Transcript What is Tibetan Buddhism? - The Ecclesbourne School Online

What is Tibetan
Buddhism?
-It is a school of Mahayana Buddhism
-It has Tantric elements
-Tibetans have adopted some
Theravada meditation practices
-It is found in Bhutan (Little Buddha
film!), Northern India, Mongolia, parts
of Nepal and the West
-It is made up of a number of different
sects and the Dalai Lama is only leader
of ONE of these
What are its origins?Can we ever separate legend from
history?
Could a devised Tibetan alphabet
ever truly translate the Buddhist
scriptures?
Would Tibetan Buddhism ever
hold sway over local gods and
spirits?
What are its origins?-First came to Tibet in the 7th
century
-King if Tibet sent an embassy to
India to learn about Buddhism
-Buddhist texts to Tibet
-Tibetan alphabet devised
•What are its origins?-8th century, two scholars arrived
1. SHANTARAKSHITA
2. PADMASAMBHAVA
•What are its origins?1. SHANTARAKSHITA
•What are its origins?2. PADMASAMBHAVA
•Areas for research
- Sects in Tibetan
Buddhism including:1.Kadampa
2. Sakya
3. Kargyupa
4. Nying ma pa
•Areas for research
- Tantra and Sex
•Areas for research
- The Tibetan Book
of the Dead and
Bardo
•Areas for research
- Tibetan Buddhist
attitude to scriptures
•Areas for research
- Who or what is the
Dalai Lama?
•Areas for research
- What is the role of
the Dalai Lama?
•Areas for research
- The current Dalai
Lama?
•Questions!
1. Should religious leaders involve them
selves in political situations?
2. Should the laity and the monastic sangha
have different practices?
3. What is the Trikaya doctrine?
4. Did any of the Dalai Lamas act out of
keeping with Buddhism? If they did, should
they have done if they are bodhisattvas?