Wise, who brought us Tibetan prayer flags in a gift box with
"Blessings on the Wind," offers another treat for grownups who are
interested in Tibetan Buddhist practice. This pop-up book features
five colorful Tibetan altars, such as might be found in a home or
monastery. Wise and Beer encourage readers to use the book as a
devotional tool, finding a quiet space and spreading the book (which
opens with two "doors" from the center of the cover, like a temple)
to the appropriate pop-up for meditation. Each pop-up page includes
a mantra to recite as well as a glorious three-dimensional image of
Green Tara, Shakyamuni Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, or the
Medicine Buddha. All five embody different spiritual qualities and
can be called upon in various times of need--Medicine Buddha in case
of sickness, for example, or Green Tara to protect the devotee from
fear, Shakyamuni Buddha inspires morality and reflection, Padmapani
Avalokiteshvara teaches compassion, Manjushri inspires knowledge and
wisdom.
This gallery of art and wisdom offers unique, multidimensional
meditation. Traditionally, meditation on Tibetan Buddhist deities
allows the practitioner to assimilate their divine qualities. This
colorful collection of three-dimensional renderings of traditional
thangka paintings and brief histories. Both practical and whimsical,
this one-of-a-kind gift book is sure to be a hit with both followers
of Buddhism and lovers of art alike.
Altars
are everywhere. In executive suites and private homes, in restaurants and
gardens – whether religious in focus or not – people are reinventing the
altar in new and imaginative ways. From a simple cherished photo surrounded
by candles and shells that serves to attract the eye and draw the mind into
gentle contemplation, to a more elaborate expression of personal style,
altars bring peace and a place of beauty into daily life. In this first
complete handbook on altars, Peg Streep shows readers how to use specific
materials, colours, symbols, imagery, scents, crystals, music, and more to
create their own personal altars. Streep covers the history, symbolism, and
different types of the altar and provides detailed and fully illustrated
guidance for anyone to create and enjoy sacred space. A discussion of
offerings and rituals, along with a handy resource section, make this volume
definitive, Altars Made Easy, makes the process simple and fun.
Creating Home Sanctuaries with Feng Shui: Sacred Spaces, Altars, and Shrines
by Shawne Mitchell, Stephanie Gunning Using this book, you will discover how every
room in your home can become a place to increase serenity, mindfulness, and
expression, reduce stress, and build harmony. It provides an easy-to-follow,
seven-step process for building personal retreats, altars, and shrines. You
will learn how to identify a location, cleanse and sanctify the area,
evaluate the balance of energy, assemble materials, and energize their
intentions. Specific chapters are devoted to communal rooms, intimate
spaces, zones of creativity, and contemplative environments. Hundreds of
practical tips and suggestions, insightful stories, and life lessons are
included.
