Transcript Tibet
Tibet 1. The White snow mountain in the center depicts the land of the great nation of Tibet. 2.The six red rays emanating from the sun symbolize the six original peoples of Tibet: the Se, Mu, Dong, Tong, Dru, and Ra. 3. The blue rays symbolize the commitment to spirtual and secular rule. 4. The pair of snow-lions symbolize the complete victory of the spiritual and secular rule. 5. The three-sided yellow border represents the flourishing of the Buddha's teachings. The side without a border represents Tibet's openness to non Buddhist thought. 6. The raised jewel symbolizes Tibet's reverence for the three Precious Gems: the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. Flag of Tibet “This center of heaven. The core of earth. This heart of the World Fenced round by snowy mountains. The headland of all river Where peaks are high and the land is pure. Where men are born as sages and heroes. And act according to good laws.” -9th Century CE Buddhist monk Tibet • Unified kingdom in the 7th Century CE under King Song-tsen Gampo • His queens built the first Buddhist temple in Lhasa • Tibet became deeply rooted in Buddhism in the 8th Century CE JoKhang Temple Built by Queen Bhrikuti Built on top of lake Lhasa Tibet • Many different orders of Buddhism developed in Tibet • Tsong Khapa (1357-1419) • Most influential scholar of Tibetan Buddhism • Founded Gelug-pa “Yellow Hat” religious order • Mongol leader gave leader of this order title “Dalai Lama” • Dalai Lama is Tibet’s most scared and secular leader • Theocratic government until 1959 when China took over Tibet Tibet • Most scared God in Tibet is the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara • Name means “Supreme Lord of Compassion” • Patron deity of Tibet • Incarnated as the Dalai Lama (priest king of Tibet) Bodhisattva Bodhisattvas Means “those whose Essence is Supreme Knowledge” Supersede the Arhats because they stand on the verge of enlightenment but delay nirvana in order to help others Follows the Mahayana Tradition of Buddhism All can be Bodhisattvas but only cultivating the virtues over hundreds of lifetimes 13th century bronze figure Tibet Gelug-pa Monks Current Dalai Lama 14th Dalai Lama to rule Tibet Real name Tenzi Gyatso Former home of the Dalai Lama Potala Palace at capital city of Lhasa Tibet • Second in Charge Panchen Lama • Current picture of the 11th Panchen Lama • Still lives in Tibet • Fear he is being persecuted by the Chinese authorities 11th Panchen Lama age 12, 2001 Holy city = Lhasa • Capital and largest city • Potala Palace • Home of Dalai Lama built in 1645 • Built in typical Tibetan style = gently sloping walls and flat roofs resting on wooden beams • Not far from Potala is JoKhang, the “cathedral of Lhasa the most sacred temple in Tibet • At JoKang the rites into lamahood of the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lamas are held here Potala Palace Front Door to Potala Place Red Palace Upper section of the building Contains temples, images, shrines and relics of the Dalai Lamas JoKhang “House of the Lord” Most sacred temple in Tibet House of the Jowo Buddha • “Wheel of Dharma” • At the main entrance to the JoKhang Temple Art in Tibet • • • • Religious in purpose Artists worked for monasteries and temples Considered treasures Types of art – Sculptures – Painting on cloth scrolls (thangkas) – Mandala Sand Painting Mandala Sand Painting http://www.mysticalartsoftibet.org/Man-Proc.htm Thangkas Music • Silent meditation is a prominent aspect of Buddhism • But music and dance have been integral – In processions – In rituals • All ceremonies involve chanting and the use of musical instruments – – – – – – Long trumpets Drums made from two skulls Conch shell trumpets Shawm (oboe like) Cymbals Singing bowls Sacred Sound • Mantras – – – – Holy sounds that are endowed with the very essence of the reality Means “instruments of thought” Every mantra has a specific purpose Knowledge is closely guarded secrete • Handed down from teacher to student • Not to be written, but many are now – Most popular is the six syllable prayer of Avalokiteshvara • Om Mani Padme Hum