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Buddhism

Introduced into Tibet in 7th cent. CE

• A mix of both Indian and Chinese Buddhism as well as native folk traditions and beliefs of Tibet incorporating and adapting into Buddhism elements of the Tibetan "Bon" religion of magic, ritual and belief in spirits.

• Takes a "three-prong" approach, incorporating both Theravada meditation for quieting the mind and gaining wisdom and Mahayana focus on compassion and moves on to what it considers the ultimate of Vajrayana ("Diamond Vehicle") Tantric (ritual or magical) practices.

• Tantra seeks to harness energies so that one controls one’s passions rather than being controlled by them. Tantra uses the energies of the body to transform the mind to higher consciousness - seeks to transform rather than to suppress these energies. Anything, even "profane" things such as meat, wine and sex, can be used for spiritual transformation if the correct rituals and procedures are followed. "Tantra" (also found in some forms of Hinduism e.g., Kundalini Yoga) are ritual texts which guide one through the practices. Tantric practices were downplayed beginning in the 11th cent. and strict celibacy was introduced.

• Vajrayana is understood to be the "quick" but dangerous path. Often, the practices were misguided ("left-handed"). One who practices Tantra may gain special miraculous powers (siddhis) which can be very attractive. The Buddha spoke of such powers as mere side effects of enlightenment to be ignored and disregarded (do not be attached to such powers).

  Practices include use of sound (chanting of Mantras: "Om Mani Padme Hum"), sight (use of sacred symbolic images - Mandalas, Thankas) and movement (special positions of the hands - Mudras) during meditation. Also use of prayer wheels and other, indigenous ritual activities. (follow links to learn more)

  Here are some Buddhist Deity Thangka Altar Cards (with descriptions)

  The Mandala: Sacred Geometry and Art "Exotic India" provides images and an in-depth explanation of different kinds of traditional mandalas and the process the monks go through to prepare and create them.

  Mandala slide show presentation

  Check out the recent mandala construction at the Sackler Gallery

  Here's another museum mandala creation (follow the "gallery" link to see the process)

   Background and details regarding construction of Tibetan Buddhist mandalas

  Explore the symbolism in Tibetan sand mandalas

  The Eight Auspicious Signs describes the meaning of the eight symbols that appear on Tibetan Buddhist mandalas

  Explore mandalas of the world (view slide show, click on link at page)

  Activity: make your own mandala

• The 14th cent. saw the development of clergy or guru guides (Lamas - "superior ones"), often considered to be Bodhisattvas, as the leaders of monastic life. Highly regarded and sought after by Tibetan kings. Ultimately the lamas became both spiritual and temporal leaders in Tibet (a land ruled by Buddhist Priests)

• Two primary sects of Tibetan Buddhism:

• "Red-Hat School" maintains detailed beliefs about the afterlife and monks guide the dying in their final hours. "Tibetan Book of the Dead" (Thodol Bardo) is associated with this sect.

• "Yellow-Hat School" main leader is the Dalai ("sea") Lama (the "Ocean [expanse] of Wisdom" who is aware of all his lives, past and future). A Bodhisattva who intentionally reincarnates himself after death. The monks make a search for the next Dalai Lama in a young boy and, having found him, raise and train him for future leadership

• The Dalai Lama is the primary spiritual and temporal leader of all Tibet although he and his followers remain in exile while Tibet continues under Chinese rule.
  For details about the life of the current (14th) Dalai Lama watch the movie: Kundun (available through commercial rental):

To learn  more about Tibetan Buddhism visit the Osel Shen Phen Ling Tibetan Buddhist Center on line.

This ends the lectures on Buddhism
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