1. What is Tibetan Buddhism?

2. -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

3. 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?

4. What are its origins?- - First came to Tibet in the 7 th century -King if Tibet sent an embassy to India to learn about Buddhism -Buddhist texts to Tibet -Tibetan alphabet devised

5. What are its origins?- -8 th century, two scholars arrived 1. SHANTARAKSHITA 2. PADMASAMBHAVA

6. What are its origins?- 1. SHANTARAKSHITA

7. What are its origins?- 2. PADMASAMBHAVA

8. Areas for research - Sects in Tibetan Buddhism including:- 1.Kadampa 2. Sakya 3. Kargyupa 4. Nying ma pa

9. Areas for research - Tantra and Sex

10. Areas for research - The Tibetan Book of the Dead and Bardo

11. Areas for research - Tibetan Buddhist attitude to scriptures

12. Areas for research - Who or what is the Dalai Lama?

13. Areas for research - What is the role of the Dalai Lama?

14. Areas for research - The current Dalai Lama?

15. 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?