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If we are to believe later traditions, and there is in my opinion no reason not to do so, the first Tibetan historiographic writings date from Tibet's imperial period (seventh-ninth centuries), which coincided with her relations with the Nepalese, Indians, Arabs, Turks, Uighurs, 'A zha and, above all, Tang China. Only a fragment of this literary corpus, falling into two broad classes, has survived.
The Popol Vuh is a Colonial period K'iche' Mayan text that is considered to be the bible of Mayan civilization. It was transscribed by the Dominican priest Francisco Ximénez in or near 1701. It chronicles the creation of humankind, the actions of the gods, the origin and history of the K’iche’ people, and the chronology of their kings to 1550. Although written during the period of Chistianization, it is considered by scholars to be an invaluable source of knowledge about Preclassic and Classic period Mayan mythology and culture. The text itself appears to be based on an earlier but now lost version, written in K’iche’ by a Mayan author (or authors) sometime between 1554 and 1558....
In the following essays, Dreyfus provides us with a wonderful introduction to the Tibetan monastic educational system, discussing such topics as memorization, commentary, the educational curriculum, the theory and practice of debate, the schedule of monastic educational institutions, and finally the different geshé degrees awarded.1 Dreyfus’s years of experience as a scholastic monk in the Geluk tradition make his account detailed and accurate. At the same time, his first-hand familiarity with the tradition shines through in every section. His work is especially valuable in dispelling many of the myths surrounding life in Tibet’s great monastic academies.
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A summary of the three types of dzong encountered in Bhutan.
If we are to believe later traditions, and there is in my opinion no reason not to do so, the first Tibetan historiographic writings date from Tibet's imperial period (seventh-ninth centuries), which coincided with her relations with the Nepalese, Indians, Arabs, Turks, Uighurs, 'A zha and, above all, Tang China. Only a fragment of this literary corpus, falling into two broad classes, has survived.
In the following essays, Dreyfus provides us with a wonderful introduction to the Tibetan monastic educational system, discussing such topics as memorization, commentary, the educational curriculum, the theory and practice of debate, the schedule of monastic educational institutions, and finally the different geshé degrees awarded.1 Dreyfus’s years of experience as a scholastic monk in the Geluk tradition make his account detailed and accurate. At the same time, his first-hand familiarity with the tradition shines through in every section.
Before one eats the food, one should first offer it to others, particularly to enlightened beings who are worthy of such offering. One can do that by putting a small portion, representing the cream of the food (phue) in front of a shrine. Bhutanese call this toh phue for food, jah phue for tea and chang phue for alcohol.
This piece was initially published in Bhutan’s national newspaper Kuensel in a series called "Why we do what we do".
An introduction to torma, or ritual cakes, including lists of their various types and functions.
An overview of trashi songs, sung at the closing of events to cultivate auspiciousness.
A summary of Treldha Tshechu, one of the festivals held in Bhutan that celebrates Padmasambhava's miraculous birth.
An introduction to the functions and constituent parts of thruechu, a mix of water and various substances used for purification throughout Bhutan and the Himalayas.
A translation of verses chanted during thruesol (ablution), as well as the methods and functions of these visualizations.
An introduction describing the traditional domain of Tshanglakha, also known as Sharchopikha.
An overview of the tsangmo poetic genre, which can be used to express love and friendship as well as critisicm and distaste.
A summary of the Three Roots of Himalayan Buddhism, constituted of the guru, the yidam and the dakini, from the Bhutanese perspective.
An introduction to tshechu, festivals held on the tenth day of every lunar month that are dedicated to celebrating the life events of Guru Rinpoche.
A view on the roles of cypress in conceptions of Bhutanese history and religion.
The process and functions of longevity rituals known as tshewang.
A translation of the Seven Line Supplication Prayer to Guru Rinpoche and an outline of its functions and purposes.
Taken from url: http://places.kmaps.virginia.edu/descriptions/1216.xml
A summary of thugdam, one's personal practices, and how thugdam can lead one to enlightenment during the process of corporeal death.