayer wheel was adopted as a tool for spiritual cultivation and has been an important part of Tibetan Buddhist culture ever since.

To answer this question, we'll delve into the colorful world of prayer flags, their history, how they are made, and the meaningful process of hanging them.

The Essence of Prayer Flags

Prayer flags are a beautiful tradition originating from the Himalayas, specifically Tibet. They are bright and colorful pieces of cloth, often inscribed with mantras, prayers, and images, designed to spread goodwill and compassion into the universe. As the wind blows, it is believed to carry the prayers and blessings depicted on the flags to all beings. This spreads peace, wisdom, and harmony in its path.

How to burn cone incense from the TNG DharmaShop.

• Find a suitable holder: You'll need a heat-resistant incense surface or holder for your cone incense. We offer a variety of burners, so you can browse our selection to find one that suits your style and needs.

• Place the cone on the holder: Gently position the cone incense on the designated spot on the holder, making sure the pointed tip faces upwards.

• Light the tip: Use a long match or lighter to carefully light the pointed tip of the cone. Let the flame burn for a few seconds until the tip begins to ember, and then gently blow it out. The cone should now be glowing embers, releasing smoke with its fragrance.

• Adjust airflow (optional): You can control the amount of smoke and fragrance released by adjusting the airflow around the cone. Placing the holder in a still environment will result in a stronger fragrance, while a breezier area will produce a lighter scent.

• Enjoy the aroma: As the cone burns, it will gradually release its fragrant smoke. Relax and enjoy the scent!