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Tibetan Tantra Buddhism or Vajrayana - Buddhism
In a nutshell!
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Tibetan Buddhism History
‘Bon’ religion indigenous religion of Tibet, animistic (believing that nature is pervaded by good and evil spirits) shamanistic Buddhism and Hinduism Initially introduced late 8th century more steadily from the 13th century onwards The Great tantric mystic Guru Rinpoche blended these three religions in 774 CE resulting in Tibetan Buddhism
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Tibetan Buddhism - politics
Tibetan Buddhism dominated Mongolia and Manchuria. Gave rise to a Theocracy – hierarchy of monks or Lamas that govern the country Dali Lama is both the worldly and spiritual authority
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Tibetan Buddhist Sacred Texts
Buddhist text were translated into Tibetan 11th – 14th Centuries. Many text survived in Tibetan translations only The most famous Tibetan Buddhist text is the Bardo Thodol, popularly known as the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Describes the experiences of the soul during the interval between death and rebirth. It is recited by lamas over a dying or recently deceased person
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Tibetan Buddhism Beliefs
Similarities with Mahayana Buddhism pantheon of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and Dharma protectors 4 Noble Truths Eight-Fold Path Compassion Monastic life 3 baskets – Tripitaka rituals such as food and flower offerings Religious pilgrimages Religious festivals Mantras and Mudras Bodhisattvas
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Tibetan Buddhism Beliefs cont.
Unique to Tibetan Buddhism religious pilgrimages chanting prayers Prayer wheels Prostrating Mandalas
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Tibetan Buddhism Beliefs cont.
Cham: a dance featuring sacred masked dances, sacred music, healing chants, and spectacular richly ornamented multi-colored costumes Mudras - used by the monks to invite spiritual energies which generate wisdom, compassion. monastic debate
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Tibetan Beliefs - Images
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Philosophy – Fight fire with fire
Vajra – diamond. Buddha elevated to a savior holding a diamond scepter – evokes the energetic rigor and clarity of the diamond Task: to shut off the energy of desire to accomplish the cessation of suffering How: Harness this energy (of desire) and turn it against itself to propel the individual towards enlightenment. Method: Chanting, Mandalas, mudras, sex
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Tibet Today Clergy: Lamas (Oligarchy)
Present Dali Lama - 14th in a direct line of succession – through rebirth won Nobel Peace Prize 1989 Currently living in exile in Northern India Tibet – currently claimed by the People’s Republic of China
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Zen Buddhism In a Nutshell
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Zen Origins Originated in China 6th Century Was popularized in Japan
Mahayana School Emphasis - meditation
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Zen Teachings Zen: direct experience of truth which is beyond words, thoughts and feelings about truth Emphasizes experience over speculation Beyond logical thinking that clutters the mind Satori – Zen Enlightenment
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Zen Practices Koans – riddles
Intended to short-circuit the workings of the logical rational mind Cultivate full attention to everyday life
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Zen Activities Ikebana – flower arranging Tea ceremony Landscaping
Poetry Calligraphy Martial Arts Sumo wrestling Bonsai
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Zen Life Monastic lifestyle Seated mediation Menial work Simple meals
Zen master – “Roshi” Authority over disciples
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Zen Images
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