10 Facts about Tibetan Buddhism

Post On: November 27, 2018

Facts about Tibetan Buddhism inform the readers with Buddhist doctrine and institutions. This belief is embraced by the people who live in Tibet, Himalayas and Central Asia. The Tantric status quo in 18th century India is preserved in Tibetan Buddhism. The Mongol power of Yuan dynasty made it spread outside Tibet. Kublai Khan was the founder of the dynasty in 1271. It ended in 1368. Find out other important facts about Tibetan Buddhism below:

Facts about Tibetan Buddhism 1: the practice

The Tantric practices are always found in Tibetan Buddhism. They are aspired to Buddhahood.

Facts about Tibetan Buddhism 2: the primary schools

Tibetan Buddhism consists of four primary schools. They are Gelug, Sakya, Kagyu and Nyingma. There is also a small school of Tibetan Buddhism. One of them is Jonang.

Tibetan Buddhism Facts

Tibetan Buddhism Facts

Facts about Tibetan Buddhism 3: the notable figures

Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama are the notable figures in Tibetan Buddhism. Gelug school is led by both.

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Facts about Tibetan Buddhism 4: Buddhism

In the seventh to ninth century AD, Tibet was introduced to Budhism during the Tibetan Empire. The first translation of Sanskrit Buddhist scriptures from India took place during the reign of Songtsän Gampo. He was a Tibetan king.

Facts about Tibetan Buddhism 5: the official religion

King Trisong Detsen proclaimed Tibetan Buddhism was the official religion in Tibet in the eighth century. Some Indian Buddhist scholars were invited by the king to come to his court. They included Śāntarakṣita and Padmasambhāva. Kamalaśīlas was used as the basis for Tibetan Buddhism after Trisong Detsen sponsored a debate about the nature of emptiness.

Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism

Facts about Tibetan Buddhism 6: a revival of Buddhism

A revival of Buddhism took place in the end of 10th and 11th century. The area Far West and Far East were also influenced by Buddhist revival.

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Facts about Tibetan Buddhism 7: the rituals and rites

The rituals and rites have many purposes such as to promote the bountiful harvest, avoid the harms from the demons and purify the person from karma.

Facts about Tibetan Buddhism 8: the type of rituals

Compared to other forms of Buddhism, the Tibetan one has intricate forms. The rituals objects used during the rituals are more elaborate. The elaborate form is also spotted on musical instruments, chants hand gestures, works of art and altar.

Facts about Tibetan Buddhism

Facts about Tibetan Buddhism

Facts about Tibetan Buddhism 9: the important ritual in Tantric practice

In the Tantric practice, Wangkur is considered as an important ritual. In Sanskrit, it is known as Abhiseka. It has the role as empowerment and initiation. It is forbidden to practice the higher tantra if they have not had an initiation.

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Facts about Tibetan Buddhism 10: mortuary rituals

Mortuary rituals are also important in Tibetan Buddhism to make sure that the soul will have a good rebirth and have good path. Bardo Thodol is an example of the texts of reading and rituals for the dying person. The body can be disposed by sky burial or cremation.

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