| Religion of Tibet |
Religion is the base of Tibetan culture. Every activity, life style and education system of Tibetans are encircled with religion.
Article 7 of the 17-Article Agreement signed on May 23, 1951,
includes the clause " the policy of freedom of religious belief
laid down in the common Program of the Chinese People's
Political Consultative Conference shall be carried out. The
religious beliefs, customs and habits of the Tibetan people
shall be respected, and lama monasteries shall be protected.
Bon : The Tibetan people are very self respected and trustworthy. Generally they are known as very faithful
people. The oldest religion is Bon, later Buddhism has been spread. This religion is a blend of the Bon and the
Buddhism. Bon is the ancient religion of Tibet. It is difficult
to distinguish between Tibetans who follow the tradition of Bon
and those who adhere to Buddhism. Both share a common heritage,
as well as popular religious practice such as chanting mantras,
making offerings, and spinning prayer wheels. Monks receive
training in astrology, medicine, poetry, and the making of
religious objects. Bon monks are often called to laypersons
homes to perform rituals on holy days, when there is illness,
and when someone dies.
Buddhism : Probably Buddhism was first introduced to Tibet in
173 CE during the region of the 28th Yarlung King Thothori, but
had apparently no impact. The first official historic
introduction of a Buddhist scripture into Tibet happened during
reign of a King Hlato. Buddhism revived, with the help of King
Yeshe O. A real revival occurred after 1042, when
Atisha-di-Pankhara pur Tibetans "Back on the right Track". He
presented the Buddhist philosophy in a very clear and condensed
manner, which became the basis for philosophical teachings in
most Tibetans traditions. Buddhism is still prevent in Tibet and
the temples and monasteries that were destroyed are rebuilt. The
Chinese government still has a strong hold on religious
practices, including placing a limit on the number of religious
buildings.
Lama's : They are the teachers of Buddhism. Lama's play an
important role in Tibetan Buddhism. Lama teach all the monks.
The Lama is the one that takes care that the system of Buddhism
will continue to work. In 1578 the Lama Sonam received the title
of Ta-Le (Dalai) from the Mongolian ruler Atlan khan. Because he
wad the third reincarnation found in a row he became the third
Dalai Lama. |
