Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism: Wisdom and Faith on the Snowy Plateau

Tibetan Buddhism, sometimes called Lamaism, is a distinctive branch of Buddhism shaped by more than fourteen centuries of development on the Tibetan Plateau. It brings together Indian Mahayana Buddhism, tantric traditions, and Tibet's indigenous Bon culture, forming a rigorous body of teachings, an expansive artistic tradition, and a distinctive system of reincarnate religious teachers.

As one of Buddhism's three major language traditions, it is more than a religious faith: it is central to Tibetan culture, history, and philosophy.

History: Two Great Periods of Transmission

The history is commonly divided into an earlier and a later dissemination.

Earlier dissemination, seventh to ninth centuries: In the seventh century, Songtsen Gampo unified the Tibetan Plateau and married Princess Wencheng and Princess Bhrikuti, whose Buddhist images were brought to Lhasa. During Trisong Detsen's reign, the completion of Samye Monastery marked Buddhism's establishment in Tibet.
Later dissemination, tenth century onward: After the decline associated with Langdarma's suppression, Buddhism revived from Ngari and Qinghai. From the eleventh century, Atisha's arrival in Tibet and the emergence of different schools ushered in a flourishing period.

Culture and Politics

Tibetan Buddhism received strong support from the central governments during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. In the fifteenth century, Tsongkhapa's reforms established the Gelug school and rigorous monastic discipline. The religious-political system that later developed played a decisive role in Tibetan social stability and cultural transmission.

Core Teachings: Sutra, Tantra, and Awakening in This Life

A defining feature is the importance given to Vajrayana, or tantra. Practitioners are expected to establish a foundation in sutra teachings before using tantric visualization, mantra, and ritual as a path toward swift awakening.

Altruism: Continuing the Mahayana bodhisattva path, the tradition emphasizes bodhicitta and the benefit of all beings.
Emptiness: Madhyamaka philosophy explores how all phenomena arise through causes and conditions and lack a fixed, independent essence.

Distinctive Institutions

Reincarnate Teachers: Tulku

This form of succession seeks the reincarnation of an accomplished teacher after death. Searches and procedures such as recognizing the predecessor's belongings identify a new religious leader and support continuity of the lineage.

The Lama

Lama means spiritual teacher. A lama is both an instructor and a link between disciple and Buddha, with strong emphasis on respect and devoted reliance on the teacher.

The Five Great Treatises

Monasteries in the Gelug and other traditions follow demanding programs of scriptural study. Monks may spend many years or decades studying five core areas, including Madhyamaka, logic, and monastic discipline, before qualifying for scholarly titles.

The Four Major Schools

Although Tibetan Buddhism has many branches, four are especially influential. They share core teachings while differing in lineage, practice, and identifying dress.

Nyingma, the Red School: Meaning the Ancient Translation school, it is the oldest and honors Padmasambhava as a founding figure. Dzogchen is its highest teaching.
Gelug, the Yellow School: Founded by Tsongkhapa, it emphasizes strict discipline and systematic sutra study. It is the largest school and has had the strongest political influence.
Kagyu, the White School: It emphasizes oral transmission and direct practice, is known for Mahamudra, and includes the celebrated yogi Milarepa.
Sakya, the Variegated School: Named for monastery walls painted red, white, and black, Sakya held religious and political authority in Tibet during the Yuan dynasty. Its principal teaching is Lamdre, the Path and Its Fruit.

Practice: Logic and Devotion

Tibetan Buddhist practice includes rational debate and visually striking artistic creation. These are ways to train the mind as well as ritual activities.

Debate: Sparks of Thought

In Lhasa's monasteries, monks often debate beneath trees or in courtyards, punctuating arguments with claps. More than an examination, debate uses logical analysis to dispel misunderstandings of Buddhist teachings and is central to monastic education.