Religions / Tibetan Buddhism / Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism

The Tibetan expression of Buddhism (sometimes called Lamaism) is the form of Vajrayana Buddhism that developed in Tibet and the surrounding Himalayan region beginning in the 7th century CE.

Tibetan Buddhism incorporates Madhyamika and Yogacara philosophy, Tantric symbolic rituals, Theravadin monastic discipline and the shamanistic features of the local Tibetan religion Bön. Among its most unique characteristics are its system of reincarnating lamas and the vast number of deities in its pantheon.

Tibetan Buddhism is most well-known to the world through the office of the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual and political leader of Tibet and the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. Historically, "Tibet" refers to a mountainous region in central Asia covering 2.5 million sq km. Today, "Tibet" officially refers to the Tibetan Autonomous Region within China, which is about half the size of historical Tibet.

References

  • "Tibetan Buddhism," "Bka'-brgyud-pa," "Dge-lugs-pa." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2005. Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service. Jan. 15, 2005 <http://www.britannica.com>.
  • "Tibetan Buddhism," "Kagyupa," "Nyingmapa." The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion (Shambhala, 1994).
  • Official Site of the Tibetan Government in Exile (London) <http://www.tibet.com/>
  • "Rnying-ma-pa." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2005. Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service Jan. 15 2005 <http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?tocId=9063830>.
  • "Buddhist Scriptures: The Tibetan Canon." Buddhanet. <http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/s_tibcanon.htm>
  • "Bardo Thodol." Wikipedia. Jan. 15, 2005. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_Book_of_the_Dead>
  • "Tibetan Buddhism." Wikipedia. Jan. 15, 2005. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_Buddhism>
  • "Panchen Lama." Wikipedia. Jan. 15, 2005. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchen_Lama>

External Links on Tibetan Buddhism

  • Official Site of the Tibetan Government in Exile (based in London)
  • The Vajrayana: Thunderbolt Vehicle - Buddhanet
  • Biography of the Dalai Lama, 1989 Nobel Peace Prize Winner - nobelprize.org
  • The Dalai Lama: Spiritual leader in exile - CNN In-Depth Specials (2001)