tibetan tantra buddhism or vajrayana - buddhism in a nutshell!
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Tibetan Tantra Buddhism or Vajrayana - Buddhism
In a nutshell!
Tibetan Buddhism History ‘Bon’ religion indigenous religion
of Tibet, animistic (believing that
nature is pervaded by good and evil spirits)
shamanistic
Buddhism and Hinduism Initially introduced late 8th
century more steadily from the 13th
century onwards
The Great tantric mystic Guru Rinpoche blended these three religions in 774 CE resulting in Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism - politics Tibetan Buddhism
dominated Mongolia and Manchuria.
Gave rise to a Theocracy – hierarchy of monks or Lamas that govern the country
Dali Lama is both the worldly and spiritual authority
Tibetan Buddhist Sacred Texts
Buddhist text were translated into Tibetan 11th – 14th Centuries.
Many text survived in Tibetan translations only
The most famous Tibetan Buddhist text is the Bardo Thodol, popularly known as the Tibetan Book of the Dead.
Describes the experiences of the soul during the interval between death and rebirth. It is recited by lamas over a dying or recently deceased person
Tibetan Buddhism Beliefs
Similarities with Mahayana Buddhism
pantheon of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and Dharma protectors 4 Noble Truths Eight-Fold Path Compassion Monastic life 3 baskets – Tripitaka rituals such as food and flower offerings Religious pilgrimages Religious festivals Mantras and Mudras Bodhisattvas
Tibetan Buddhism Beliefs cont.
Unique to Tibetan Buddhism
religious pilgrimages
chanting prayers
Prayer wheels
Prostrating
Mandalas
Tibetan Buddhism Beliefs cont.
Cham: a dance featuring sacred masked dances, sacred music, healing chants, and spectacular richly ornamented multi-colored costumes
Mudras - used by the monks to invite spiritual energies which generate wisdom, compassion.
monastic debate
Tibetan Beliefs - Images
Philosophy – Fight fire with fire
Vajra – diamond. Buddha elevated to a savior holding a diamond scepter – evokes the energetic rigor and clarity of the diamond
Task: to shut off the energy of desire to accomplish the cessation of suffering
How: Harness this energy (of desire) and turn it against itself to propel the individual towards enlightenment.
Method: Chanting, Mandalas, mudras, sex
Tibet Today Clergy: Lamas
(Oligarchy)
Present Dali Lama - 14th in a direct line of succession – through rebirth
won Nobel Peace Prize 1989
Currently living in exile in Northern India
Tibet – currently claimed by the People’s Republic of China
Zen Buddhism
In a Nutshell
Zen Origins
Originated in China 6th Century
Was popularized in Japan
Mahayana School
Emphasis - meditation
Zen Teachings
Zen: direct experience of truth which is beyond words, thoughts and feelings about truth
Emphasizes experience over speculation
Beyond logical thinking that clutters the mind
Satori – Zen Enlightenment
Zen Practices
Koans – riddles Intended to short-
circuit the workings of the logical rational mind
Cultivate full attention to everyday life
Zen Activities
Ikebana – flower arranging
Tea ceremony Landscaping Poetry Calligraphy Martial Arts Sumo wrestling Bonsai
Zen Life
Monastic lifestyle Seated mediation Menial work Simple meals Zen master –
“Roshi” Authority over
disciples
Zen Images
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