sylvia smelcer
Free
Meditation with Singing Bowls Expert
sylvia smelcer Quick Facts
- Main Areas
- Tibetan Buddhism, singing bowls, malas, tingshas, meditation
- Best Sellers
- Tibetan singing bowls, prayer beads malas
- Career Focus
- Business Owner
Sylvia Smelcer owns websites and a retail store offering Tibetan Singing Bowls, Buddha Statues, Tibetan jewelry, meditation malas, and many other items for your spiritual practice. She is an expert in teaching her customers how to use the ancient Tibetan singing bowls and prayer beads for meditation.
Articles by this expert
SelfGrowth articles and saved writing connected to this expert.
Article
The Green Tara and White Tara
While we often do not think of gods and deities when we think about Buddhism, the fact remains there are symbolic gods and goddesses in certain modes of Buddhist practice. This is most evident in Tibetan Buddhism where the Goddess Tara appears frequently in symbols and images. Those interested in the subject of Tibetan Buddhism would certainly benefit from taking a closer look at this particular goddess. Such an exploration would aid in gaining an understanding of what she represents. From this, a clearer understanding of what Tibetan Buddhism represents can also be derived.
Recently added
Article
The History of Buddhism in Tibet
Buddhism has been the official religion of Tibet for almost 2,000 years. Originating in India approximately 2500 years ago, it migrated to Tibet in 170 AD, but didn’t take hold until the reign of King Songtsen Gampo, when he declared it the official religion of the country in 641 AD.
Recently added
Article
The Mahakala Buddha
The Mahakala Buddha is a Dharmapala, or “protector of dharma”, who resides in the fourth hierarchy of deities, and is most associated with the Vajrayana Buddhism. Mahakala’s Sanskrit meaning comes from its roots of “Maha”, or “great”, and “kala”, meaning “black”. Tibetans generally tend to refer to Mahakala as “the protector”. He is also referred to as “Lord of the Tent” by the nomadic Tibetans, who often call upo Mahakala to protect them in their tents Mahakala is called Daheitian by the Chinese, and Daikokuten by the Japanese.
Recently added
Article
The Dorje Vajra
The Vajra, or Dorje is a Buddhist symbol representing the nature of reality. Vajra is a reality wisdom, wisdom of equanimity, and all-accomplishing wisdom complementing at the other side. The significance of the symmetry of this symbol is to illustrate the unification of relative and absolute truth. The closing of the prongs at the end of the symbol represent closing the wheels of Samsara, or the realization of Enlightenment.
Recently added
Article
How Prayer Beads are Used in Various Religions
Prayer beads have been used for thousands of years in a wide variety of religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Devotees use prayer beads to help them focus on their prayers or mantras. The fingering of the beads brings one back into focus when the mind begins to drift from the prayers onto the more mundane considerations of everyday life. Prayer beads also help one to keep track of the number of prayers recited when they’re doing repetitions, such as in Christianity when reciting the Hail Mary using a rosary.
Recently added
Article
Dogs in Tibetan Buddhism
Among all the animals in the world, it is the faithful dog that evokes the most positive emotions in people. Being pack animals, dogs are known for their loyalty and allegiance to their masters. These animals can also prove to be faithful companions when times are tough. As such, there is a bond that grows between humans and dogs that expand into multitudes of cultures. This is what gives way to the symbolism of dogs in Tibetan Buddhism. In this mode of Buddhism, dogs rise far above being mere pets. Instead, they take on many components of religious symbolism.
Recently added
Article
The Eight Auspicious Symbols in Tibetan Buddhism
The Eight Auspicious Symbols, or Ashtamangala are present in Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism and Sikhism. The specific symbols can vary between each faith. The Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism are the Conch Shell, the Lotus, the Wheel, the Parasol, the Endless Knot, the Pair of Golden Fishes, the Banner Proclaiming Victory, and the Treasure Vase. These symbols are another way of reminding Buddhist followers of the benefits of the Dharma. The road to enlightenment is a long one, but these symbolic cues can help keep Buddhists on the right path. Conch Shellr
Recently added
Article
Silver Jewelry Making in Tibet
Tibet has a long history of making hand crafted silver jewelry which dates back thousands of years. In medieval times, other cultures wrote of the wondrous skill of Tibetan silversmiths, who were believed to be some of the most accomplished in the world at that time. Chinese documents dating back to the 600s A.D. note the incredible skill of Tibetan silver work. Buddhist temples dating back to the 7th century A.D. have been found to be decorated with intricately worked silver medallions and sculptures.
Recently added
Article
Singing Bowls in Buddhism
Some may say that Buddhism is a minimalist religion since it does not employ the volume of icons and items found in other religions. But, to assume there are not items associated with the practice of Buddhism would be an inaccurate assessment. Depending upon the type of Buddhism one is practicing, certain components are utilized effectively in its practice. In Tibetan Buddhism, various items are used effectively in the process of worship. Of the many different products used in the performance of Buddhist practice, singing bowls would be among the most unique and interesting.
Recently added
Article
Prayer Beads in Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan prayer beads are called malas (also called japa malas), which translates in Sanskrit as garland. Most Tibetan prayer beads have 108 beads, but some have 21 or 28 beads, which are used when doing prostrations. In 108 bead malas, 100 of the beads are counted as the practitioner recites 100 mantras, with the extra 8 recitations completed to account for any mistakes made during the repetition. As each mantra is recited, each bead is held in the fingers in sequence until one comes to the end of the prayer bead circle.
Recently added
Article
A Comparison of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism
Many people confuse Buddhism and Hinduism, but they are two very separate and distinct religions. They do however have some similarities, such as the belief in karma and reinca ation. Since the Buddha lived in India and was originally a Hindu, it’s understandable that the two religions would have close correlations.
Recently added
Article
What are Prayer Flags?
While many have the impression that Buddhism is a religion not known for its icons and symbols, this is not an accurate assessment. There are many components to the worship of Buddhism that are integrated into its worship. One such item is that of the prayer flag. In fact, so common is the prayer flag in certain circles of Buddhism that the flag is the defining symbolic item that clearly displays a Buddhist place of worship or the home of a practitioner of Buddhism. So, what are prayer flags and what is their purpose?
Recently added
Websites & resources
SelfGrowth-published websites, downloads, and contributor profile websites connected to this expert.
Contacting sylvia smelcer
Mandala Trading
Sylvia Smelcer, VP of Operations
512-371-0810
1-877-996-9888