BASICS OF BUDDHISM #3: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BUDDHISM OF TIBET
This is the third in a five-part series of Dharma Discussions for spring semester exploring the geographical regions of Buddhism and their distinctive histories and traditions, in response to requests from Yale Buddhist Sangha members for more information on the fundamentals of Buddhism. The first discussion focused on Southeast Asia and Theravada Buddhism; the second, on East Asia and Mahayana Buddhism; the fourth will focus on contemporary America and its diverse Buddhist traditions; and the fifth session will be a final summation. It is not necessary to attend every Dharma Discussion.
The combination in Tibet of indigenous Bon shamanism, Indian tantric tradition, and Mahayana Buddhism has created a unique and fascinating hybrid: Vajrayana Buddhism, “The Diamond Vehicle.” How did this enormously rich Buddhism of distinctive rituals, scriptures, deities, and belief systems develop in the Himalayan region? What are some of the significant traits and practices of Tibet’s Vajrayana Buddhism? What distinguishes the four main Vajrayana sects of Gelugpa, Kagyu, Sakkya, and Nyingma? How has the twentieth-century Chinese invasion and subsequent Tibetan diaspora dramatically affected this ancient religion?
Join us for a brisk introductory overview of subjects ranging from tulkus to Tara to treasure texts, from Padmasambhava to Karmapas, from bardo to gurus, from visualization meditations to esoteric mandalas, from dakinis to Dalai Lamas and more. If some of these characteristics of Tibetan Buddhism are unfamiliar to you, so much the better. We’ll explore them together in a lively conversation facilitated by Reverend Kanji, and – most important – we’ll share how some of the principles and practices of Tibetan Buddhism may (or may not) be relevant to our own spiritual lives.
Everyone is welcome – beginner and experienced practitioners of all Buddhist traditions, and non-Buddhists, too. There will be a brief meditation period (beginner instruction available).