Tibetan and Vajrayana Buddhism
Vajrayana is sometimes presented as a third "vehicle" alongside Mahayana and Theravada. It is more often thought of as an extension of Mahayana, however. Vajrayana is the core of Tibetan Buddhism, but not all of Tibetan Buddhism is Vajrayana, and some forms of Vajrayana developed outside Tibet.
Tibetan Buddhism: An Introduction
Tibetan Buddhism is distinguished by its rich mythology and art, its esoteric tantra practices, and its reincarnated lamas. Here is a basic introduction to Tibetan Buddhism.
Tibetan Buddhism is distinguished by its rich mythology and art, its esoteric tantra practices, and its reincarnated lamas. Here is a basic introduction to Tibetan Buddhism.
How Buddhism Came to Tibet
This is a brief history of Tibetan Buddhism from in 641 CE, when King Songtsen Gampo unified Tibet and married two Buddhist princesses, to 1642, when the 5th Dalai Lama became ruler of Tibet.
This is a brief history of Tibetan Buddhism from in 641 CE, when King Songtsen Gampo unified Tibet and married two Buddhist princesses, to 1642, when the 5th Dalai Lama became ruler of Tibet.
The Four Schools of Tibetan Buddhism
Here is an introduction to the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism with links to more information about each.
Here is an introduction to the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism with links to more information about each.
Bardo Thodol: The Tibetan Book of the Dead
The Bardo Thodol -- "Liberation Through Hearing in the Intermediate State," known commonly as "The Tibetan Book of the Dead" -- is best known as a guide through the intermediate state, or bardo, between death and rebirth. However, the teachings in the book can be read and appreciated on many different, subtle levels.
The Bardo Thodol -- "Liberation Through Hearing in the Intermediate State," known commonly as "The Tibetan Book of the Dead" -- is best known as a guide through the intermediate state, or bardo, between death and rebirth. However, the teachings in the book can be read and appreciated on many different, subtle levels.
Introduction to Buddhist Tantra
The esoteric teachings, secret initiations and erotic imagery associated with Buddhist tantra have fueled no end of interest. But tantra may not be what you think it is.
The esoteric teachings, secret initiations and erotic imagery associated with Buddhist tantra have fueled no end of interest. But tantra may not be what you think it is.
Gods, Goddesses and Buddhist Tantra
The veneration of tantric deities looks like polytheism, but it isn't. Instead, it is a means to realize enlightenment by realizing oneself as a goddess or god.
The veneration of tantric deities looks like polytheism, but it isn't. Instead, it is a means to realize enlightenment by realizing oneself as a goddess or god.
Tibetan Buddhism Under Guard
These photographs, taken in Lhasa on June 21 and 22, 2008, paint a stark picture of the state of Buddhism in Tibet.
These photographs, taken in Lhasa on June 21 and 22, 2008, paint a stark picture of the state of Buddhism in Tibet.
Behind the Turmoil in Tibet
After nearly 50 years of Chinese rule, the people of Tibet continue to protest. China claims it has "liberated" the Tibetans from feudalism and ignorance and has modernized their country. Why aren't the Tibetans grateful?
After nearly 50 years of Chinese rule, the people of Tibet continue to protest. China claims it has "liberated" the Tibetans from feudalism and ignorance and has modernized their country. Why aren't the Tibetans grateful?
Buddhism in China and Tibet Today
Buddhism in China since Mao Zedong, Buddhism in Tibet since the March 2008 riots.
Buddhism in China since Mao Zedong, Buddhism in Tibet since the March 2008 riots.
What's a "God-King"?
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is often called a "God-King" by Western media. This article examines what that means and what role the Dalai Lama plays in Tibetan Buddhism and in Tibetan history.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is often called a "God-King" by Western media. This article examines what that means and what role the Dalai Lama plays in Tibetan Buddhism and in Tibetan history.
Rebellion in Tibet
If the government of China had worked with His Holiness the Dalai Lama instead of making him Public Enemy Number One, the bloodshed of March 2008 could have been avoided.
If the government of China had worked with His Holiness the Dalai Lama instead of making him Public Enemy Number One, the bloodshed of March 2008 could have been avoided.
A Concise Explanation of Vajrayana Buddhism
The origins and distinctive practices of Vajrayana Buddhism are briefly outlined, with links to other resources and a short glossary of Vajrayana terms.
The origins and distinctive practices of Vajrayana Buddhism are briefly outlined, with links to other resources and a short glossary of Vajrayana terms.
Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism
An introduction to Tibetan Buddhism by John Powers, from his book Dreams of Tibet.
An introduction to Tibetan Buddhism by John Powers, from his book Dreams of Tibet.