A: Tibetan Buddhism, commonly known as Lamaism, is a branch of Buddhism practiced
mainly in areas inhabited by Tibetans and Mongolians. It emerged during the late
10th century. It was during the mid-13th century that Lamaism intertwined with
political power in Tibet, and that later, with the support of the central government
of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), it spread to areas inhabited by Mongolians.
Tibetan Buddhism has the following characteristics:
First, for a long period
of time it took the form of a long period of time it took the form of a theocracy,
whereby religion and politics combine. Second, most of the Tibetans are devout
believers in Tibetan Buddhism. Third, it has a strong aura of mystique, particularly
the reincarnation system of the Living Buddha, which is a unique characteristic
of Tibetan Buddhism. Fourth, it emphasized self-cultivation according to rules
and doctrines of Buddhism. Fifth, it has formed several sects, the major ones
being the Ningma (Red) Sect, Kargyu (White) Sect, Sagya (Variegated) Sect and
Gelug (Yellow) Sect. |
