The Essential Teachings of Vajrayana Buddhism (3/5)

Buddhism in Tibetan Following China's conquest of Tibet, the religion known as Tibetan Buddhism was driven from its native territory and into exile. It was once believed that one in six Tibetan men was a monk practicing Buddhism.

The Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile in India since escaping the Chinese takeover of his nation in 1959, is the most well-known representative of Tibetan Buddhism. 

Tibetan Buddhism incorporates elements from an old Tibetan religion known as Bon, Tantric, and Shamanic teachings, as well as the core teachings of Mahayana Buddhism.

While Vajrayana Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism are sometimes confused, they are not the same. In Tibetan Buddhism, Vajrayana is taught alongside the other vehicles. 

The characteristics of Tibetan Buddhism

1) The status of the teacher, or "Lama.
2) The significance of initiations and rituals. 
3) Rich symbolism in the visual

4) Parts of the ancient Tibetan religions

5) Mantras and meditation practices. 

Mantras and yogic techniques are just two. of the many rituals and spiritual exercises that are part of Tibetan Buddhism.  

Tibetan Buddhism places a strong emphasis on supernatural entities. There are many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas—gods and spirits. The ancient Tibetan faiths are still revered. Bodhisattvas are shown as both merciful deities and vengeful ones. 

Faith-related aspects

A teacher is a lama. Although they are typically a senior member of the monastic community, such as a monk or nun, lamas can also be laypeople or married individuals. Frequently, they are the rebirths of former lamas.

In addition to what they study from Buddhist texts and philosophy, lamas frequently possess specialized ritual talents. 

Dalai Lama's knowledge.

The 3rd Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso, was the first to hold the title. (The names "Dalai Lama" were given to the two earlier incarnations following their passing.)

Born in 1935 in Amdo, Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso is the fourteenth Dalai Lama and the current one as of 2002. 

The Karmapa literally translates to "one who performs the activity of a Buddha." The seventeenth Karmapa is the present incarnation (2002).

The 17th Karmapa has been recognized in two persons: While Trinlay Thaye Dorje, the leader of an opposing Buddhist sect, has gained the support of the general public, Orgyen Trinley Dorje is legally acknowledged as the 17th Karmapa.

Tibetan Buddhism was much influenced by Tantra, and this has brought in a wealth of complex rituals, symbols, and techniques.

Tantra originated in India and appears in both the Hindu and Buddhist traditions. It gives Tibetan Buddhism a magical element and a rich portfolio of heavenly beings. 

It also brings a wide variety of spiritual techniques, such as mantras, mandalas, ceremonies, and many varieties of yoga

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