Inside the quiet sanctum of a Bhutanese monastery, a monk sits cross-legged in deep meditation, surrounded by the soft glow of butter lamps and the faint scent of incense. The stillness of the space reflects the discipline of years of practice, where body, speech, and mind are brought into harmony. With eyes half-closed and breath steady, the monk turns inward, focusing the mind on visualization practices taught in Vajrayana Buddhism. In his mind’s eye, he carefully visualizes the form of a chosen deity or yidam—radiant and alive, yet existing as a manifestation of pure awareness. Every detail, from the deity’s expression and color to the ornaments and symbolic implements, is vividly imagined, not as an external god but as the reflection of enlightened qualities inherent within the meditator.

This visualization is not mere imagination but a profound method of training the mind. By dissolving ordinary perceptions and replacing them with divine imagery, the monk transforms his ordinary sense of self into the enlightened identity of the deity. In doing so, he works to overcome attachment, fear, and ignorance, cultivating compassion, wisdom, and strength. The monastery, with its sacred murals, mantras echoing through its halls, and the protective presence of guardian deities, provides the perfect environment for such profound practice. For the meditating monk, the boundary between the sacred space of the monastery and the inner mandala of the mind disappears, merging into a state of stillness, clarity, and awakened presence.

Product 0065 showcases the depiction of meditation carved  from ‘Zhu’.

Our Timber Source is a remarkable piece with a rich history. It was originally utilized as a hue element in Pangzizampa Monastery and is believed to be around 200 years old. The age and significance of this timber element make it a valuable addition to any collection.