Conze distinguishes three periods in the Buddhist use of mantra. Initially, like their fellow Indians, Buddhists used mantra as protective spells to ward of malign influences. Despite a Vinaya rule which forbids monks engaging in the Brahminical practice of chanting mantras for material gain, there are a number of protective for a group of ascetic monks. However, even at this early stage, there is perhaps something more than animistic magic at work. Particularly in the case of the Ratana Sutta the efficacy of the verses seems to be related to the concept of "truth". Each verse of the sutta ends ...

See also:

Mantra, Mantra - Introduction, Mantra - Mantra in Hinduism, Mantra - Mantra Japa, Mantra - Some Hindu mantras, Mantra - Lead me from Ignorance to Truth, Mantra - Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, Mantra - The shanti mantras, Mantra - Universal prayer, Mantra - Other examples, Mantra - The Hindu Bija Mantra, Mantra - Remarks, Mantra - What is Dharma?, Mantra - The Significance of the Symbol Om, Mantra - Mantras and Prayers, Mantra - Kirtan and Bhajan, Mantra - Vedic Conception of Sound, Mantra - Mantra in Buddhism, Mantra - Mantra in Shingon Buddhism, Mantra - Mantra in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, Mantra - Om mani padme hum, Mantra - Some other mantras used by Tibetan Buddhists, Mantra - Mantra in other traditions or contexts

Read more here: » Mantra: Encyclopedia II - Mantra - Mantra in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism

See also:

Mantra, Mantra - Introduction, Mantra - Mantra in Hinduism, Mantra - Mantra Japa, Mantra - Some Hindu mantras, Mantra - Lead me from Ignorance to Truth, Mantra - Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, Mantra - The shanti mantras, Mantra - Universal prayer, Mantra - Other examples, Mantra - The Hindu Bija Mantra, Mantra - Remarks, Mantra - What is Dharma?, Mantra - The Significance of the Symbol Om, Mantra - Mantras and Prayers, Mantra - Kirtan and Bhajan, Mantra - Vedic Conception of Sound, Mantra - Mantra in Buddhism, Mantra - Mantra in Shingon Buddhism, Mantra - Mantra in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, Mantra - Om mani padme hum, Mantra - Some other mantras used by Tibetan Buddhists, Mantra - Mantra in other traditions or contexts

Read more here: » Mantra: Encyclopedia II - Mantra - Mantra in Buddhism

Mantras were originally conceived in the great Hindu scriptures known as the Vedas. Within practically all Hindu scriptures, the writing is formed in painstakingly crafted two line "shlokas" and most mantras follow this pattern, although mantras are often found in single line or even single word combinations. The most basic mantra is Aum, which in Hinduism is known as the "pranava mantra," the source of all mantras. The philosophy behind this is the Hindu idea of nama-rupa (name-form), which supposes that all things, ideas or e ...

See also:

Mantra, Mantra - Introduction, Mantra - Mantra in Hinduism, Mantra - Mantra Japa, Mantra - Some Hindu mantras, Mantra - Lead me from Ignorance to Truth, Mantra - Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, Mantra - The shanti mantras, Mantra - Universal prayer, Mantra - Other examples, Mantra - The Hindu Bija Mantra, Mantra - Remarks, Mantra - What is Dharma?, Mantra - The Significance of the Symbol Om, Mantra - Mantras and Prayers, Mantra - Kirtan and Bhajan, Mantra - Vedic Conception of Sound, Mantra - Mantra in Buddhism, Mantra - Mantra in Shingon Buddhism, Mantra - Mantra in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, Mantra - Om mani padme hum, Mantra - Some other mantras used by Tibetan Buddhists, Mantra - Mantra in other traditions or contexts

Read more here: » Mantra: Encyclopedia II - Mantra - Mantra in Hinduism

A mantra is a religious syllable or poem, typically from the Sanskrit language. Their use varies according to the school and philosophy associated with the mantra. They are primarily used as spiritual conduits, words and vibrations that instill one-pointed concentration in the devotee. Other purposes have included religious ceremonies to accumulate wealth, avoid danger, or eliminate enemies. Mantras originated in India with Vedic Hinduism and were later adopted by Buddhists and Jains, now popular in various modern forms of spiritual practice which are loosely b ...

Including:

• Mantra - Introduction
• Mantra - Mantra in Hinduism
• Mantra - Mantra Japa
• Mantra - Some Hindu mantras
• Mantra - Lead me from Ignorance to Truth
• Mantra - Hare Krishna Maha Mantra
• Mantra - The shanti mantras
• Mantra - Universal prayer
• Mantra - Other examples
• Mantra - The Hindu Bija Mantra
• Mantra - Remarks
• Mantra - What is Dharma?
• Mantra - The Significance of the Symbol Om
• Mantra - Mantras and Prayers
• Mantra - Kirtan and Bhajan
• Mantra - Vedic Conception of Sound
• Mantra - Mantra in Buddhism
• Mantra - Mantra in Shingon Buddhism
• Mantra - Mantra in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism
• Mantra - Om mani padme hum
• Mantra - Some other mantras used by Tibetan Buddhists
• Mantra - Mantra in other traditions or contexts

Read more here: » Mantra: Encyclopedia - Mantra

A Buddhist chant is a form of musical verse or incantation, in some ways analogous to Hindu or Christian religious recitations. They exist in just about every part of the Buddhist world, from the Wats in Thailand to the Lamaist temples of India (re: Tibetan Government in Exile). Almost every Buddhist school has some tradition of chanting associated with it, regardless of being Theravada or Mahayana. Buddhist chant - Chanting. In Buddhism, chanting is the traditional means of preparing the mind for M ...

Including:

• Buddhist chant - Chanting
• Buddhist chant - Adherents

Read more here: » Buddhist chant

Also known as Tantric Buddhism, Mantrayana, Tantrayana, Esoteric Buddhism, Diamond Vehicle or True Words Sect. (Secret) Mantra vehicle is the name most commonly used in Tibetan scriptures. Vajrayāna Buddhism is often viewed as the third major 'vehicle' (Yana) of Buddhism, alongside the Hinayana and Mahayana. The Vajrayana is an extension of Mahayana Buddhism consisting not of philosophical differences, but rather the adoption of ad ...

Including:

• Vajrayana - Advantages of Vajrayana
• Vajrayana - Esoteric Transmission Initiation
• Vajrayana - Relationship with Mahayana
• Vajrayana - History of Vajrayana
• Vajrayana - India
• Vajrayana - China
• Vajrayana - Tibet and other Himalayan kingdoms
• Vajrayana - Japan
• Vajrayana - Indonesia and Malaysia
• Vajrayana - Mongolia

Read more here: » Vajrayana

Buddhist art originated in the Indian subcontinent in the centuries following the life of the historical Gautama Buddha in the 6th to 5th century BCE, before evolving through its contact with other cultures and its diffusion through the rest of Asia and the world. A first, essentially Indian, aniconic phase (avoiding direct representations of the Buddha), was followed from around the 1st century CE by an iconic phase (with direct representations of the Buddha). From that time, Buddhist art diversified and evolved ...

Including:

• Buddhist art - Aniconic phase 5th century - 1st century BCE
• Buddhist art - Iconic phase 1st century CE – present
• Buddhist art - Northern Buddhist art
• Buddhist art - Central Asia
• Buddhist art - China
• Buddhist art - Korea
• Buddhist art - Japan
• Buddhist art - Tibet and Bhutan
• Buddhist art - Vietnam
• Buddhist art - Southern Buddhist art
• Buddhist art - Burma
• Buddhist art - Cambodia
• Buddhist art - Thailand
• Buddhist art - Indonesia

Read more here: » Buddhist art

This FAQ gives an overview of those kundalini yoga practices which require conscious effort. Part I of III.

In Part III: 1) But even if kundalini is dangerous, isn't it a faster way to enlighenment?, 2) What are the origins of kundalini yoga?, 3) What is the classical literature of kundalini yoga?, 4) What is the precise role of the guru in kundalini yoga?, 5) Can't I learn it through books?, 6) Where can I gain instruction on kundalini yoga?, 7) Where can I learn more?

Read more here: » Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini Yogas FAQ (part III of III)

Buddhism is a religion with millions of followers in the United States, including traditionally Buddhist Asian Americans as well as non-Asian converts. The U.S. presents a strikingly new and different environment for Buddhists, leading to a unique history and a continuing process of development as Buddhism and America come to grips with each other. Buddhism in the United States - Early history. Occasional intersections between Western civilization and the Buddhist world have been occurring for thousands of years. ...

Including:

• Buddhism in the United States - Early history
• Buddhism in the United States - Modern American Buddhism
• Buddhism in the United States - Import Buddhists
• Buddhism in the United States - Export Buddhists
• Buddhism in the United States - Demographics of Buddhism in the United States
• Buddhism in the United States - Ethnic divide
• Buddhism in the United States - Trends in American Buddhism
• Buddhism in the United States - Engaged Buddhism
• Buddhism in the United States - Buddhist education in the United States

Read more here: » Buddhism in the United States

This FAQ gives a background on the phenomenon of kundalini. Part II of III.

In Part II: 1) Can I just use kundalini yoga simply to improve my health?, 2)

Is there any scientific basis for kundalini and the cakras?, 3) Do I really have to believe that all these cakras physically exist?, 4) Is Chinese qi gong a kind of kundalini yoga?, 5) What about Tibetan Buddhism - has kundalini been known in Tibet?, 6) Are there any other traditions that show awareness of kundalini?, 7)So how do I awaken kundalini?, 8) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using effort to awaken kundalini?

Read more here: » Kundalini FAQ: What is Kundalini? (part II of III) -

Japa, or Japam, is a spiritual discipline in which a devotee repeats a mantra or the name of the God. The repetition can be aloud or just the movement of lips or in the mind. This spiritual practice is present in the major religions of world. This is considered as one of the most effective spiritual practices. In Hinduism, Japamaala (a garland of beads) is used. In Hinduism, Vaishnavas generally use the Japamaala of Tulsi beads. The Shaivites use that of Rudrakhsa beads. A Japamaala made out of neem,crystal is also used. ...

Read more here: » Japa: Encyclopedia - Japa

The Heart of Perfect Wisdom Sutra or Heart Sutra (Sanskrit: Prajñāpāramitā Hridaya Sūtra, Chinese: 般若波羅蜜多心經, Buorebuoluomituo Xinjing) is a well known Mahāyāna Buddhist sutra. The Heart Sutra comes from the 3rd of Conze's four periods in the development of the Perfection of Wisdom literature. It is a very much contracted presentation of the ideas of the perfection of wisdom tradition which had ballooned up to 100,000 lines. Along with the Diamond Sutra the Heart Sutra is the main representat ...

Including:

• Heart Sutra - Content

Read more here: » Heart Sutra: Encyclopedia - Heart Sutra

Bhaisajyaguru (藥師佛／薬師 Ch. Yàoshī, Jp. Yakushi), more formally Bhaisajyaguruvaidūryaprabha (Jp. 薬師瑠璃光如来 Yakushirorikō nyorai) and also known as the Master of Healing or Medicine Buddha, is the Buddha of healing. His full name means "Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light". In Mahayana Buddhism, Bhaisajyaguru represents the healing aspect of the historical Buddha Sakyamuni. Bhaisajyaguru - Origin. Bhaisajyaguru is described in the eponymous < ...

Including:

• Bhaisajyaguru - Origin
• Bhaisajyaguru - Iconography
• Bhaisajyaguru - Role in Japan
• Bhaisajyaguru - Role in Tibet
• Bhaisajyaguru - The Mantras
• Bhaisajyaguru - The Medicine Buddha Mantra in Tibetan Buddhism

Read more here: » Bhaisajyaguru: Encyclopedia - Bhaisajyaguru

Chant is the rhythmic speaking or singing of words or sounds, either on a single pitch or with a simple melody involving a limited set of notes and often including a great deal of repetition or statis. Chant may be considered speech, music, or a heightened form of speech which is more effective in conveying emotion or expressing ones spiritual side. Chants are used in a variety of settings from ritual to recreation. Supporters or players in sports contests may use them (see football chant). Warriors in ancient times would chant ...

Read more here: » Chant: Encyclopedia - Chant

A japa mala or mala is an Indian rosary with 108 beads. It is often used for saying a mantra or other forms of sadhana (spiritual exercise). Mala itself is a Sanskrit term meaning 'garland' or 'necklace'. Japa mala - Use of a Mala. Mantras are often repeated hundreds or even thousands of times. The mala is used so that one can think about the meaning of the mantra as it is chanted rather than thinking about counting the repetitions. Each time the mantra is repeated, the fingers move to ...

Including:

• Japa mala - Use of a Mala
• Japa mala - History of the Mala
• Japa mala - Materials

Read more here: » Japa mala: Encyclopedia - Japa mala

An arhat (Sanskrit, also arahat or arahant (Pali); Chinese: 阿羅漢, āluóhàn, luóhàn, lohan; Tibetan: dgra-bcom-pa; Jp. arakan; Hindi Arihant अरिहन्त ) is a highly realized Buddhist or Jain ascetic, one who has completely destroyed greed, hatred and delusion. The word comes from Sanskrit arhati, Pali arahati, "he/she is worthy", but there is also an etymology that derives from foe destroyer - hence the ...

Read more here: » Arhat: Encyclopedia - Arhat

A Buddhist chant is a form of musical verse or incantation, in some ways analogous to Hindu or Christian religious recitations. They exist in just about every part of the Buddhist world, from the Wats in Thailand to the Lamaist temples of India (re: Tibetan Government in Exile). Almost every Buddhist school has some tradition of chanting associated with it, regardless of being Theravada or Mahayana. Buddhist chant - Chanting. In Buddhism, chanting is the traditional means of preparing the mind for M ...

Including:

• Buddhist chant - Chanting
• Buddhist chant - Adherents

Read more here: » Buddhist chant: Encyclopedia - Buddhist chant

Prayer beads are traditionally used to keep count of the repetitions of prayers, chants or devotions. They are used by followers of four major world religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. There seem to be basically three uses for prayer beads: Repetition of the same devotion a set (usually large) number of times. This is the earliest form of prayer beads (the Japa Mala) and the earliest Christian form (the prayer rope). Repetition of several different prayers in some pattern (the usual Western Chr ...

Including:

• Prayer beads - Buddhism
• Prayer beads - Christianity
• Prayer beads - Hinduism
• Prayer beads - Islam
• Prayer beads - Sikhism
• Prayer beads - Other

Read more here: » Prayer beads: Encyclopedia - Prayer beads

Amitābha or Amida (阿彌陀佛 Ch. Āmítuó fó (=Amida Buddha), 阿弥陀佛 Kr. Amita Bul (Amida Buddha), 阿弥陀如来 Jp. Amida Nyorai (=Amida Tathagata), the Buddha of Limitless Light (無量光佛), also Amitāyus, the Buddha of Limitless Life (無量壽佛), is the primary Buddha of the Pure Land school of Buddhism which developed and spread in China, Vietnam, Korea and Japan and has grown to become the largest sect in Buddhism. Amitābha is believed to be a Buddha who possesses infinite ...

Including:

• Amitabha - Doctrine
• Amitabha - Iconography
• Amitabha - Mantras
• Amitabha - Origins

Read more here: » Amitabha: Encyclopedia - Amitabha

Tibetan Buddhism — formerly also called Lamaism, after their religious gurus known as lamas — is the body of religious Buddhist doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet and the Himalayan region. It is a multifaceted and integrated teaching, naturally implementing methods for all human-condition levels: Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana (Tantric Path) and Ati Yoga (Dzogchen). Tibetan Buddhism - Distinguishing characteristics. Tibetan Buddhism may be distinguished from other schools of Tantric ...

Including:

• Tibetan Buddhism - Distinguishing characteristics
• Tibetan Buddhism - Rituals and ritual objects
• Tibetan Buddhism - Traditions/Orders/Sects of Tibetan Buddhism
• Tibetan Buddhism - Schools/Tenets of Tibetan Buddhism
• Tibetan Buddhism - Monasticism
• Tibetan Buddhism - History of Tibetan Buddhism

Read more here: » Tibetan Buddhism: Encyclopedia - Tibetan Buddhism