Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism UCOR 2100-08: Catholicism and World Religions Will Capodanno, I’Lia Downs, Teagan Melton.

TOPICS ❖ I'Lia Downs: Basic Teaching & Sects. ❖ Will Capodanno: Tibetan Buddhism compared to Buddhism in China and Japan ❖ Teagan Melton: 14th Dalai Lama: His Life and "What He Wants?" TOPICS.

BASIC TEACHINGS Tibetan Buddhism's basic teachings are based primarily on the four noble truths and the eightfold path, Tibetan Buddhism’s core teachings revolve around the notion that all beings have the capacity to attain enlightenment (Buddhahood) by comprehending and overcoming suffering through the practice of meditation, moral behavior, and wisdom. However, it also incorporates distinctive elements such as the significance of a spiritual teacher (‘Lama”) and the use of Tantra with visualizations and mantras to hasten the path to liberation. ~Buddhism’s Basic principle is that neither the Buddha nor any other deity meddles in human affairs, saves people, or makes intercession like a saint might. Instead, these creatures guide, teach, and explain the Dharma (law). Buddhism is essentially based on the idea of karma.~-.

Dalai Lama as “Living Buddha” Living Buddha: -In Buddhism, the idea that a person can become Buddha in this lifetime refers to the idea that a person can attain enlightenment (Nirvana) and a state of complete liberation from suffering by practicing and adhering to the teachings of Buddhism. This means that a person can realize their inherent Buddha-nature in this lifetime, not just in a future one; it means living with wisdom, compassion, and understanding, free from attachment and clinging to desires, and essentially becoming a “Buddha” while still physically alive. Buddha- Nature: -The majority of Tibetan Buddhists traditions hold that everyone has the potential to become Buddha, implying that everyone is born with the ability to become enlightened.

-Founded in 8th century -Of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, the Nyingma, or "ancient," tradition is the oldest. Often called "the ancient translation school," it was established in the eighth century after the first Buddhist texts were translated from Sanskrit to Tibetan. Nyingma Kahyu -Founded in the early 11th century -The Tibetan term meaning "oral lineage" or "whispered transmission," is the source of the name of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Although it may be traced back to Buddha Shakyamuni, the great Indian yogi Tilopa (988– 1069) is the most significant source for the particular practices of the Kagyu school. -Founded in 1409 -The newest and biggest school of Tibetan Buddhism is called the Gelug. One of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism during that era, Je Tsongkhapa (1357–1419), was a student of Sakya, Kagyu, and Nyingma masters. The most famous teacher of his era, Tsongkhapa, established Ganden Monastery in 1409 without announcing a new monastic order, while emphasizing a robust monastic sangha.. Gelug Sakya -Founded in 1073 -The 11th century saw the rise of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. Sakya Monastery, the earliest monastery of this lineage and the seat of the Sakya School, was built in Shigatse, Tibet, in 1073. The name is derived from the Tibetan term, which means "pale earth" and describes the grey environment. Naropa and other renowned Indian gurus, established the Sakya school during the second phase of translating Buddhist texts from Sanskrit into Tibetan. 4 principal Schools for Tibetan Buddhism.

Tibetan Buddhism vs Japanese and Chinese Buddhism Japanese Chinese Tibetan It was introduced into China in the first century through the silk roads via both India and Sri Lanka. They have schools that both were initiated in China and ones who have heavy influence from India. The ones that originate in China are Pure Land, Tiantai, Huayan and Chan. It was introduced into Japan through the silk road of China and Korea. Buddhism in Japan has different schools such as Heian, Nara, and Kamakura. All the schools were based on existing forms of Buddhism in both China and Korea however have developed over time to become their own thing. This is the Buddhism that is practiced in parts of Mongolia, Bhutan the Himalayan regions of both India and Nepal. It is based on the Tibetan Buddhist Canon. It has three vehicles those being Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana. It was transmitted to the region from the north of India and the 7th Century.

Chinese Buddhism Some of the key differences between Buddhism in China and in Tibet are in the specific schools or types that they practice. Talking about the specific schools that started in China starting with Pure Land which focuses on recitation of the mantra of Amitabha and was very popular among lay people because it didn’t require a lot of training in both meditation and philosophy. Another school is Chan which focuses on the direct insight into the nature of reality. While the meditation for this school is important there are many obstacles that can form while trying to obtain the insight required and placed of the upmost importance. The last two are Tiantai and Huayan which both have similar principles, and both teach that Buddha adapted his teaching to the abilities of those to which he taught. The differences between these Chinese Buddhist school and those in Tibet which place a large importance on the meditation and visualization..

Japanese Buddhism The differences between Buddhism in Japan and Tibet are again in the schools that are practiced. In Japan, a large amount of Buddhism that is practiced has its origins in the Chinese Buddhist Canon so has very similar practices as Buddhism in China and Korea. That meaning that the similarities and differences between Buddhism in Japan and Tibet is largely like that of Tibet and China. However, noting some other differences that makes Japanese Buddhism unique to all the others is their own schools including those of Nara and Heian. Nara Buddhism has 6 schools that all have their own separate traditions and practices, and Heian is derived from the Chinese school Tiantai into their version Tendai. This outlines better the differences between Tibet and Japan and what makes the two unique to each other..

14th Dalai Lama – Life and Teachings • Tibetan Buddhist monk Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th Dalai Lama. • He was recognized as the incarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama in 1937 and enthroned as the Dalai Lama in 1940. • The Dalai Lama assumed head of state in 1950 when Chinese troops entered Tibet. • Under duress, Tibetan delegates ceded control of Tibet to China. • Tensions continued to increase, resulting in the Lhasa uprising in 1959. • The Dalai Lama then escaped to India and began his exile..

14th Dalai Lama – Life and Teachings • In exile, the Dalai Lama began traveling to different countries, meeting world figures, and conducting speeches. • He won the 1989 Nobel Prize for Peace for his efforts with China. o Notable writings: "Five Point Peace Plan" and "Middle Way Approach" • He spread tenets of Buddhism around the world: writing over 100 books with Buddhist themes and leading 34 Kalachakra initiations. • The Dalai Lama stepped down politically in 2011, advocating for democracy and continuing the role in a religious capacity..

14th Dalai Lama – Tibet and China • Throughout his life, the Dalai Lama has continued to advocate for the preservation of Tibetan culture and autonomy. • His goal for the future of Tibet is exemplified by his "Five Point Peace Plan" and "Middle Way Approach." • The 14th Dalai Lama wants Tibet to become an autonomous state within China, neither fully absorbed or fully independent. • The Dalai Lama advises that his incarnation is found without political involvement from China..

References ▪ https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dalai-Lama-14th ▪ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/14th_Dalai_Lama ▪ Basic Concepts of Tibetan Buddhism ▪ His Holiness The Dalai Lama | World Leaders Forum ▪ Human nature and destiny – the central concern - RE:ONLINE ▪ The Four Main Schools of Tibetan Buddhism - Tibetan Nuns Project ▪ https://encyclopediaofbuddhism.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_China ▪ https://encyclopediaofbuddhism.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Japan ▪ https://encyclopediaofbuddhism.org/wiki/Tibetan_Buddhism.