Tibetans hang prayer flags on all passes, bridges and on the roofs of houses. Prayer flags come in sets of five different colors arranged from left to right representing the five elements of nature. By putting up prayer flags, Tibetans believed and prayed that the blessings of the sacred words are carried by the wind to spread everywhere and the world remain in peace and happiness. 

Simply because it is a symbol of peace and happiness. Moreover, It is also believed that prayer flags become the permanent part of the universe as the images fade from exposure, just as life moves on and new life replaces old one, Tibetans renew their hopes for the world continually mounting new flags alongside old ones. It reminds us of one of the most important life lessons- life moves on, universe moves on, and so should we. Instead of being stuck in our past, let’s tell ourselves ‘I can’t change my past but I have the power to improve my future.’  

A khata is a traditional ceremonial or offering scarf used widely in Tibetan culture and in Tibetan Buddhism for different purposes. They look more like a long scarf and have auspicious symbols or mantras inscribed or woven into the fabric. It represents the sincerity of one’s offering, with no negative thoughts or motives in mind. They come predominantly in shades of white or ivory, due to the purity of the color but you will also find them in Blue, Red, Green and Yellow/Gold Yellow. It is also used as a sign of recognition of one’s love or respect for another. To present a Khata you first fold it in half lengthwise, this represents the interdependence of each other. Then when you offer the scarf to the person, you offer the open edges facing the person you are giving it to, the folded section will be towards you, which represents your open pure heart, with no negative thoughts or motives in the offering.

We can inculcate the beautiful thought of giving a khata or any gift with a pure heart, devoid of any negative feelings or thoughts. More often than we realise, we attach certain expectations or favours in return to a gift we offer someone. Let’s inculcate the habit of offering a gift just as a sign of respect or love and not attach anything more or less to it!

Sand Mandalas or Dul-Tson-Kyil-Khor is an ancient art form of Tibetan Buddhism. The sand is usually very dense so it doesn’t easily scatter if there is a wind or some disturbance while the mandala is being made. Creating a mandala involves a lot of cooperation and the aim is to maintain harmony throughout the entire process. Completion of a mandala can take several weeks, which is why it is a group effort by the monks. It is generally a very meditative process for monks due to the intense concentration involved.  It is a painstaking work that produces breathtaking results at the end. What is even more awesome is that after all this work is finished and the traditional ceremonies associated with it are over, the mandala is destroyed by being swept aside. The sand is then swept into the rivers where it is believed that the river waters will carry the blessed sand far and wide.

This art form teaches us multiple things from cooperation and dedication to not being very attached to your creation. It is not necessary that you create a sand mandala, but can even try your hand at any art form and then destroy it after making it. This represents the ultimate impermanence of all conditioned things. Attachment and expectations are two major causes of disappointment and negative feelings. Let’s uproot them from our conscious step by step.

A mantra is a sacred utterance, a numinous sound, a syllable, word or phonemes, or group of words in Sanskrit believed by practitioners to have religious, magical or spiritual powers. Probably the most famous mantra of Buddhism is Om mani padme hum, the six syllable mantra of the Bodhisattva of compassion Avalokiteshvara. The first word Aum/Om is a sacred syllable in various Indian religions. The word Mani means "jewel" or "bead", Padme is the "lotus flower" (the Eastern sacred flower), and Hum represents the spirit of enlightenment. In Tibetan Buddhism, this is the most ubiquitous mantra and the most popular form of religious practice, performed by laypersons and monastics alike. 

Why should you recite mantras? 

The scientists have found evidence that mantra is a strong stimulus for the human brain and the vibration of the mantra physically affects the nervous system. It decreases stressful thoughts, relaxes muscles, increases positivity and ability to focus. This is true not just for ancient sanskrit mantras but any positive affirmative sentences. So grab a pen and write down what kind of positive message you want to attract in your life and keep reciting it as a mantra. Then let brain work its magic!

The Namaste, or 'namaskar' is one of the five forms of traditional greetings mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Vedas. It translates to 'I bow to you', and greeting one another with it is a way of saying 'May our minds meet', indicated by the folded palms placed before the chest. The word Namaha can also be translated as 'na ma' (not mine), to signify the reductions of one's ego in the presence of the other.

Well, it is not just a hygienic way of greeting someone but even reflects a positive attitude which will initiate more meaningful conversations. The overcoming of our ego is one of the hardest things we can do as a human being but haven’t we at times wondered about a world without our ‘ego’? People would be more empathetic and kind. Let’s you and me together make this world a reality with one step at a time.

In India, there exists the concept of a joint family, wherein the entire family (parents, wife, children and in some cases, relatives) live together. This is mostly because of the cohesive nature of the Indian society, and also reportedly helps in handling pressure and stress. 

This traditional family structure teaches us the importance of living in groups for the very purpose of survival. Looking at it from an evolutionary perspective, even the early men used to hunt together and live together because they understood the importance of surviving in groups. Let’s learn to appreciate and cherish the people we have in our life who care and support us constantly!

In India, the saying 'Atithi Devo Bhava' is very integral. It means 'the guest is equivalent to god'. It is a Sanskrit verse taken from the Hindu scriptures, which later became a part of the 'Code of conduct’ for Hindu society since the guest has always been of supreme importance in the Culture of India.

We have all been a tourist at some point in our life and when someone welcomes us in their house with such a warm attitude, sure our wandering feets feel at home. Going one step further, this spreads the notion of  being kind to strangers because you can never know their story and your single act of kindness could very well make their day. How beautiful it would be to live in a world where everyone is kind to each other! Let’s take the first step by saying ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’.

India is socially, culturally, and linguistically very diverse. Hindi and English are widely spoken and recognised for official purposes. Other than that, there are 22 scheduled languages recognised by the constitution of India. However, more than 400 languages and dialects in India are still not known. Dialects change even with a few kilometres of travel in the state.

Why must one learn more than one language? 

The benefits of learning more languages are far and wide. It helps your memory, executive functions, delays alzhiemers and dementia, and increases ability to learn more languages. The lesser known advantages of it includes better understanding the culture and having multiple perspectives. Each language you learn brings with it the beliefs and culture associated with it. It widens your thinking and allows you to look at things from various perspectives through the lenses of the languages you have learnt.