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