tibetan buddhism

main cities of tibet: lhasa , shigatse , shannan , tingri , nakchu , ngari , nyingchi , tsedang , zhangmu , chamdo

xining tibetan buddhism derives from the confluence of buddhism and yoga which started to arrive in tibet from india briefly around the late eighth century and then more steadily from the thirteenth century onwards.tibetan buddhism commonly known as lamaism, is a branch of buddhism practiced mainly in areas inhabited by tibetans and mongolians. it emerged during the late 10th century. it was during the mid-13th century that lamaism intertwined with political power in tibet, and that later, with the support of the central government of the yuan dynasty (1271-1368), it spread to areas inhabited by mongolians.

tibetan buddhism has the following characteristics:

first, for a long period of time it took the form of a theocracy, whereby religion and politics combine. second, most of the tibetans are devout believers in tibetan buddhism. third, it has a strong aura of mystique, particularly the reincarnation system of the living buddha, which is a unique characteristic of tibetan buddhism. fourth, it emphasized self-cultivation according to rules and doctrines of buddhism. fifth, it has formed several sects, the major ones being the ningma (red) sect, kargyu

since it was introduced to tibet in the 7th century, tibetan buddhism has exerted a profound impact on the tibetan people, in terms of their mentality, attitude towards the world, outlook on life, method of working, and customs and traditions. its impact is also reflected in tibetan history, politics, economics, culture and education, and has become the main religious belief of local tibetans. but not all tibetans believe in buddhism. the tibetan buddhist followers explore and try to connect the relationship between humankind and buddha, and all issues concerning human life and society, with the eventual attainment of enlightenment. this mode of thinking that guides their behavior and actions bears the inevitable stamp of tibetan buddhism.

some scholars believe that the bon religion also occupies an important position within the religious beliefs of the masses. on one hand, tibetan buddhism has been formed through long-term struggle and blending of buddhism and bon; on the other, bon still has great influence in some remote areas of tibet.

 

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last updated: march 21, 2006

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