Browse Items (51 total)

A Vajra meaning "thunderbolt" or "diamond" in Sanskrit is a ritual object symbolically used by dharma traditions such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. The Vajra symbolizes properties of a diamond (indestructibility) and of a thunderbolt…

Avalokiteshvara is one of the most famous "bodhisattvas" or "Buddha-to-be" in Buddhism, specifically in Mahayana Buddhist legend. According to the legend, Avalokiteshvara postponed his own Buddahood until he has helped every sentient achieve freedom…

Bahubali, also known as Gommateshwara is a revered figure among Jains. Bahubali was the son of Rishabhanatha, who was the first Tirthankara or spiritual teacher of Jainism. According to Jain text, Bahubali meditated for one whole year in a standing…

Temple bells are common instruments found in Buddhist temples, most often in temples throughout Japan. The purpose of the bells is to summon monks for prayer or announce periods of time. The bells also help aid in meditation and prayer recitations.…

Krishna is a major deity in Hinduism who is worshipped as the eighth incarnation of the god, Vishnu. Krishna is known as the god of compassion, tenderness, and his love and piousness to Hinduism. Krishna is usually depicted holding an Indian flute…

A Buddhist prayer wheel, most prevalent in the Tibetan Buddhism, is a mechanical device that is used as an equivalent to a recitation of a mantra. They can be made out of metal, wood, leather, stone or coarse cotton. Each turn of the wheel by hand…

Nataraja is a depiction of the Hindu god, Shiva as a cosmic ecstatic dancer. Hindus see Shiva Nataraja as the supreme lord of dance as Shiva performs his dance called the Tandavam or Nadanta. The Tandava is described as a vigorous dance that fuels…

Baoding balls are small metal or marble balls known as Chinese exercise, health, meditation or medicine balls. Baoding balls are used by rotating two or more balls in one hand repeatedly while the balls are in constant contact. The purpose of the…

Seals are commonly used in East and Southeast Asia in lieu of signatures on personal and important documents that signify ownership or authorship. Seals are also often used in Chinese calligraphy and paintings. Owners or collectors of paintings or…

Pagodas are Buddhist temples that are tower-like, multistory buildings that are typically predominant in East and Southeast Asia. The structure of a pagoda originated from "stupas" built in ancient India. Pagodas symbolize sacred mountains and…