08/06/2026
TSAKALI--UNIQUE DHARMA "PLAYING CARDS"
Unknown in acient India, China and elswhere, these uniquely Tibetan picture decks made perfect sense for the nonamdic yogisand monstics of remote Tibet. Largely used in initiations, they are also prominent for various ritusls (especially Bardo practices), healing and enviornmental or land blessing and protection. They are also known to be used in a mandala form and for indiviual meditations, or for a mobile (or static) shrine. But they are also ideal for indicidual meditation or as a set of "mini thangkas." They seem to originate with Guru Rinpoche Nyingtik and Dudjom styles prominent today,. But also within Kagyu, Bon (maybe the earliest?), Sakya (and less so the Gelug) lineages.
This is a set of 58 Karma Lingpa Peaceufl Wrathfull Bardo cards (Karling Shi-Tro). I always loved these art pieces and owned various over the years, but decided to grab a bunch in my next asian tour.... P.S. They are NOT used for gambling or prophecy...
