Tibetan Buddhism, a distinct religion with supernatural components, differs from Buddhism’s fundamental teachings. Scholars are investigating the roots of these discrepancies and attempting to explain their differences from pure teachings.
Moreover, Buddhism is a significant faith, often regarded as a philosophy, with ancient lamas publishing works on principles and procedures.
Tibetan Buddhism is rich in tradition, with deep philosophies and teachings from enlightened monks. The core element of Tibetan Buddhism is their unwavering religious faith, deeply ingrained in their daily lives and culture. The main goal of Tibetan Buddhism is Buddhahood.
You can learn detailed practices of Tibetan Buddhism and participate in rituals by engaging in communities like Dro-Phen Ling Tibetan Buddhist Centre.
This post explores the empirical science of happiness and Tibetan Buddhist traditions and philosophy, revealing some Tibetan beliefs align with scientific discoveries.
What Sets Tibetan Buddhism Apart?
Given below are some of the most distinctive features of Tibetan Buddhism that set it apart from most religions around the world—
- Buddhism Covers Almost the Entire Tibetan Population
Guru Rinpoche introduced Tibetan Buddhism in the seventh century AD. Tibetan people have practiced and supported Buddhism throughout the region for a long time.
Its teachings shape Tibetans’ way of life, worldview, and values. Tibetan Buddhism showcases simplicity, compassion, and strong faith among its population.
However, Tibetan Buddhism is divided into sects. Each sect has distinctive practices, including Gelug, Sakya, Nyingma, and Kagyu. Despite their differences, Tibetans believe in avoiding evil and doing good.
Tibet’s distinct culture and beliefs are evident in every nation’s mountain, river, and lake. Each region has its sacred mountains and holy lakes, which provide valuable insights into the local culture and beliefs.
Nevertheless, Tibet has a fascinating history and culture that local and foreign visitors can discover. Buddhism is more than a religious belief; it is a way of life that pervades the Tibetan people’s character and values, defining their distinct charisma.
- Achieving Peace is Challenging
One common misconception about Tibetan Buddhism is the assumption that one can easily attain peace by following Tibetan Buddhism and its ways. In reality, the pursuit of peace is continuous and always seems just beyond reach.
Therefore, Tibetan Buddhists are engaged in an unending pursuit of making amends for their wrongdoings. This is believed to help them live in tranquility and resolve their karmic debt.
Moreover, Tibetan lamas (teachers) focus extensively on seeking this peace, while ordinary Tibetan Buddhists concentrate on counteracting their negative karma to ensure a better life.
To achieve this, individuals chant mantras, meditate, give offerings, embark on pilgrimages, rotate prayer wheels, and burn incense.
- Compassion Stands as the Crux of the Religion
Buddhism in Tibet establishes firm beliefs that advocate respect for all life, including yaks, sheep, dogs, horses, and insects since they have spirituality and are equal to people.
Tibetans forego eating fish in favor of yaks, which may feed an entire family, saving one person from having to live numerous lifetimes.
Tibetans regularly demonstrate compassion, such as during the Shoton Festival, when monks refrain from engaging in outdoor activities to protect insects and tiny creatures.
For instance, they celebrate the Yogurt Festival, with residents donating yogurt as a token of thanks. Tibetans also perform acts of charity, such as funding monasteries, adopting stray animals, releasing fish for eating, and assisting neighbors. Even while traveling, Tibetans aid visitors in need.
- The Presence of Demons & Spirits
Contrary to common belief, most Tibetan Buddhists do not live in a condition of serenity and enlightenment. Instead, people frequently dread the spirit realm and demons, and they attribute everything from disease to bad luck to demonic activity.
Demonic beings appear in artwork and monuments. The renowned Wheel of Life artwork represents the cyclical nature of life, the “three poisons” of ignorance, attachment, and aversion, and the importance of karma. It symbolizes the six stages of life: gods, demigods, humanity, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell.
Yama has authority over the turning of fates. Outside the circle are Buddha and Nirvana. Tibetan Buddhists believe that getting off the spinning wheel and into nirvana is the ultimate goal, which they can reach via good actions, even if it takes several lifetimes. Failure to atone for poor karma leads to a negative future life in the cycle.
- Prohibitions & Maintenance
Tibetans practice Buddhism, emphasizing karma and avoiding misbehavior to prevent dire repercussions.
This devotion leads to a low crime rate in Tibet and assures safe travel. Tibetans value nonviolence and compassion, restricting their meat-eating to yaks and lambs.
They sincerely apologize for any accidental injury and demonstrate kindness by supporting neighbors and tourists. They believe in the implications of their activities and seek to build merit for a better future.
However, deviations are possible. People who commit sins incur societal and religious consequences, like exclusion from blessings or a non-sky burial. Instead, they follow regular burial practices, with their spirits thought to stay on the earth.
