The Splendor of Drepung Monastery Drepung Monastery (Tibetan: ), is one of the most significant religious institutions in Tibetan Buddhism. Its full name is Pelden Drepung Phuntsok Namgyal Ling (Tibetan: དཔལ་ལྡན་འབྲས་སྤུངས་ཕུན་ཚོགས་རྣམ་རྒྱལ་གླིང་།). It can be translated as “The Auspicious Rice Heap, Island of Victory over All Directions.”The monastery is situated on the southern slope of Mount Gephel...Read More

The life and teachings of Jetsun Milarepa—Tibet’s most celebrated yogi—continue to inspire seekers of truth across the world. His instructions are not dry philosophy but living guidance, delivered through personal encounters, spontaneous songs, and direct pointing to the nature of mind. From the principle of “Form is emptiness” to the warning against imitating others, Milarepa’s...Read More

Among the many tales of Tibet’s legendary yogi Jetsun Milarepa, there is one unforgettable episode that brings the Buddhist teaching of emptiness (śūnyatā) to life—literally. This story, often told in Lapchi Snow Mountain monasteries and Himalayan pilgrimage circles, reveals how true realization is far beyond intellectual debate. A Skeptical Scholar A learned Dharma teacher, well-versed...Read More

Among the many miraculous stories of Jetsun Milarepa, Tibet’s most revered yogi, the “Yak Horn” episode stands out for its humor, mystery, and profound meaning. This teaching tale, still told by pilgrims visiting the sacred caves of Lapchi Snow Mountain, reminds practitioners that study alone is not enough—realization is the key. Meeting on the Grasslands...Read More

Rising to an elevation of about 4,850 meters, Lapchi Snow Mountain lies in eastern Nepal, close to the Nyalam region of Tibet. In the Hevajra Tantra, this sacred site is revered as the Speech Mandala of Hevajra—one of the twenty-four holy places of the deity. Mount Kailash represents the Body Mandala, while Mount Trazang (Zhari)...Read More

China State Railway Group has officially established the Xinjiang–Tibet Railway Company with a registered capital of 95 billion yuan, marking the start of construction on a new strategic railway connecting Hotan in Xinjiang with Shigatse and Lhasa in Tibet. This project follows the trillion-yuan hydropower development along the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River,...Read More

Introduction The revered Mahāsiddha Virūpa (Tibetan: Biwapa) is honored as one of the principal Indian masters of the Path and Fruit (Lamdre) lineage of the Sakya school, a fully accomplished adept of Mahāmudrā. In the Prayer to the Eighty-five Mahāsiddhas, composed at Vajrāsana (Bodh Gaya), he is praised as: “Able to reverse the mighty rivers,Drink...Read More

Birth and Early Life Konchok Tenpai Dronme, revered as the Third Gontang Lama, was born on February 18, 1762, in the serene village of Zogay Manma, situated in the historical region of Amdo, Tibet. His birth predestined him to a significant role in the spiritual landscape of Tibetan Buddhism. Even at a tender age, Konchok...Read More

Introduction to Gyangtse Dzong Gyangtse Dzong, a prominent fortress located in the western region of Tibet, embodies the rich tapestry of Tibetan history and culture. Established during the 14th century under the Phagmodrupa Dynasty, this architectural marvel not only served as a military fortification but also as a spiritual center, reflecting the dual nature of...Read More

Introduction to Dombi Heruka Dombi Heruka, often referred to as Dombipa, holds a significant place in the history of Buddhism as an influential 8th-9th century Indian mahasiddha. His life and teachings have left an indelible mark on the evolution of the Hevajra lineage, a vital current within Vajrayana Buddhism. Dombi Heruka’s contributions are paramount, as...Read More

Introduction to Kublai Khan Kublai Khan, born in 1215, is one of the most significant figures in world history, renowned as the grandson of the formidable Genghis Khan. As a key leader of the Mongol Empire, Kublai played a pivotal role in the expansion and consolidation of Mongol rule across Asia. His establishment of the...Read More

Introduction to the Evolution of Firearms in Tibet The historical context of firearms in Tibet during the late 19th century to mid-20th century reveals a period of significant transformation in the region’s military capabilities. Weaponry played a crucial role in shaping the Tibetan military’s strategies and responses to external pressures, making the evolution of firearms...Read More