Religious Traditions of Tibetan Buddhism

The Buddha is the central figure of Buddhism.

Buddhism is one of the world's most prominent religions, and a major form of Buddhism comes from Tibet. Like all religions, Buddhists throughout the world are divided into a number of different groups. Tibetan Buddhism has become well-known due in large part to the work of its figurehead, the Dalai Lama.

History

Representations of the Buddha differ from region to region.

Buddhism originated in India in the fifth century B.C.E (before the Common Era). The founder of the religion, Siddhartha Gautama, spent his early years sheltered in a life of luxury. Later in life, Gautama was exposed to the true difficulties of life and went on a search for enlightenment, or the answers to the riddles of life. At age 35, Gautama discovered enlightenment through meditation and from then on became known as the Buddha, or the enlightened one.

Types

Traditional Buddhist robes.

There are many different versions of Buddhism. For a long time the most prominent were Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. Despite differences between these two, they have many similarities. They are both concerned with helping people become aware of themselves and the world, what Buddhists call the "dukkha" of life, and how they may become enlightened like the Buddha. Both types also accept the law of karma, according to which all actions have consequences, both good and evil, that determine who you will become in future lives. Tibetan Buddhism, though different from these types, shares these beliefs, as well as an adherence to the Four Noble Truths.

The Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path

Meditation is a vital step to Buddhist enlightenment.

The Four Noble Truths:
1. All life involves suffering.
2. Suffering is caused by tanha (desire or selfishness).
3. Suffering can be overcome by overcoming selfishness.
4. To overcome suffering you must follow the Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path:
1. Right View: acceptance of the need to overcome selfishness.
2. Right Thought: decision to do so.
3. Right Speech: avoid lies and evil language.
4. Right Action: avoid killing, stealing and immoral acts.
5. Right Mode of Livelihood: avoid professions that hurt living things.
6. Right Endeavor: suppress wrong states of mind, create right ones.
7. Right Mindfulness: knowledge and mastery of self.
8. Right Concentration: enlightenment.

Tibetan Buddhism

The Himalayas, Tibet.

Buddhism was introduced to Tibet (near China) in the seventh century C.E. Tibetan Buddhism is most commonly known as Vajrayana ("Vehicle of the Thunderbolt") and asserts that the energies of the body as well as the mind and the soul may be used to achieve enlightenment. Tibetan Buddhism involves a lot more ritual than other forms of the religion. These rituals include mantras (chanted spiritual words), which contribute, along with meditation, to finding enlightenment.

Tibetan Buddhism Today

Buddhists traditionally wear orange and red robes.

The Dalai Lama is the leader of Tibetan Buddhism. According to Tibetan Buddhist belief, when the Dalai Lama dies he is reincarnated in a new body. In 1959, the 14th incarnation of the Dalai Lama fled Tibet along with 100,000 men and women, exiled from their country by China. In part as a result of the 14th Dalai Lama's work for human rights, Tibetan Buddhism has become very popular in North America and Europe.

References

• Buddhist Studies: Tibetan Buddhism
• Lyberty: Tibetan Buddhism