DHYANI BUDDHAS (Panch Buddhas)

DHYANI Buddhas are supposed to have emanated from Adibuddha. There are five Dhyani Buddhas (Buddhas in Meditation). They are not separate Gods. They are just abstract aspects of Buddhahood. They are also often called Tathagata. They are very popular in Nepal and are found in every stupa, thousands of Chaityas (small stupas), in courtyards, and found painted in the main entrance of the Buddhist house. In Kathmandu, they are also called Panch Buddhas. They are always shown seated in the position of meditation. Of the five Dhyani Buddhas the senior is Vairochana who occupies center of the Mandala. The chaityas depicts the four other Dhaynai Buddha around Vairochana as Akshobhaya in the east; Ratnasambhav to the South; Amitabha in the west; and, Amoghsidhi in the north. 

Dhyanasana

Dhyanasana means position for meditation or the Meditative position. This pose is also known as Padmasana. In this position, the legs are crossed closely locked, with the soles of both feet visible. All Buddhas and Bodhisatwas while seated are found in this position. Also see Asana.

DHULIKHEL

Situated 30 kilometres east of Kathmandu, Dhulikhel is the headquarters of the Kabhre district. This township commands a glorious view of Lantang Himal and Jugal Himal snow peaks. Dhulikhen is a trade centre.  

Dhimals

Dhimals live on the peripheries of the districts of Morang and Jhapa. Because of their facial features, language and religious practices, they are called the Limbus of the Nepalese plains. However, anthropologists place them next to the Meches. But, even if they are plainspeople, Dhimals have the characteristic habit of exhibiting the quick temper and unwarranted aggression that is often associated with the Limbus of the eastern hills. Dhimals have their own unique language, dress preferences and culture. They are fond of music, with a trace of the Rajbanshi ethnos. They bury their dead. Farming is their specialization.

DHAULAGIRI ZONE

Population:  Bounded by Tibet to its north, Lumbini and Rapti zones to the south, Gandaki zone on the east and Karnali zone on the west, this zone is a big zone with an area of 4,612 square miles. Yet, this zone with a population of .......  is undeveloped and its people live very poor lives. The Himalayas and high mountains including the famous peak of Dhaulagiri dominate this region. Mugu, Kali, Karnali and Bheri are the main rivers of this zone. Sheep, goats and yaks are raised in most parts where as wheat, maize, millet etc. are also grown in various parts of the zone wherever possible. This zone has deposits of gold, iron, coal, lead, cobalt, gas, oil, copper etc. But the mineral wealth of the Dhaulagiri zone is yet to be exploited. It also has huge untapped potential for Hydroelectricity which can lead to the development of this zone. Transportation is still a great difficulty here. The districts of Dhaulagiri zone are Dolpa, Mustang, Myagdi and Baglung.

DHAULAGIRI MT

The famous Mt. Dhaulagiri is the name of the highest peak of the Dhaulagiri Himal range.  With an altitude of 26,795 ft. or 8,137m above sea level, Mt. Dhaulagiri is the third highest peak in the world. 

DHAULAGIRI HIMAL

The Dhaulagiri Himal signifies the group of snowy mountains ranging from the Kali Gandaki River valley in the east to Thuli Bheri in the West and beyond Barbung khola (stream) in the north and tributary streams of Kali Gandaki in the south, There are more than a dozen peaks over 22,000 ft. above sea level, Dhaulagiri 1 being the tallest. 

DHARMA DHATU

Or Dharmadhatu has different meanings to suit different context. The literal meaning of the term is explained as the source or elements of dharmas. It is the non-sensuous object of element perceived when one is free of thoughts and emotions. 

According to Swaymanbhu Purana text, the words Swayambhu, Dharmadhatu, Sunyarupa etc. are used as synonyms. Swayambhu is called self existent wisdom or Primordial awareness. When manifested in physical form, it is known as Adi Buddha. In Nispannayogavali, Dharmadhatu Mandala is described in great detail. In this mandala, the chief deity is Manjughosha, the representative of primordial awareness with four faces and eight arms. A large number of deities are included in this mandala. The devotee is allowed to visualise this madala in the developing stage of his meditation. By this practice, the devotee swiftly accumulates the merits and wisdom necessary for the attainment of Buddhahood.

DHARMA BHAKTA

Physical instructor of Late King Tribhuvan, Dharma Bhakta was one of the pioneers of Nepal struggle for freedom from Rana autocracy. He was hanged in 1941. An immortal martyr, he is believed to have a close political understanding with King Tribhuvan.

DHARAN

A town of Kosi zone, Dharan is an important trade centre. Being situated in between the mountain regions and the Terrai, its prospects as a trading city are ever increasing. Dharan is linked with Biratnagar by a 30 mile long motorable road.