Core Concepts
- Samsara (轮回 - Lún Huí in Chinese)
- Samsara is the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. In Tibetan Buddhism, it is believed that all sentient beings are caught in this cycle due to their karma (actions and their consequences). The goal is to break free from samsara and achieve nirvana, a state of liberation from suffering. For example, a person's actions in this life, whether good or bad, will determine their rebirth in the next life. If one accumulates positive karma through acts of kindness and compassion, they may be reborn into a more favorable realm, such as the human realm with better circumstances or even a heavenly realm.
- Karma (因果 - Yīn Guǒ in Chinese)
- Karma refers to the law of cause and effect. Every action, thought, and word has consequences. Good actions lead to good results, and bad actions lead to bad results. This concept is fundamental as it motivates practitioners to engage in virtuous deeds. For instance, if a person helps a poor person without expecting anything in return, they are creating positive karma, which may bring them happiness and good fortune in the future. Conversely, if someone harms others, they will face negative consequences, either in this life or in future rebirths.
- Compassion (慈悲 - Cí Bēi in Chinese)
- Compassion is at the heart of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the deep wish to relieve the suffering of all sentient beings. Practitioners strive to cultivate compassion through various meditative practices and acts of kindness. The Bodhisattva ideal, which is highly regarded in Tibetan Buddhism, represents the ultimate expression of compassion. Bodhisattvas vow to postpone their own entry into nirvana until all other beings are liberated from suffering. They selflessly work to help others, such as by teaching the Dharma (the teachings of Buddhism) or providing material assistance to those in need.
Differences from Han Chinese Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism
- Han Chinese Buddhism
- Practice Emphasis: In Han Chinese Buddhism, there is a strong emphasis on the Pure Land School in some regions, where practitioners focus on chanting the name of Amitabha Buddha to be reborn in the Pure Land. In Tibetan Buddhism, while there are also practices related to specific Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, the overall system is more complex with a greater variety of tantric practices. For example, Tibetan Buddhism has elaborate tantric rituals that involve visualizations, mantras, and the use of mandalas, which are less prominent in Han Chinese Buddhism.
- Scriptures and Lineages: Han Chinese Buddhism has a long - standing tradition of translating Indian Buddhist scriptures into Chinese, and its major lineages, such as the Chan (Zen in Japanese) lineage, have a distinct way of transmitting the Dharma through direct mind - to - mind communication and koan (introspective questions) practice. Tibetan Buddhism, on the other hand, has its own set of scriptures, mainly in Tibetan, and its lineages are often passed down through a guru - disciple relationship with a strong oral tradition.
- Theravada Buddhism
- Concept of Nirvana: In Theravada Buddhism, nirvana is often seen as the extinction of the self and the end of the cycle of rebirth. In Tibetan Buddhism, while the goal is also to achieve nirvana, the concept is more complex. Tibetan Buddhism also emphasizes the idea of the Buddha - nature within all beings, and the path to nirvana may involve more elaborate tantric practices and the development of the "vajra body" (a spiritual body achieved through advanced practices).
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Monastic Life and Community: Theravada Buddhism places great importance on the monastic community (sangha). Monks follow a strict Vinaya (code of conduct). In Tibetan Buddhism, the monastic community is also crucial, but there are additional elements such as the role of the tulku (reincarnated lamas). These tulkus play significant leadership roles in the religious and sometimes social aspects of Tibetan Buddhist communities, which is not a feature in Theravada Buddhism.
Glossary
- Karma: As mentioned above, it is the law of cause and effect. In Sanskrit, "karma" means action. Every action we take, whether physical, verbal, or mental, creates a karmic imprint that will bear fruit in the future.
- Mantra: A mantra is a sacred sound, word, or phrase. In Tibetan Buddhism, mantras are chanted during meditation and religious rituals. For example, the famous mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" is believed to have great spiritual power. Chanting mantras is thought to purify the mind, accumulate merit, and invoke the blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
- Mandala: A mandala is a geometric and symbolic representation, often in the form of a circular or square diagram. It represents the universe, the Buddha - field, or the spiritual path. Mandalas are used in meditation for visualization purposes. Practitioners may focus on the details of the mandala to gain insights into the nature of reality and to develop their spiritual understanding.
Meet the Dalai Lama: The Spiritual Leader and His Global Message
Life of the Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama is considered the spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan people in Tibetan Buddhism. The current 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born in 1935 in Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet. At the age of two, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. He received an extensive education in Tibetan Buddhism, including studies of Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and the arts. In 1950, when China's People's Liberation Army entered Tibet, the young Dalai Lama was thrust into a complex political situation. In 1959, following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, he fled to India and established a Tibetan government - in - exile in Dharamshala.
Philosophical Thought
- Buddhist Philosophy
- The Dalai Lama's philosophical thought is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. He emphasizes the importance of the Four Noble Truths (the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the cessation of suffering, and the truth of the path leading to the cessation of suffering) and the Eightfold Path (right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration). He teaches that through the practice of these principles, individuals can overcome suffering and achieve liberation.
- Inter - religious Dialogue
- He is also a strong advocate for inter - religious dialogue. He believes that all major religions share common values such as love, compassion, and forgiveness. By promoting dialogue among different faiths, he hopes to build mutual understanding and respect, and to contribute to world peace. He has engaged in numerous discussions with leaders of other religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism.
Advocacy for Modern Society
- Environmental Protection
- The Dalai Lama has long been concerned about environmental issues. He believes that humans have a responsibility to protect the planet. He often speaks about the need to live in harmony with nature and to reduce our negative impact on the environment. He encourages people to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and respecting all forms of life. His teachings on environmental protection are based on the Buddhist concept of interdependence, where all things in the universe are interconnected.
- Non - violence
- Non - violence is a central theme in the Dalai Lama's message. He advocates for resolving conflicts through peaceful means and dialogue. He has been a vocal opponent of war and violence, both in the context of the Tibetan situation and in the global arena. He believes that through non - violent methods, such as peaceful protests and negotiation, lasting solutions can be found. His teachings on non - violence have inspired many people around the world, including peace activists and those seeking to resolve conflicts in their own communities.
