Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
• aims, practices, attitudes of Tibetan Buddhism to scripture;
• the authority and status of the Dalai Lama.
Candidates should be able to discuss these areas critically
History
- 7th Century Buddhist texts were brought back but didn't spread until teachers came over to Tibet in the 8th Century.
- It was successful because the teachings fitted well with local teachings
Schools
- Kadampa - Tantic rituals
- Sakyapa - teaches 'Path and goal'
- Kagyupa - Third largest school of Tibetan
- Nyingmapa - Oldest school, based on traditions
- Gelugpa - 'Yellow hats', Youngest school but now the largest. Strict monastic discipline
Religious Tradition
- Tibetan Buddhism was a result of Buddhism and Bon making a formation
- It was adopted as on offical state religion by the Mongoi Tuan dynasty
- A tibetan disporia has spread BUddhism where the tradition has gained popularity
- Bon influenced Tibetan Buddhism greately, however bon has more emphasis on the afterlife and the inbetween. Tibetan Buddhism adopted this emphasis on the inbetween.
- Ch'an also influence Tibetan Buddhism with its views on higher truths
Beliefs and Practises
- Tibetan Buddhism includes Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Dharma protectors
- Boddhisattvas are able to escape the cycle of Samsra but remain in this world to asist others
- Dharma protectors are mythic figures incorporated into Tibetan Buddhism from various sources who are pledged to protecting and upholding the Dharma
- Spiritual Worships - Temples, offerings and Chantings
Political Influences
- The Tibetan Government was a mix of thoecracy and an aristocracy
- Chinese invaded Tibet with 80,000 men
- They destroyed many important Tibetan artefacts, monasteries, art and scriptures
- China claimed Tibet as a province of China that was taken back in control
- The disagreement is still ongoing
Dalai Lama
- Born in 1935, started education at 6 years old
- At the age of 15, He became the current spirtual and temporal leader of Tibet
- Chinese invaded causing Mr Lama to seek refuge
- Reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara (Bodhisattva of compassion)
- He undertook vows to be the spirtual and temporal leader
The Panchen Lama
- Second in command to the Dalai Lama
- The whereabouts of the original Panchen is unknown as the Chinese were believe to have seized him upon birth
- Many observers believe that upon the death of the current Dalai Lama, China will reinstate the successor in order to regain control of Tibet and resume Leadership
