Tibetan Buddhism

[David19]

Does anyone know anything about Tibetan Buddhism or practice it, I've been reading about it and it seems really interesting, and i like what i've read. I've also read that Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhist's have a lot more to do with supernatural beings and the supernatural (which is something i'm interested in), is this true, since i've heard Tibetan Buddhist's believe in the existance of gods, demigods, demons and other things, and i'd like to see their take on them.

Also, does Tibetan Buddhism incorporate aspects of shamanism since i've read it adopted shamanic elements when it came into Tibet and China, and also does anyone know anything about Bon, as i've read on a few sites, that Bon was the indigineous(sp) religion of Tibet before Buddhism.

And finally, are there any books published on Tibetan Buddhism or some good sites?

Thanks :).

[Toby Stimpson]

Hey David!!

Well, Tibetan Buddhism is one Im gradually branching into from my studies of Hinduism. basicly it's important to realize that the history of Tibetan Buddhism (Called the Vajrayana "Lighting Wheel" form of Buddhism) is basicly a composite history of moving from Tantrik Hinduism into Tibet (and surrounding areas), and incorporating with the Old Bon religion. Bon was a very Shamanic religion with many Gods. Anyways, was there anything specific you want to know, i am no expert buyt I do know a lot :). It was first spread by the great Guru Padmasambhava into Bhutan and across to Tibet a thousand or so years ago. He spread with him a form of Buddhism that had been heavily influenced by Tantra and was accepted by the king of Tibet to teach and convert the country. the priests of the Shamanic Bon rleigion, which was full of magic and sorcery, became jealous but was supposedly incorporated into the religion as folk leaders.

Of what i know ok: basicly the idea behind the Vajrayana Buddhist theology is that there are a great numbers of Buddhas, and a few major Bodhisattvas (and manifestations). The most impotant being Chenrezi (Avalokitishvara), Tara, Manjusri, and a few othr major ones. There is also Historical Buddha (gauatama) called Shakyamuni. These beings are distinct from Gods as they are both manifest and unmanifest...part of the world but seperate. They have totally achieves enlightenment yet remain as examples for us to follow. It is true that Vajrayana Buddhism, Indeed most of the Mahayana Schools accept the place of Devas in the world. In Vajrayana, the Devas are seen as being soemhow higher than Humans in that they posess immortality and pwoer, yet at the same time due to this idea that they are soemhow Gods...they remian in an egotistical state that does not allow their souls to continue on to Enlightenment and so they remain stuck. They are revered but not worshipped.

Now there are several major parts of Vajrayana as it is like a composite term more than a religion. In each region there is a main Lama and Monastery...and in the wentire Vajrayana world there are some major roles. The Dalai lama and Panchen Lama for example are two very prolific roles, but they do not control the entire religion. The Dalai lama is seen as the political leader and spiritual leader, yet this is also shared with the lead Lamas of each of the schools. the panchen Lama is the leader of a region of Tibet, and depending on the time is the student or the teacher of the Dalai lama after reincarnation. There are three main titles of people in the system, basicly : Lamas (similar to gurus from hinduism, enlightened beings who lead Sangats) Tulkus (enlightened beings who teach) and Rinpoche (another type of lama).

Thats all i can write of the top of my head without knowing more what you want to learn...but i know there are a lot of good websites out there and films!

Must be Karma: a Canadian national Film Board movie based on the story of a lama from Tibet's journey from his home monestary to Lhasa, down to the seat of power of the Tibetan Government in exile in Dharmasala in India to speak to the Dalai Lama himself...then his journey to the West to spread the Lotus Dhamma.

Words of my perfect teacher: Titled after a cntury old title by a Tibetan Monk, Words of my perfect is a personal fav of mine. it was directed by Lesly Ann patten of Toronto, and follows Domyang Kyenste Norbu Rinpoche, a worldwide renouned Rinpoche who has directed films as well as worked with berterelo Bertalluci on "Little buddha". The documentary is just a few years old and follows the Rinpoche around the world, as he teaches students. It goesa from london, Berlin, Toronto, Vancouver, LA, and finally ends in Bhutan where the Rinpoche is a prominant figure. There is also guest starring by Steven seagal, and Tulku Mugkpo form LA. A very interesting movie, not really informative but does show you a lot. It was also set around the same time as 9/11 so it offers a little insight into a buddhist perspective on the wars that followed.

There are plenty of websites, most notably Buddhanet.net Theres also the Government of Tibet in exile's main homepage which does have information of Tibetan culture including religion (a LOT on religion.)

I hope all thsi helps :)

Namaste

Tobias

[David19]

Thanks, you did help :), i'll check those sites out later and i'll try and see the films.

Again, thanks.

[Paracelsus]

Another good film is Scorsese's "Kundun" - the life of the Dalai lama from his discovery until his exile - highly recommended for a "feel" of Vajrayana.

[Toby Stimpson]

MHM! That is a good movie...and such wonderfully acted out.

[David19]

Are there any books or sites on the different types of supernatural beings in Tibetan Buddhism (such as gods, demons, etc)?.

[Toby Stimpson]

I cant think of any right now, i do have some information backed up on my computer if you're interested, PM me if you want :). I'll keep looking for good sites, generally speaking when looking you want to look for 'Tibetan Devas" "Buddhist Vajrayana Bodhisttvas" and "Tibetan Lha" Lha is the term used for Gods in traditional Tibetan language.

Namaste

Tobias