Tibetan Buddhism, also known as Lamaism, is a branch of Buddhist practice that evolved in Tibet and the surrounding Himalayan regions, incorporating elements from the original Indian Buddhism, Tantric teachings, and the indigenous Bon religion. Central to Tibetan Buddhism is the belief in reincarnation and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment through the liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). The practice emphasizes the role of the lama or spiritual teacher, whose guidance is crucial for navigating the complex path toward enlightenment. Tibetan Buddhism is rich in rituals, ceremonial practices, and the use of sacred art and symbols, such as the mandala, which represents the universe and aids in meditation.
In Tibetan Buddhism, there are four main schools: Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug, with the Gelug being the newest and currently the most influential, famously headed by the Dalai Lama. Each school has its own interpretations and practices but shares the common goal of achieving enlightenment through intense meditative practices and ethical living. The use of mantras (sacred phrases), mudras (symbolic hand gestures), and tantras (esoteric teachings) are widespread, emphasizing the transformative power of sound, gesture, and vision as tools for realization.
The concept of Bodhisattva is central in Tibetan Buddhism. A Bodhisattva is an individual who seeks enlightenment both for themselves and for the benefit of all sentient beings, showing great compassion and altruism in their practice. This contrasts with some Buddhist paths that focus more singularly on personal liberation. The Bodhisattva ideal is embodied by figures such as Avalokiteshvara, who is revered for his infinite compassion, and is said to reincarnate in the form of the Dalai Lama to continue helping humanity.
Another unique aspect of Tibetan Buddhism is its incorporation of advanced meditation techniques, including Dzogchen and Mahamudra, which seek to realize the nature of mind and reality directly. These practices are often kept secretive and are transmitted directly from teacher to student in a lineage that traces back to ancient times. The elaborate rituals and teachings are designed to wear away at the ego and the illusion of a separate self, leading to a direct experience of the interconnectedness of all life, which is the essence of enlightenment in Tibetan Buddhism.