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Religion in Tibet

In Tibet, people are deeply rooted and dedicated to religious faith. Therefore, religious customs are part of everyday life, and Tibetans have developed distinct religion (what many describes as the Science of Mind) cultures.

Tibetan Buddhism

Main Religion: The majority of Tibetans practice Tibetan Buddhism, a unique form that combines elements of Mahayana Buddhism, Tantric traditions, and indigenous Bon religion.

 

Four Major Schools of Tibetan Buddhism:

§  Gelug (founded by Tsongkhapa; the Dalai Lamas come from this school)

§  Nyingma (oldest tradition)

§  Kagyu

§  Sakya

 

 

Pre-Buddhist Religion Bon

§  Bon religion predates Buddhism in Tibet and has shamanistic roots.

§  Though many Bon beliefs and rituals were absorbed into Tibetan Buddhism, Bon is still practiced today, with its own monasteries and traditions.

§  Bon also includes teachings similar to Buddhism but retains unique elements such as distinct deities and cosmologies.

 

 

Religious Practices

 

Pilgrimage: Important sites include Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera and Drepung Monasteries, Samye Monastery, Mount Kailash and Lake Namtso etc.

Prayer Wheels, Flags, and Beads: Used to accumulate merit and promote spiritual focus.

Meditation and Mantras: Especially the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum, associated with compassion.