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Overview Buddhism was introduced into Tibet from India and China beginning in the 600s. Over the succeeding centuries, Buddhism became the dominant cultural form in Tibet, exerting a powerful influence not only over religion, but also over politics, the arts, and other aspects of society. Tibetan Buddhism eventually spread into Mongolia and Nepal, as well as into China, where it received imperial patronage especially during the Yuan (1260–1368) and Qing (1368–1644) dynasties. Tibetan Buddhism inherited many of the traditions of late Indian Buddhism, including a strong emphasis on monasticism (Tibet was once home to the largest Buddhist monasteries in the world), a sophisticated scholastic philosophy, and elaborate forms of tantric practice. At the same time Tibet continued its tradition of powerful popular cults, incorporating a wide variety of local deities into the already burgeoning Buddhist pantheon. Unique to Tibetan Buddhism is the institution of the tulku (incarnate lama): Tibetan Buddhists believe thatcompassionate teachers are reborn again and again, in each lifetime identified when they are children and invested with the office and prestige of their previous rebirths. Tibet has had many such lamas, the most famous of whom is the Dalai Lama. The Fifth Dalai Lama became ruler of Tibet in 1642, and under his rule was built the great palace of the Potala in Lhasa, the country’s capital. Tibet was incorporated into China in 1951, and the present (Fourteenth) Dalai Lama went into exile in India in 1959, when the Tibetan diaspora began. Since that time, Tibetan Buddhism has become of increasing interest to people throughout the world. Vajrayana Buddhism Vajrayana Buddhism, which is the form of Buddhism practiced in Tibet, provides a great variety of special practices, meditations and rituals to accomplish the goals of cultivating compassion and the ultimate liberation of all living beings. Vajrayana is based on the esoteric doctrines of Buddha Shakyamuni given to selected disciples. It uses yogic techniques of meditation, mantra, and ritual to bring about psychological and physiological transformations. Initiations and empowerments are needed to understand and engage in these techniques, and to use the sacred implements such as the vajra and ghanta (bell), sacred images (such as those in the museum collection), hand and body gestures (mudra), and sacred power words (mantra). Tibetan Buddhism comprises four lineages. All trace themselves back to Buddha Shakyamuni in an unbroken lineage of enlightened masters and disciples that extends down to the present day. They are dis- tinguished much more by lineage than by any major difference in doctrine or practice. The four lineages are Gelukpa, Sakyapa, Nyingmapa and Kagyupa.

Tibetan Buddhism upholds the teachings, meditation techniques, and ordination vows of the Theravada, and the philosophy and cosmology of Mahayana. But it was in Tibet that many of the Vajrayana teachings were preserved, and most of the distinctive qualities of Tibetan Buddhism can be found in its Vajrayana heritage. The Vajrayana path largely follows the Mahayana philosophical teachings, but there are some variations in methodology. Whereas Mahayana seeks to destroy the poisons of craving, aggression, and ignorance, Vajrayana places an emphasis on transmuting them directly into wisdom. This is based in the Tibetan Buddhist belief that the mundane world (samsara) is inseparable from enlightenment. Tibetan Buddhism is distinguished by its many methods and techniques of spiritual development and for its great acceleration of the spiritual journey. Theoretically, the path of the Mahayana practitioner takes three incalculable eons to reach full awakening; by contrast, the path of the Vajrayana practitioner can be as short as one lifetime. In order to accelerate the process of enlightenment, Vajrayana uses advanced yoga techniques in combination with elaborate meditations. The meditations incorporate visualizations of personified archetypes of enlightenment, frequently referred to as “meditational deities.” These archetypes are often represented in Tibetan religious art in the form of bronze sculptures, or in painted portable scroll icons, known as thangkas. The scriptures containing the esoteric teachings for yogic practices (such as meditative visualizations) are called tantras, and are part of a larger body of Buddhist sacred texts, based on the public teachings of the Buddha, called sutras. (Vajrayana’s use of tantric literature explains why it is sometimes referred to as “Tantric Buddhism.”) Mantras (chanted sacred syllables or phrases), mudras (ritual hand gestures), and mandalas (symbolic representations of enlightened worlds) are all used as part of Tibetan Buddhist meditational practices.

Buddhists look within themselves for the truth and understanding of Buddha's teachings. How did Buddhism begin? About 2500 years ago, a prince named Siddhartha Gautama began to question his sheltered, luxurious life in the palace. He left the palace and saw four sights: a sick man, an old man, a dead man and a monk. These sights are said to have shown him that even a prince cannot escape illness, suffering and death. The sight of the monk told Siddhartha to leave his life as a prince and become a wandering holy man, seeking the answers to questions like "Why must people suffer?" "What is the cause of suffering?" Siddartha spent many years doing many religious practices such as praying, meditating, and fasting until he finally understood the basic truths of life. This realization occurred after sitting under a Poplar-figtree in Bodh Gaya, India for many days, in deep meditation. He gained enlightenment, or nirvana, and was given the title of Buddha, which means Enlightened One. What did Buddha teach? Buddha discovered Three Universal Truths and Four Noble Truths, which he then taught to the people for the next 45 years. Three Universal Truths Everything in life is impermanent and always changing. Because nothing is permanent, a life based on possessing things or persons doesn't make you happy. There is no eternal, unchanging soul and "self" is just a collection of changing characteristics or attributes. Four Noble Truths Human life has a lot of suffering. The cause of suffering is greed. There is an end to suffering. The way to end suffering is to follow the Middle Path. Buddha then taught people not to worship him as a god. He said they should take responsibility for their own lives and actions. He taught that the Middle Way was the way to nirvana. The Middle Way meant not leading a life of luxury and indulgence but also not one of too much fasting and hardship. There are eight guides for following the Middle path. The Eightfold Path Right understanding and viewpoint (based on the Four Noble Truths). Right values and attitude (compassion rather than selfishness). Right speech (don't tell lies, avoid harsh, abusive speech, avoid gossip). Right action (help others, live honestly, don't harm living things, take care of the environment). Right work (do something useful, avoid jobs which harm others). Right effort (encourage good, helpful thoughts, discourage unwholesome destructive thoughts). Right mindfulness (be aware of what you feel, think and do). Right meditation (calm mind, practice meditation which leads to nirvana). What is meditation? Meditation is an essential practice to most Buddhists. Buddhists look within themselves for the truth and understanding of Buddha's teachings. They seek enlightenment, or nirvana, this way. Nirvana is freedom from needless suffering and being fully alive and present in one's life. It is not a state that can really be described in words -- it goes beyond words. Meditation means focusing the mind to achieve an inner stillness that leads to a state of enlightenment. Meditation takes many forms: It can be sitting quietly beside a beautiful arrangement of rocks, contemplating beauty. It can be practicing a martial art such as karate or aikido since they require mental and physical control and strong concentration. It can mean focusing on a riddle such as "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" It can be contemplating a haiku or short poem that captures a moment in time. It can be in a meditation room of a monastery. It can involve chanting. It can involve the use of a mandala to focus attention to the invisible point at the center of interlocking triangles. It can involve quietly noticing one's breath as it goes in and out It can happen anywhere at any time. Where are Buddha's words written down? After Buddha died, his teachings were gradually written down from what people remembered. The Tripitaka, or The Three Baskets, is a collection of Buddha's sayings, his thoughts about them, and rules for Buddhists monks. The Tripitaka was first written on palm leaves which were collected together in baskets. If Buddhism began in India, why is it all over some many eastern countries? There are over 500 million Buddhists today. After Buddha's death, some of his followers had some differences of opinion which eventually led to their breaking away and forming separate kinds of Buddhism. There are two main types, Theravada, which spread to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, and Mahayana which spread to Nepal, Vietnam, China, Korea and Japan. Mahayana took on aspects of the cultures where it was practiced and became three distinct branches: Vajrayana Buddhism or Tibetan Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism and Zen Buddhism. The Five Precepts Even though each form of Buddhism took on its own identity, all Buddhists follow a set of guidelines for daily life called the Five Precepts. These are: Do not harm or kill living things. Do not take things unless they are freely given. Lead a decent life. Do not speak unkindly or tell lies. Do not abuse drugs or drink alcohol.

Buddhist bracelets hold deep symbolism and guide your journey toward mindfulness, inner peace, and spiritual growth. Let’s explore some of the most popular Buddhist bracelets for men and their meanings.

In the vast ocean of Buddhist teachings, Green Tara stands as a beacon of compassion and wisdom, a spiritual refuge for countless beings. Known by her Sanskrit name, "Tara," meaning "Savior," she is one of the compassionate manifestations of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. Revered as a supreme guardian, Green Tara holds a significant place in Tibetan Buddhism, protecting all sentient beings with boundless love and care.

Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara, a symbol of infinite compassion, is a revered figure in Mahayana Buddhism. Known for her thousand hands and eyes, she embodies the power to protect and observe all beings, helping them overcome suffering and attain peace. This article explores her deep spiritual significance and origin.

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, one of the Four Great Bodhisattvas, symbolizes action and the practical application of the Dharma. But why does he ride a white elephant? The answer lies in the profound symbolism behind this imagery, which invites deeper reflection on the nature of enlightenment and the path to spiritual fulfillment.

The "Hundred Thousand Perceptions and Liberation Pagoda" at Palcho Monastery in Jiangzi, nearly 600 years old, is a powerful symbol of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Beyond its architectural grandeur, it reflects Tibetan faith, artistry, and the accumulation of merit. With intricate carvings and a rich spiritual history, the pagoda continues to shape both the religious and cultural landscape of the region.

Guru Rinpoche Day, a profound practice passed down by Guru Padmasambhava (Lotus-Born Master), is not just a ritual of offering; it carries immense merit and wisdom. This practice helps us accumulate virtue, eliminate obstacles, and receive deep blessings. This article will explore the origin, significance, merits, and practices associated with Guru Rinpoche Day, providing a deeper understanding of this traditional method of spiritual practice.

In the art of the plateau, whether in Thangka paintings or sculptures, the presence of wrathful deities radiates a distinctive charm. These images not only make Tibetan Buddhist art stand out in the world of religious art but also greatly enrich the artistic treasures of the Chinese nation. The wrathful deities, with their fierce and majestic forms, captivate the viewer while embodying profound religious and cultural significance.

The Mandala, also known as "Tan Cheng" in Chinese, holds a significant place in Tibetan Buddhism. Referred to as "Mandala" in Sanskrit and "Kyilkhor" in Tibetan, it translates to "center wheel" or "circle," symbolizing the perfect world of the Buddha. A Mandala is not only a sacred space for spiritual practice but also a profound representation of religious wisdom and meaning. It transcends the realm of mere decoration, becoming a divine presence that carries faith and blessings. Every detail in its placement and display embodies rich religious teachings and considerations.

The prayer wheel is a deeply spiritual tool used in Tibetan Buddhism, known for its profound ability to focus the mind and amplify the power of prayer. Understanding the meaning of the prayer wheel not only enriches one's knowledge of Buddhism but also offers insight into its use as a tool for meditation.

The lotus flower is a symbol that transcends cultures and religions, embodying deep spiritual meanings and timeless beauty. Revered in various traditions, the lotus has come to represent purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. This article delves into the meaning and significance of the lotus flower.

Chanting holds profound significance in Buddhism, serving as a fundamental practice across various traditions and schools. It encompasses the recitation of sacred texts, verses, or mantras, often accompanied by rhythmic melodies or repetitive sounds. In this article, I'll show you what is the significance of chanting in Buddhism?

Passed down through centuries of Tibetan Buddhism, "Great Compassion Water" (Da Bei Shui) is more than just a spiritual symbol—it is a sacred elixir that embodies healing, devotion, and inner transformation. This blog explores Great Compassion Water through four key lenses: religious origins, scientific insights, preparation rituals, and real-life applications.

In Tibetan Buddhism, the mala, or prayer beads, hold deep spiritual significance as a tool for meditation and mindfulness practice. One of the most intriguing aspects of the mala is the presence of 108 beads, which holds profound symbolism in Buddhist philosophy. In this article, we’ll talk about why 108 beads in a mala.

The pilgrimage is not just a physical endeavor but a spiritual odyssey. Kowtowing pilgrims, driven by unwavering faith, endure hardships with a tranquil and dignified demeanor. As I stood witness to their devotion in front of the Jokhang Temple and along the Barkhor Street, I couldn't help but be moved by the profound sense of happiness and joy radiating from their faces.

The 108 Star & Moon Bodhi seed Mala Beads is currently one of the most widely used and influential prayer beads among practitioners, listed as one of the contemporary "Four Famous Beads." They encapsulate the essence of Tibetan Buddhism, offering a path to spiritual enlightenment and mindfulness meditation. This post will guide you what are Mala Beads and Why are there 108 Beads on a Mala.

Rooted in Buddhism, Tibetan prayer flags convey blessings, prayers, and messages of compassion and peace. Let’s delve deeper into the history, cultural significance, and various types of Tibetan prayer flags, and understand their profound connection to the lives of Tibetan people.

In recent years, the Heart Sutra bracelet has gained popularity not only as a piece of spiritual jewelry but also as a meaningful symbol of protection, wisdom, and mindfulness. Today we will introduce the Heart Sutra and the Heart Sutra Bracelet.