Tibet Buddhism
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Tibet Buddhism

Update: Dec. 28th, 2011

Tibet Buddhism

Tibet Buddhism – Brief Introduction

Tibet Buddhism is also called Lamaism and formed in the 10th century.

As the origin the Tibet Buddhism, the King Sontzen Gampo (617 - 650 AD) got married with two princesses respectively of Nepal and China (during the Tang Dynasty) named Princess Tsizun and Princess Wencheng. When two princesses came into Tibet region, many Buddhist scriptures and statues, monks and craftsmen are brought by two princesses because both of them were Buddhists. Then, Jokhang Temple and Ramoche Temple were constructed by Princess Tsizun and Princess Wencheng while the Buddhist scriptures were spread in Tibet Region. From then on, the Buddhism was started to mingle with Tibet culture, politics, economy, education and folk custom, as well as to be the religion of Tibetan people. However during the reign of Langdarma, Buddhism was banned and damaged before it was restored in the second thriving and prosperous in the 10th century.

With a long-term communication of national culture, Tibet Buddhism gradually became dominant in Tibet region and spread into neighboring provinces and countries.

Tibet Buddhism - Schools

According to Tibet record, there was a troublous period from 869 AD to 1239 AD. During the 370 years, the unified regime was never established, but the Buddhism has been developed again after the death of Langdarma. Tibet Buddhism gradually split into different sects and gained political influence, all of which the following five religious sects are the most influential ones.

Nyingma Sect (Red Sect)

Nyingma Sect means the "old" in Tibetan language. It is the oldest sect of Tibet Buddhism, formed in 11 century and founded by Padmasambhava. Nyingma Sect is also called Red Sect because the Buddhists of this sect are wearing red robes. It is known spreading Tibet region besides India, Bhutan, Nepal, Belgium, Greece, French and America.

Kagyu Sect (White Sect)

Kagyu Sect founded in 11 century by Marpa and Milarepa who always wearing white robes, and that's why we called Kagyu Sect White Sect. It is the third largest school of Tibet Buddhism, which stresses the study of Tantra that needs to be imparted by oral teaching.

Kadam Sect

Kadam Sect founded in 1056 and disappeared after the establishment of Gelug Sect of 15 century. The disciples of Kahdampa merged into Gelug Sect.

Sakya Sect (Colorful Sect)

Sakya Sect is today the smallest of the four schools of Tibet Buddhism and founded in 1073. Since the wall of the monastery was painted with red, white and black strips, it was called Colorful sect colloquially. Sakya Sect is the representative of the Tibet region during the reign of Yuan Dynasty.

Gelug Sect (Yellow Sect)

Gelug Sect is the latest sect of Tibet founded in 1409. Gelug Sect is also called Yellow Sect because the monastery wears yellow robes. It merged Kahdampa and established five famous monasteries, Drepung, Sera Monastery, Tashilhunpo monastery, Kumbum Monastery, and Labrang Monastery, which called the most significant with Ganden monastery together. In addition, Gelug Sect created two reincarnation systems of Living Buddha of Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama.

Tibet Buddhism - Reincarnation System of Living Buddha

The obvious feature of Tibet Buddhism is the reincarnation system of Living Buddha.

In 1283, the reincarnation system of Living Buddha is established originated from one famous Buddhist who found a reincarnation to succeed his status, which has been spread quickly in other religious sects.

The reincarnations system of Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama respectively established in 17 century and the year of 1713.

Tibet Buddhism - The Tibetan Pilgrims

Tibetan Buddhists often have to save for several years to finance one such long and arduous trip, which can take several months or years. For Tibetans, the journey of the pilgrimage is as crucial as the destination. The pilgrims often have to leave behind most of their worldly possessions and rely on the goodwill of others. The most important thing is worshiping on bended knees all the way to Lhasa. It is believed that rigors of the journey, if borne with a positive attitude, can generate merits just as the blessing one receives from a holy site.

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