Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan culture is inextricably interwoven with Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and tradition.
“Buddhist philosophy is not only for monks and nuns. It is for everyone. The survival of Tibetan Buddhism doesn’t depend on monks and nuns. Even lay people can be lineage holders of the Buddha Dharma.”
Buddhism first came to Tibet in the seventh century. Tibetan Buddhism represents the authentic Nalanda tradition which is characterized by rigorous study of philosophy and psychology on the basis of reason and logic, since reasoning is a means of connecting to faith. As the Dalai Lama notes, one should not accept the teachings of Buddha out of faith, but rather through investigation and experimentation.
Padmasambhava, known as Guru Rinpoche to the Tibetans, who introduced Buddhism to Tibet
Central to Buddhism is training the mind to turn adversity to advantage. Problems are transformed into opportunities to gain inner strength and to develop patience and tolerance. This process has enabled Tibetans to maintain their dignity and spirit in the face of difficulties. It is visibly apparent that Tibetans do not get caught up in self-pity. Asked why, they explain, “We are all in the same situation.” Tibetans are bonded together with the Buddhist religion. As long as Tibetan Buddhism continues, Tibetan culture will survive.
Sacred masked dance
Stupas, Ladakh
Prayer wheels
A painting of Vajrapani, the Vajrayana or Thunderbolt-holder, one of the three main protectors of Tibet
Stupas, the most recognizable forms of Buddhist architecture
Om Mani Padme Hum - mantra carved in stone
Prayer wheels