By now you have probably noticed that infinity jewelry is practically everywhere. It comes attached to bracelets, hangs on the chest as pendants and it even decorates wedding bands. If you want to understand the reasons behind its popularity, please keep reading.

The infinity symbol’s origins go back to the beginnings of human civilization. Ancient rock carvings with symbols resembling what looks like the number eight in a horizontal position have been found in Tibet. The Ouroboros, a symbol depicting a snake-like creature, has been found in Ancient Egypt and Greece. The creature constantly appears continuously devouring its tail and being born from itself, a cyclic rebirth not too different from that of the phoenix. Not strictly an infinity symbol, the Celtic knot is made up of intertwined loops with no apparent beginning or end. The physical appearance of these knots, just as the infinity symbol, is a direct hint to their endless nature. In regards to religion, the infinity symbol appears wrapped around a Latin cross to represent the eternity of God and the Church. The symbol did not obtain its mathematical meaning until the 17th century when John Wallis, an English mathematician, utilized it to represent a variable taking an infinite value.

So it is not surprising that the shape representing infinity has become a popular jewelry motif. Nowadays, given its usage through the ages, the infinity symbol as a fashion statement most likely stems from what people associate it with the most: an eternal state of being. And that’s because people tend to associate infinity to positive things, such as an everlasting love or friendship. The infinity symbol can also represent the hope for an endless state or belief such a long life or infinite faith. Also in the view of modern mysticism, the infinity symbol stands for a new kind of futuristic thought that seeks to unite mind and body in a quest for harmony and serenity.

Without a doubt, infinity jewelry today is used for its strong connection to the power of true love. That is the kind of love that most of us want to share with that special person in our lives, a love that endures all things, but more importantly never dwindles and always hopes. Receiving an infinity pendant as a gift is a constant reminder of the unwavering love our wives, husbands or mothers will always feel for us. Infinity rings are becoming popular wedding bands for lovers on their special day, as they are a constant reminder their love should continue forever strong. Additionally, infinity bracelets of various materials are popular gifts among friends. The bracelets either prominently display a single infinity symbol or feature small charms hanging from it.

The simplicity of the shape of the infinity symbol doesn’t seem to correlate with its almost endless array of meanings. The number of feelings we can convey with a single piece of jewelry is simply amazing. It is up to you to decide what it means to you personally when buying or receiving one of these pieces of symbolic jewelry.

1. Understand why you need to buy buddha statues.

It will help you to choose the right one among the hundreds of different kinds of buddha statues. More than listening to anyone else or any other belief you should listen to your soul. Basic reason to buy buddha is to help yourself achieve your inner peace. Worshiping the buddha statues will help us remember, understand and practice Buddha’s teachings. Ultimately by breaking out of never ending cycle of life after death, the state of Nirvana can be achieved by practicing buddhism with the help of Vipassana meditation.

It depends on your choice of taking the path to achieving what you desire. If you want to experience a joy of life, happy buddha or laughing buddha might be the appropriate one. If you wish to tame your mind with meditation techniques, you might want to buy meditating buddha statues. If however, You simply love and want to appreciate the artwork they can serve as the proper ambience to your living room or showroom.

Trying to find such answer will help you much to find the right one ultimately.

2. Learn to distinguish the buddhist statues from other religious statues.

Hindu Deities look similar to Buddhist statues but there are huge differences in their meaning. There are many ways to recognize buddhist statues. One of the ways is to look at body positions and other is to observe hand gestures. Hands resting on the lap symbolizes meditating buddha.Right hand touching the earth represents shakyamuni buddha, the enlightened one.

3. Be careful where you buy it from.

You have to be very careful to buy Buddha statues. Before considering buying you have to know where the Buddha statue is originally made. To ensure the genuine statue one should avoid the replica of original art. Please be informed that the genuine artisans who make these statues are originally from Nepal. From Nepal the art of making the statues is exported to Tibet, where it gained major popularity. You may say Buddha statues are originally from Tibet but the root to making one is descended from Nepal. Newar artisans, Shakya Artisans to be specific are the original masters from whom the art is being descended for generations. Click here for the buddha statues from Nepal.

4. Judgement of Quality by observing face painting.

Face is the single most important factor to look for while buying one. The finer the face painting of the buddha better the quality of the statue.If you choose to buy golden buddha the face is primarily painted with 24 k gold by specialist artist. On top of that fine outlining of eyes, nose and tika is done. The overall face should portray compassion, looking at which should invoke respect for buddha within us naturally.

5. Never forget to look at the ears.

Always check the long ears which signifies the true artistry behind. Genuine buddha statues should have long ears.

6. Check the carvings on the body of the Buddha

Carvings on the body of the statue speak volumes about the quality of the Buddha. High quality Buddha statues have fine carvings which is the delicate artwork of specialist artists. These artists are specially located in Patan, Nepal.

7. Different types of Buddha statues

You should decide what kind of statue is appropriate for you. There are Golden Buddha, Oxidized Buddha, Antique Buddha, Wooden Buddha, Jade Buddha, Copper Buddha, Bronze Buddha etc.

8. Fill Buddha Statues with Mantras (Holy Chantings)

In the context of buddhism empty statue in your house without mantras inside will decrease long life, peace, health and wealth. Whereas filling it with mantras blesses you with good fortunes, peace, prosperity and happiness. Filling it with mantras and make a statue, the enlightened one. You should Look for possibility to insert the mantras in the statues. Statues specially made in China or India are not designed for filling the mantras inside where as statues made in Nepal are designed specifically for mantras to be inserted.You can even ask the vendor to bless the statue by a Monk in local Buddhist Monastery when buying.

Children love to play. Who can deny it? So why not use this universal characteristic to provide and promote English language learning as well? If you do, you can hardly go wrong. What child is going to say, “Teacher, I don’t want to play”? Sure, it’s ultimately possible – but so is a force five tornado in South America or an “Armageddon-level earthquake in Tibet. Just don’t hold your breath while you’re waiting.

Toys of all types and kinds are available worldwide. Why not turn this to your advantage to motivate your young learners? For that matter, your not-so-young learners could benefit too; especially those learners who are “young at heart”, for those of you who might be teaching adult learners. Let’s look at some “realia” or “toys” that are commonly available and could be called into play. (pun intended)

o Stuffed animals and dolls –

A perennial learner favorite even my most mature adult students give up an “Awww”, whenever I whip out the likes of Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, Tigger, rabbit, puppy, Teddy or others of my stuffed animal menagerie. You can simulate conversations, use them to illustrate prepositions of place and position, as turn-taking devices or to “replace” learners in a game or activity. They (the stuffed animals) don’t mind being tossed around either.

o Soft rubber or inflated ball –

How a classroom could function without at least one of these is beyond me. One learner can “select” another in a mill drill, TPR or group activity by simply tossing the ball to someone else. That way the teacher won’t “play favorites” during the activity. A ball can be used in a relay fashion to signal the next learner in a sequence or game. If it’s dropped or mis-handled, no problem, it just bounces a couple of times or so before returning to the game. Neat, huh?

o Cars, trucks and other Vehicles –

Learners can “drive” to places in a neighborhood, from one part of the room to another or from one position on a game board to another. Small ones can serve as place markers in a board game, while larger ones can be used as props in dialogues, role plays and conversations. Don’t forget about using them for grammar and verb practice activities either. And oh yes, girls as well as boys like them too. Adults? Well I have to watch my vehicle props carefully or the adult learners will “steal” them!

o Board games –

You really only need a small selection of board games if you have even a shred of imagination. Two or three will work nicely. Some all-time favorites are ones like “Scrabble”, “Monopoly”, “Checkers” and “Chess” which both use the same alternately colored squares board. Use the boards to “create” your own games too. Don’t forget a deck or two of Playing Cards either. No, not for Poker, but for simpler, faster-playing games like “War”, “Fish” or “21” (numbers – not Blackjack!)

Please note:

I’m not a proponent of using guns or simulations of firearms of any type in the classroom – not even water pistols. No bats, hitting, or aggressive behavior promoting realia of any type normally enters my learning environments. True you can get aggressive behavior from some of the toys I’ve mentioned, but it’s easily squashed or put down without too much trouble. I just explain to the learners what’s allowed and what’s not. This of course, is by no means an exhaustive list. I’m sure you’ll come up with many of your own locally-available favorites for use in your classroom. In fact, if you have some unusual or unique realia that you use, I’d love to hear about it.

Drop me a line at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com.

And good luck.

Over 70 million Americans suffer from digestive diseases. Digestive disorders can be very painful, and if left untreated can lead into more serious problems. Eating a natural healthy diet will prevent most of these disorders. Tibet Authentic Goji berries have the nutrients and antioxidants to fight the toxins that cause digestive diseases.

Disorders of the Digestive Tract and How Goji Berries Help

• Gastroenteritis is when the digestive tract becomes inflamed and irritated. This will cause abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. The cause is usually toxins such as bacteria, allergens in foods, parasites or drugs. Eating Goji berries will help fight off these toxins and will help prevent this disorder.

• Gastritis is inflammation of your stomach lining. Just like the gastroenteritis, you will experience abdominal pain. Your diet plays a big part in this disease.

With the antioxidants, Goji berries have helped in the treatment of gastritis.

• Ulcers can develop in the stomach, esophagus or small intestines. The cause can be bacterial or by certain pain medications. Ulcers cause a lot of pain and possible bleeding. Stress can aggravate the problem. A special diet and certain medications are usually prescribed. Goji berries have the specific anti-inflammatory SOD enzyme that reduces the inflammation caused by ulcers.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome is when the muscles in the intestines do not work properly. This can cause abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea. Stress can also bring on irritable bowel syndrome. A high fiber, low fat diet is usually prescribed. Goji berries help relieve stress, which can help in the prevention of the irritable bowel.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is caused by stomach acid backflow into the esophagus. A weakness in the muscle that acts as a valve between the stomach and the esophagus. This causes what is known as heartburn. The acid can cause major damage to the esophagus if left untreated. Usually people that are overweight suffer from GERD. Goji berries help with weight loss, and along with exercise will help prevent the acid reflux.

Treatment for tinnitus is a treatment for which many people search for these days. This problem often can go undiagnosed for a considerable time as it may come and go and alter in severity. Usually it presents itself as a non stop or irregular clicking, whirring, or ringing sound in the ears even when there is no external source.

It is a problem that can take a real toll even on the most mentally strong individually. If the condition is severe then the constant white noise can be an irritation that seriously effects quality of life.

Treatment for tinnitus: Fortunately, today there are a number of options when it comes to addressing the problem. You need to decide whether to go for a natural or orthodox approach. If you have a busy schedule and the condition comes and goes then you may not feel it is necessary to make an appointment in a health centre.

There are plenty of natural approaches that can bring relief. Recent research has discovered two new treatments that have proved successful in studies. Music therapy can be used to actually stimulate an improvement in the blood flow and tissue in the inner ear. As yet this is a new approach but it seems as if it will be able to help the majority of tinnitus patients.

Treatment for tinnitus: t has also been discovered that Tibetan Medicine offers a complete cure for the problem. As with many alternative therapies it works by addressing the root cause of the condition through the consumption of a combination of plant and mineral extracts.

Diet can also be altered to bring about a change in extent of the tinnitus. Try to reduce coffee and sugars and drink more fresh fruit juice.

If over time the problem does not improve then you could choose an over the counter remedy which will may have a better result.

I ended up in the small incense bazar at Indra Chowk crossroads in Kathmandu, as I remembered a number of incense sellers from previous days of wandering around the city. The simple wooden booths were simple and functional with no frills. Western tourist generally never buy anything here, as it is a local bazaar for Nepali people and not in a tourist center. It has some proximity to Durbar Square which used to be the Hippie tourist center in the 60’s, but few tourist stay there now. The tourist center had moved some years ago to the Thamel neighborhood across town and Durbar square was being slowly abandoned.

Be that as it may, I preferred to stay in the Durbar (Palace) Square area because of the old King’s palace and magnificent Pagota Temples. It is atmospheric beyond belief although a little funky with no real quality hotels or restaurants. I’m always willing to sacrifice comfort for culture, so it’s only Durbar Square for me.

The incense sellers didn’t speak english, but that has never been a barrier to making a deal. There are many tribes in Nepal with different dress & languages. These groups regularly converge on Kathmandu to find things in the market bazaar to take back to their villages. Hense sign language is commonly used for bargaining in the bazar. I had become familiar with it.

I had been in Nepal for a couple months. By this time, I had also learned a few thing about barter and could get the price down a bit with the old walk away technique. A Nepali seller in the bazar will never miss an opportunity for making some money from a customer. He will put on the most sad face, look depressed and say that he’s losing money, but in the end if you walk away you will get your price. Generally about 10 convincing steps will do.

Don’t worry, they never loose money. It took me the longest time to figure out that it was a bargaining tool for them to faint loss.

The great advantage that I had was Nepali’s are convinced that westerners can’t bargain, so when you walk away they really believe you are leaving. In truth, I’m sure I have never made a deal as good as a Nepali person could, but I do better then most westerners. Bargaining is an art and very enjoyable to most bazar sellers.

Westerners fail to realize that bargaining is a social institution, not just to make more money on a deal, but because they enjoy the game. It test your merit and resolve, not to mention acting skills. A good bargain will often attract a hundred or more spectators in the market place especially if it involves a westerner. We are a source of non-stop entertainment.

I picked out a number of different incense varieties to try. All of them were Tibetan. A large portion of Nepal was Tibet historically and the cultures are well blended especially after the Chinese invasion of Tibet. Now large number of Tibetan refugees living in Kathmandu. There are also some major Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal like Bodinath & Syambu Stupas that have been there for centuries.

As it is, Tibetans seem to be the producers of most of the incense and that what I wanted anyway. Here on my first trip to Nepal I had a cornucopia of crafts and exotic product to choose for export. How does one decide? What would I specialize in?

The answer was simple. It came from a intuition and a commitment to the Buddhist precept of ‘Right Livelihood’. I wanted to follow my Dharma (natural life direction) and do something that related to my life. I therefore decided to focus on exporting Tibetan Sacred and Ritual items which were attuned to my Spiritual practices. As a long time meditator involved in Eastern Spirituality, it felt good to focus on Buddhist oriented merchandise and nothing was more basic then Tibetan Incense.

I took the incense samples back to my humble room in the City View Hotel (which didn’t have a view) and burned them over the next few days.

Tibetan Incense is very different then Indian Incense. I’ve seen them make Indian Incense. You may be surprised to know that the main ingredient is cow dung on a wood stick. Yes, cow shit! It is used as a bace for Indian incense and then you dip it in a perfumed oil for the aroma. The oils are often derived from synthetic chemicals.

In contrast, Tibetan Incense has no stick. It is pure herbs from the Himalayan mountains. When you burn it the scent is spicy, not sweet. The herbs are chosen for specific Spiritual Qualities that they invoke, rather then for aroma alone.

Some of the herbs in Tibetan Incense are for clearing a space of negative influences. Other herbs are to create a calm feeling for meditation. The most popular one these days is the herbal Tibetan Healing Incense formula that was found in the ancient Tibetan Medical Scriptures.

Almost all the incense samples I choose from the Bazar had merit, so I ordered several dozen of each variety. In fact, I ordered so much that I had to employ a couple of porters to carry the incense back to my export agent for packing.

It’s funny how it worked out. The first time, I hired a couple of old men with skinny legs to carry these big bundles. I bargained them to about 10 rupees (5 cents) to carry the bundles about a mile. No, I’m not a cheap skate, that was actually their normal rate.

When we got to the cargo I paid the porters double, which strangely enough freaked them out and made them very uncomfortable. A cultural mistake on my part and confusing to them. Weird, but true. Don’t mess with people cultural reality. In Nepal, people know the value of a rupee and it’s not to be thrown around lightly. It was a lesson for me. These were hard working men and they didn’t expect a handout or tip. I think I insulted them.

As the incense business grew I was finding more creative ways to bring the incense to my cargo agent. The next time I hired an ox cart and rode a top the pile of incense like a Maharaja. It was fun, but a bit embarrassing.

Finally, as our quantities grew, I came up with the idea that they could deliver it to the cargo agent. Why didn’t I think of that sooner? I also started having the cargo agents pay the vendors, rather them me carry around loads of cash. People in Nepal do not use check or credit cards. Things were getting easier.

A few years down the road, a Tibetan friend of mine named Sonam told me to visit Lucky Incense Store in the Thamel to buy Tibetan Incense directly. This small narrow space turned out to be the source of Tibetan Healing Incense.

Up until now all of my business had been through the cargo agent who bought from the street bazar vendors. I never thought of looking for the source. Another oversite on my part, as I was now importing thousands of packs of incense on a regular basis.

Lucky Incense was run by a father and son team. The son would run the shop since his english was good. He was a cheerful and pleasant Tibetan boy about seventeen named Tsewang Norbu. His father was kind of a suspicious dour gentlemen with a weary looking face. I explained to his son that I was actually the biggest buyer of the Healing Incense and would like to go directly with him.

Tsewang was happy to reveal that his uncle Pasang Yonten Arya Tendi Sherpa was the Tibetan Doctor who actually found the Healing Incense formula in the ancient Tibetan Medical Scriptures.

I placed a large incense order with Tsewang and had to explain convincingly to his father that I was ‘for real’. His father didn’t expect such good fortune and was refusing to believe that I was the person responsible for selling so much of there Tibetan Healing Incense. It was interesting for me to see how much a person can color there reality to not accept good fortune, even if the name of their shop is “Lucky Incense”.

Tsewang gave me the address and email of his famous uncle. I was thrilled to be able to contact Dr. Arya to find our more about how he discovered Tibetan Healing Incense.

Upon, my return to America my first business was to contact Dr. Arya. He had previously been in Dharamsala, India working & studying at the Tibetan Medical Institute of the Tibetan Government in Exile. Now, Dr. Arya was practicing Tibetan Medicine in Italy. I sent him an email to ask for his story.

Dr. Arya sent me a cautious reply wanting to know more about me before consenting to tell me about his self. I didn’t bother with any business or marketing credentials to glorify our success with his Healing Incense. He was a Tibetan Doctor, so what does he care about business?

I wrote him details of my Spiritual credentials. I told him of the years of daily Meditation and Buddhist studies. I gave him the website to look over and told him that we contribute to many Tibetan relief organizations.

That satisfied Dr. Arya and a rich tapestry of his life unfolded through magic of cyberspace. Here is a brief summary:

Dr. Pasang Yonten Arya Tendi Sherpa was born in a village called Dolpo in Kyidong Valley of Tibet in 1955. He escaped to Nepal over the dangerous mountain pass of Rasuwa Ghiri when he was only 10 years old in 1965.

Dr. Arya’s traditional Tibetan education and Buddhist Spiritual practices were under the Tutelage of the Enlightened Master Geshe Gowo Lopsang Tenzin. As he grew older and more accomplished his master sent him to study at the Tibetan Medical Institute in Dharamsala, India where the His Holiness The Tibetan Dalai Lama has his residence.

In Dharamsala, Dr. Arya studied the Tibetan Healing Arts with his new masters: Prof. Barshee Phuntsog Wangyel, Dr. Jamyan Tashi and Lady Dr. Lopsang Dolma. By the age of 23 he attained a degree in Medicine and Astrology and then went to advanced studies in Tibetan Pharmacology. It was here that he discovered the formula for Tibetan Healing Incense while studying the ancient Tibetan Medical Scriptures. Tibetan Healing Incense was born.

Dr. Arya went on to write books on Tibetan Medicine and founded The New Yuthok Institute of Tibetan Medicine in Milan, Italy in 1999, where he now resides and works. He is an amazing person and has instrumental in bringing the wisdom of Tibetan Culture to the world.

As for our part, we redesigned the package of Dr. Arya’s Tibetan Healing Incense to make it a little more distinctive. The original pack was very plain with small block letters as if it came off a shelf in a pharmacy. We only made simple tasteful changes to the package design. We wanted to maintain the Tibetan Healing Incense original character and not glamorize it in a Western marketing style.

Our marketing program could be summed up as happenstance. I knew a couple of people in the Incense business. One was Incense Works in Hawaii and the other was Prasad Gifts in the Midwest.

I went to see David the owner of Incense Works while I was on vacation. David is a laid back old hippie with a great business sense. He had developed the largest incense wholesale business in America and still lived in paradise on the island of Maui. You got to admire his style!

We visited his warehouse in the Kahalui industrial park on Maui. David was an amiable open minded person and we struck a deal. I think David is one of those people who bases his decisions on personal relationships. Stopping by to see him made it easy for us to connect personally. It made all the difference. We were very like minded people and happy to do business together.

Incense Works has sold the Tibetan Healing Incense & others ever since to around 3000 stores. David once told me he could get the incense directly and he has lots of other suppliers for similar product, but the reason he buys from us, is that we make it easy. On another occasion, one of Incense Works managers passed on a comment that David told him. He said, he likes us because were plain “Good People”. I think that’s an honorable reason to work with someone. I wish we all had the same motivation to put relationships ahead of pure hardcore business.

How many times has some one done something wrong and tried to explain that “It’s not personal, just business.” What kind of world have we created from that philosophy? It’s it time to reverse that idea and make all business personal, dharma oriented,….. and as Buddha prescribes in his Eight Fold Path to Enlightenment: “Right Livelihood”

Prasad Gifts was a bit more reluctant to do the Tibetan Incense. They told me “no” initially and I have no idea what changed their minds. I accepted that “no” and that was the end of it for me, but I think I must have mentioned that Incense Works of Hawaii was doing well with it.

Buddhist non-attachment makes it easy to be very casual with no hard sell. I think that’s probably what opened the door for us at Prasad. We let existence happen and pretty soon got a call back with a big order for Tibetan Incense.

Sometime being a non-aggressive Buddhist businessman mays seem self defeating. It may not seem like the fastest road to success. It may even seem counter productive, but I guess that it depends on what kind of success your looking for. Letting go is not much of a marketing plan, but it works pretty good and was really stress free.

If you believe life is a struggle, then maybe fighting is your dharma, but I don’t think that’s true for most people. It’s just the world has conditioned us to struggle. We have an opportunity now to take it to a higher level.

Prasad Gifts distributed our Tibetan Healing Incense to about 2000 stores and it was very well received.

Tibetan Healing Incense is now the most popular Tibetan Incense in the world. It outsells every other type of Tibetan Incense two to one.

It did not get that way through clever strategy or manipulative marketing. It got that way through following Dharma and practicing ‘Right Livelihood’. How short is life and how precious time. Consider using it in a new way.

All the Sages, Saints, and Prophets say the same thing: You Create Your Own Reality. We all have an opportunity now to be successful and fulfill Dharma. We don’t have to sacrifice who we are to survive. Buddhism says that it is all inter-related. I have discovered this to be true in my own life and business success. All of existence is backing you when you work with natural law. The universe is just waiting for you to say “Yes” and then the doors will start opening.

Tashi Delek (Good Luck in Tibetan)

The Kathmandu Valley

The valley of Kathmandu is a fertile plain some twenty miles long. It is densely populated with about 1,500 inhabitants per square mile. A trade and cultural center for the entire region and capital of Nepal, Kathmandu is the commercial and administrative center with a population of almost 400,000. It contains over 2,000 temples and shrines dedicated to a variety of religions and is home to many diverse peoples, indeed no less than 36 languages and dialects may be heard in its streets.

This ancient city has historically revolved around the Pagoda of Kasthmandap (The House of Wood). Located near Durbar Square in the heart of Kathmandu, this building marked the intersection of the area’s vital trade routes. Modern Kathmandu is actually two distinct cities with different styles of architecture. The “Old City” lies to the west and flanks the Tundhikhel, a large open field used primarily as a parade ground. The newer area to the east, where modern and western architecture is rapidly growing and new building surrounding the old and new cities and Patan across the river to the south, is expanding to form a very large metropolis.

To the west of Kathmandu, in the shadow of the Annapurna Massif, lies the small town of Pokhara. Its secluded subtropical valley is overlooked by the awesome Macchapucchare, or Fishtail Peak. Only open to outsiders for a very few years, the town’s growth has been fast and rather haphazard, but it is a confirmed favorite of travelers due to its serene lake and phenomenal views of the Himalayas.

The earliest inhabitants of the Nepal Valley were the Kirats around the 8th century B.C., but the later Newars provided the legends that have formed an integral part of the tradition of Nepal. Of paramount importance to Nepal’s history is Lumbinv, the birthplace of the Buddha. There exists definite archaeological evidence of very early Buddhist influence from the third century B.C. The first documented dynasty is that of Licchavi, which was founded in the 4th century A.D. These were a people originally from the plains of India and of the Hindu religion who created strong trading ties with Tibet and a vital commercial and cultural center in the Nepal valley.

The tenth to the eighteenth century, during the rule of the Malla dynasty, is known as the Middle Period. The first legal and social codes were introduced that were based on Hindu principles. Earthquake and invasion were to leave their scars in the 14th century, but the civilization with its walled towns, paved roads and already entrenched caste system was to withstand invasion by Muslim hordes, division and rivalry between factions and the rule of feudal lords. The Third Malla Dynasty in 1372 saw the dawn of a more settled and secure period. The arts of sculpture and wood carving flourished and territory was acquired, but on the death of King Tayasthiti Malla, division of the kingdom between his children soon caused further disruption and eventually war, which was to last for two centuries.

Sophisticated agricultural methods and new crops introduced during the 17th century improved economy and trade in Nepal. The Malla Dynasty had left a legacy of division resulting in the conquest of Kathmandu by the Shah rulers of Ghorka (located between Pokhara and Kathmandu). The new rulers, while expanding their base, clashed with Tibetan troops and asked for help from the British East India Company, who at that time (1792) were establishing British Rule in India. Help was too late in coming, however, and Nepal was invaded by Chinese troops who exacted regular tribute to the Chinese emperor which continued until 1912.

At the beginning of the 19th century a trade agreement was signed with the British. Nepal then steadily expanded its borders which resulted in disputes with the British. The “Treaty of Friendship” in 1816 actually resulted in loss of territory for Nepal and checked further expansion. In retaliation for this treaty (in which they had little choice) the Nepalese closed their borders to foreigners and established a standing army. Gurkhas, the soldiers of Nepal, were so impressive they have formed an important addition to the British Army through two world wars and many other fields of action.

During the year of 1846 Tung Bahadur Rana, an army general, took advantage of unrest at the palace and had himself declared the Prime Minister and later Maharajah. He established a century long oligarchy which was much influenced by England. Some reforms were instituted, but the standard of living of the rulers contrasted blatantly with the life of most of the inhabitants of Nepal.

After World War II many major events took place worldwide, some of which had profound effect on Nepal. India, freed of British rule, expanded its borders to the Himalayas. China annexed Tibet, causing a massive influx of refugees into Nepal. Tensions within the government between democratic and authoritarian factions and interference from India resulted in the removal of the despotic Ranas and the return, with India’s backing, of the rightful King Tribhuvan.

During the reign of his son, King Mahendra, a parliamentary system and a constitution were established but were terminated within a year (in 1960) as usurping the power of the monarch. A new constitution with limited powers and under the control of the sovereign was instituted in 1962. In 1979, under the rule of King Birendra, rioting broke out in Kathmandu and a referendum was ordered to determine a system of government. Elections were held and the constitution was amended, though the king was to continue to have a great deal of authority and to rule the people much as before.

Kathmandu

The valley had for eons been the home of the gopalas, or cowherds, and of transient tribes. When the Mallas came to power in 1200, they brought their artisans and master builders who created the early monasteries, temples and houses which may still be seen today. Early Newar settlements were located on ridges, leaving valuable bottom land for agriculture. Houses were of tile and brick and the streets were paved.

During the 18th century the Gorkhas united Nepal and established their capital at Kathmandu. The medieval town they built is the core of the modern-day city. The labyrinth of streets and alleys has both an aesthetic and functional order with surprise glimpses of beautiful facades, fountains and statuary at every turn. The details are overwhelming where centuries of artists, carpenters, sculptors and builders have expressed themselves in every nook and cranny.

The center of Kathmandu, Durbar Square, has over fifty monuments and temples within its confines and during festivals is the place where the whole valley seems to congregate. Even when there is no festival the square teems with children, vegetable hawkers, farmers, sellers of cheap goods and the rickshaw and taxi traffic of the city.

To the west of the square is an area called Maru Tole where the 12th century Kasthamandap still stands. Originally a meeting place, it was subsequently dedicated as a temple to Goraknath, whose sealed statue rests inside.

Another place of interest in this vicinity is the Fagannath Temple, a 17th century building known for its erotic carvings. Adjacent to this may be seen a huge relief of Black Bhairav, a fearsome god of horrendous appearance supporting a headdress and garland of human skulls and holding in its three pairs of arms an array of weapons and a severed head.

At the northwestern corner of the square lies the Kot, an open courtyard where in 1846 the forefather of the Rana Dynasty, Tung Bahadur Rana, massacred a good percentage of the aristocracy of Nepal prior to overtaking the country.

Northeast along the ancient diagonal “road to Tibet” lies the commercial center of Indra Chowk, traditionally used by the sellers of textiles, now a kaleidoscope of every kind of product and produce. The four and five-story elegant though time-worn houses look down upon the mass of brightly dressed shoppers, and the smells of the spices and the songs of caged canaries assail the senses.

However one may try, it would be impossible to describe all the temples and towers, shops and markets and all the other wonders of Kathmandu. It must be experienced in all its color and variety and inimitable style.

The Mountain People of Nepal

For centuries the Nepalese people have scraped a living from the unforgiving slopes of the Himalayas. They have grown their meager crops on precipitous terraces and cut the stabilizing trees from the slopes for their fires. But only 10% of the land in Nepal is suitable for crops and the removal of trees has caused erosion to assume catastrophic proportions.

Land reform in the mid-1960s was largely unsuccessful, so that in 1976 cooperatives were organized though these, too, are slow to effect improvement. One successful aspect of Nepalese country life has been the frequency with which new schools have been built, resulting in a literacy rate of 25% as opposed to the previous negligible percentage.

The Himalayan Trust, financed by Sir Edmund Hillary (the first person to conquer Mt. Everest), has been responsible not only for the building of schools, but for clinics, hospitals and landing strips. The health of the mountain people with their poor diet and smoky and unsanitary houses has benefitted greatly from these facilities.

Rural poverty is a major problem in Nepal. Lack of food, medical care and adequate shelter and sanitation are responsible for the high mortality rate, especially among the children. Many hill farmers cannot produce enough food to feed their families and must spend part of the year looking for part-time work which is hard to find. One answer has been to migrate to the more abundant Terai, which is now showing the strain of excess population, or to India where the situation is not much better. Population continues to grow at a staggering rate despite much loss of life. The awesome terrain preludes exploitation of the mineral resources of the Himalayas and what industry exists in Nepal is mainly restricted to the Terai.

Centuries of tree removal for domestic fires and building have created an erosion problem which has resulted in the loss of much necessary agricultural land in Nepal. Work is being done both by the government and outside agencies to encourage the villagers to plant and tend trees; new plantations may be seen, often the work of school children, protected by wind-blown prayer wheels to ensure their strong growth.

Nepal is primarily dependent on India for trade, a necessity which sometimes causes unease among the population. India, together with China and to a great extent America and Britain, have provided aid in many spheres from family planning to road building.

Buddhism is the primary religion of the mountains, but many ancient beliefs predominate. A melting pot of many races, cultures, languages and religions, the Nepali people coexist in relative harmony though often quite isolated from one another, especially outside of the towns.

The best known people of the Himalayas are undoubtedly the Sherpas — a name synonymous with the Everest expeditions. These are a people of the high mountains and, while some have found prosperity as trekking guides and mountaineers, the majority are poor, raising yaks and goats and trading throughout the mountains from India to Tibet. They subsist on grain and potatoes grown during the short season and tea flavored with yak butter. The houses are small with little ventilation and no sanitation. They migrated from Tibet centuries ago bringing their animistic religion, their prayer wheels and banners, and establishing shrines of stone tablets. The unique headdresses of horns and fans may be seen during ceremonials, together with incredible masks and embroidered costumes, as the village invokes the protection of the gods and deliverance from demons for another year. Gifts of flour and butter are given and, over all, the sacred smoke of juniper pervades the village.

Another group of mountain people are the Thakalis who originally were salt traders plying between India and Tibet. This group has found a certain measure of affluence by expanding into many fields as organized family groups, pooling resources and knowledge to successfully run construction companies and businesses. Their villages are visibly more prosperous, some even have running water.

The Tamang, or Horse Traders, are small farmers who excel in carpentry and basket weaving. Their gompas (monasteries) are Tibetan in style and very numerous, though some of the more northerly Tamangs follow the Bonpo religion which actually predates Buddhism in Tibet. Polygamy is sometimes encountered, being heavily dependent on the financial ability of the man to sustain an extended family.

The people of the temperate middle hills are often referred to as Gurkhas (from the kingdom of Gorkha), but this does not denote a single ethnic group. Included in this designation are the Magars, hill peasants with a definite reputation for skill in warfare. Found throughout the hills of central and western Nepal, they are a Tibeto-Burman race which have adapted totally to their present location. The caste system exists in Nepal incorporating the Brahmans, Chetris, the occupational castes and untouchables much as in India. However, many deviations have occurred, many for pragmatic reasons and are quite acceptable in the society.

Tibetan influences on Nepal can be traced throughout its history, but the refugees seen in Kathmandu fled there when China annexed Tibet. Many Tibetans have relocated near Pokhara. The Tibetan community in Kathmandu numbers around 12,000. There are several Buddhist monasteries near the Bodnath and Swayanbhunath Stupas. Southwest of Patan is Jwalkhel, the largest refugee camp and a center for Tibetan handicrafts.

Shilajit is perhaps the most potent rejuvenator and anti aging block buster ever known to mankind. Attributed with many magical properties Shilajit is found predominately in the himalayan region bordering India and Tibet. The existence and use of Shilajit was a closely guarded secret of Yogis of himalayas for many centuries. The Indian Yogis considered it as a God’s gift and nectar of longevity. Ancient Indian scriptures mention it’s wonderful powers in tackling most of the ailments of body and mind.

Shilajit generally speaking is a concentrated historic plant life essentially from the Himalayan region. Himalayan region encompassing India, China, Tibet and parts of central Asia was home to rich plant life right from the prehistoric times. The plants absorbed various nutrients and minerals from the soil to form rich and green vegetation. The life of trees and plants there extended to many hundred and even thousands of years. After their time the plants returned back to earth along with the minerals. This process continued over a period of many centuries. These remains of the plant life in the specific climatic condition and altitude of Himalayas formed the mineral pitch known as Shilajit .

SHILAJIT contains more than 85 minerals in Ionic form and Fulvic Acid. In Sanskrit the literal meaning of Shilajit is “Rock Like” – the power to make our body like a rock enabling it to withstand the ravages of time. Shilajit has the unparalleled powers of arresting and reversing the aging process. Indian Yogis on seeing the powers of Shilajit considered Shilajit to have divine powers capable of healing the body of virtually any ailments and above all preserve our youthfulness.

Ancient Chinese and Indian literature mention of Shilajit as nectar or Elixir of evergreen life and fountain of youth. Indian Yogis widely used Shilajit. It is not uncommon to find many Indian Yogis even aged 100 years in Himalayan regions having similar stamina and body structure of a youth.

All dog breeds are the results of converging evolutionary factors and interbreeding. Some breeds are man-manufactured and some are naturally made, there is hardly any influence on their form and function from the ability of natural selection. For example, the Bulldog breed was a “backward” breed and bred to create a long-legged, more livelier version of the original dog breed.

Of the Tibetan breeds, the Lhasa Apso, the Tibetan terrier, is more a product of evolution rather than human influence. Of the five recognized Tibetan breeds; the Tibetan Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Do-Khyi (Tibetan Mastiff), Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu, the Lhasa is the one breed most directly influenced by the harsh Himalayan-Tibetan climate conditions.

There are many reasons why this happened. Firstly, the Tibetans only began to selectively breed the Lhasas around 800-years ago in the city of Lhasa, capital city and home to the Dalai Lamas. However, the breed traces its origins some 2,000 years ago in the Tibetan environment.

Secondly, historians highly speculate whether these Tibetans actually attempted the sophisticated practice of selective breeding that is so popular today. Early Tibetans were hunters and herders who depended on Tibetan dogs to hunt, protect flocks and serve as watchdogs and companions to humans. The natural tendencies of Tibetan breeds, fashioned by evolutionary forces, were more than enough for for ensuring survival tasks faced by the Tibetans.

Thirdly, the physical form of a Lhasa Apso has remained largely unchanged from its original form, because it is still able to conserve heat when necessary. Cold adapted animals have bodies with a higher muscle and fat ratio, in comparison to bone mass of other breeds that have had to adapt to a warmer environment.

The amount of heat produced by an animal is directly proportional to its weight or volume. The larger the body, the more heat it produces. What is known, is that heat loss is also proportional to the body’s surface area, the more surface there is, the faster heat is lost. Conserving heat is a function of the ratio of body mass in relation to area, the one with the most surface will lose heat more quickly.

Because the body of a Lhasa Apso is shorter and rounded, it has less surface area than a longer-legged, equal in weight, warmer environment cousins. Those same forces also govern body type; people of Eskimo lineage have shorter, stouter bodies and less surface mass than an equally weighted Equatorial person who has a longer, leaner body and a higher surface area. In short, to limit loss of heat in the cold, an animal is better served by a body that is as compact and short-legged as possible.

Nature has adapted the body of a Lhasa Apso to suit the hills and villages of the Himalayan Highlands. This breed is built for stamina, not speed, for walking, jumping and climbing, and not like the bodies of other dog breeds.

A land of freezing winds and burning hot sunlight, a cold desert in the rain shadow of the awe inspiring Great Himalayas – welcome to Ladakh. Little Tibet’ or, ‘the moonland’ or ‘the last Shangri La’ these are all names that have been given to the cold dry and harsh land of Ladhak. Slight rain and snow reaches this dry area, where nature has created an improbable landscape. Ladakh is bounded by two of the world’s most impressive mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karokaram, Surrounded by rugged mountains this land is utterly different from the green landscape of many parts of the Himalayas.

Ladakh which forms a part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India is made up of two administrative districts – Leh and Kargil. It covers a total area of about 59,000 square kilometers and is allied ethnologically and geologically with the Tibet region of China, the area has a predominantly Lamaist Buddhist population as it was nominally a dependency of Tibet. After 1531 it was invaded periodically by Muslims from Kashmir; it was annexed to Kashmir in the mid-19th cent. With a population of 10,000 people, mainly Buddhist, some Argoos (Muslim descendants of Yarkandi traders) and a small Christian community, Ladakh bears the distinct stamp of its mixed heritage.

The Tourist Destination

The Ladakh Festival is a regular tourist event on the tourist calendar. Along with the Ladakh festival, adventure tourism figures prominently in Ladakh. A white water river rafting expedition along the 26-kilometre stretch from Fhey to Nimo along the mighty Indus River is the highest point where river rafting is possible in the world. The high altitude and mountains make it an ideal spot for paragliding, mountaineering, trekking and even skiing. Ladakhis are keen sportsmen polo and archery contests are frequently arranged at the village level, which draws all aspiring marksmen. Polo, is played with great gusto reminiscent of the Mongol horsemen, this robust game is far removed from the watered down version seen in today’s polo circuits.

Drass, Kargil, Zanskar, Padum, Sanku, Nubra valleys etc are beautiful places and must be visited when in Ladakh. The sleepy pastoral countryside of Nubra which has recently been thrown open to tourism is located on the Indo-Pak border. In Nubra one sees the co-existence of water, mountain and desert-a rare and thrilling sight.

Leh the Roof

Amidst starkly beautiful and majestic mountains, is Leh, the capital of Ladakh, the roof of the world. It is located in the Indus river valley at a crossroads of the old trading routes from Kashgar, Tibet, and Kashmir situated on the banks of the Indus, at a height of 11,000 feet. It is a stunning and magnificent region, watered by the Zanskar River, which flows into the Indus River just below and surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Leh is a truly beautiful milieu with many attractions and gorgeous surroundings. It is the center of Tibeto-Buddhist Culture for ages. Its colorful gompas have attracted the devout Buddhists from all over the globe. Besides, it is also a favorite hiking place, known for some of the best hikes in the country.

A miniature version of the Potala in Lhasa, the Leh Palace is one of the major attractions in ladakh. The nine-storeyed palace was built by the 17th century illustrious ruler of Ladakh, Sengge Namgyal. It is an imposing structure, now in ruins; it is situated on a hill and commands a grand view of the Leh town. Within the palace are Buddhist wall paintings, centuries old ‘tankas’ or painted scrolls and other artefacts. Above the palace, at the top of the Namgyal hill, is the Victory Tower, built to commemorate Ladakh’s victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century. This palace built for King Singge Namgyal, now houses the Ladakhi branch of the Indian Government’s archaeological conservation organisation. Namgyal Tsemo, the peak overlooking the town, is the ruins of the fortbuilt, by the king Tashi namgyal in the 16th century, as a royal residence.

The mosque, city palace, the bazar and the gompas, are all within walking distance. A memorable sight of the Leh bazar is the group of women, traditionally attired, selling fruits, vegetables and household articles, spinning and knitting, and exchanging gentle banter between themselves and with passers-by.

Shey, Spituk and Phyang monasteries are quite close while Stok, Matho, Thiksey, Stakna, Chernrey, Hemis, Likir, Basgo and Alchi monasteries are all a day’s touring distance. Rumbak and Markha offer exciting treks, while Stok Kangri is the best for a climb. Boating and river running too are possible on the Indus.

Traveling To Ladakh

Air

Leh, the principal town of Ladakh has now become gateway to the world, one can fly in to Leh from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu and Srinagar as well as abroad all through the year.

Road

There are two land ways to Ladakh. The main overland approach to Ladakh is from the Kashmir valley via the 434-km. Srinagar-Leh road, which remains open for traffic from early June to November. The J&K State Road Transport Corporation (J&KSRTC) operates regular Deluxe and Ordinary bus services between Srinagar and Leh on this route with an overnight halt at Kargil.Taxis. cars and jeeps are also available at Srinagar for the journey. Groups can charter Deluxe and A-class buses for Leh, Kargil or Padum (Zanskar) from the J&K SRTC at Srinagar.

Manali-Leh roads is the second land approach to Ladakh, open for traffic from around mid-June to early October, this high road traverses the upland desert plateaux of Rupsho. A number of high passes fall enroute among which the highest one, known as Taglang-la, is the world’s second highest motorable Himachal Pradesh Tourism, H.P. SRTC and J&K SRTC operate Deluxe and Ordinary bus services between Manali and Leh. The bus journey between Leh and Manali takes about 19 hours or two days with an overnight halt in camps at Serchu and Pang. Gypsy and jeep taxis are also available, both at Manali and Leh.