What You Need To Know About Tibetan Buddhism

What is Tibetan Buddhism?

Buddhism in Tibet should be specifically called Tibetan Buddhism. Practitioners of the esoteric (Tantric) schools within Tibetan Buddhism require a deep foundation in the exoteric teachings before engaging in Tantric practices. Therefore, it cannot be simply referred to as Tantrism or Tantric Buddhism.

Major Schools of Tibetan Buddhism

There are four main schools within Tibetan Buddhism’s esoteric tradition: the Gelug, Sakya, Nyingma, and Kagyu schools. The Bon religion, indigenous to Tibet, is not a branch of Tibetan Buddhism, nor is it Buddhism at all. However, in recent years, it has incorporated many Buddhist teachings as new assets, making it a quasi-Buddhist practice that encompasses both worldly and other-worldly paths.

Understanding Key Titles: Lama, Tulku, Rinpoche, and Dharma King

The term “Lama” originally means “supreme” and is similar to how we respectfully call highly virtuous monks “teacher” or “master.” Only those worthy of being a teacher are called Lamas. In Tibet, ordained monks are generally called “Gelong-la” (Gelong meaning monk, la being a respectful suffix). However, it has now become common to call all Tibetan monks Lamas. Despite this, there is absolutely no such thing as “Lamaism.” Similarly, in Han Chinese Buddhism, the term “Heshang” (monk) is used by the Vinaya school to describe a harmonious and noble person. It generally refers to abbots or highly respected monks, but it has now evolved to be a general term for any monk. Even now, there’s a misconception that the term “Heshang” has a derogatory meaning.

Tulku refers to a reincarnated being, or emanation. More fully, it refers to a practitioner who has “returned by the power of vows.” Han Chinese people commonly call them “Living Buddhas,” but this is inaccurate. There is no such term as “Living Buddha” in Tibet. Buddhas are neither dead nor alive, and Tulkus do not claim to be Buddhas. They may not even appear as monks, some Tulkus prefer to continue their practice in a low-profile manner, as lay practitioners. The first Tulku lineage is the Karmapa, the founder of the Karma Kagyu school. The current Karmapa is the 17th reincarnation. Even young children in Tibet are familiar with the Karmapa, and he is highly recognized.

Rinpoche means “precious one” or “jewel.” It can be used to address very important and respected people or things. However, not all Rinpoches are Tulkus. For example, the abbot of a monastery can be called Rinpoche, but he may not be a Tulku. It is incorrect to casually address any Tibetan monk as Rinpoche.

Dharma Kings is a title reserved for a few religious leaders or revered masters and protector deities. The current common phenomenon of everyone being called Dharma King should be critically examined.

The Significance of Empowerment

Many Han Chinese people are eager for empowerment, believing it can grant power or invulnerability. In the process of learning Buddhism, any self-seeking motive is wrong. Empowerment does have significance in terms of blessings, authorization, prophecy, and purification. However, there is a strict procedure involved. It is not something that can be obtained by simply offering a monetary gift. The teacher and the disciple must observe each other for a long time (traditionally three years) before empowerment can take place (with some exceptions such as initiation ceremonies or long-life empowerments). Disciples also need to have a certain level of understanding before they can receive empowerment. Once empowered, one must regard the teacher as a teacher for life, never betraying or disrespecting them.

Tibetan Dietary Customs

Tibetans absolutely abstain from consuming donkey, horse, and dog meat. Some regions also avoid eating fish. In addition to the well-known sky burial, many ordinary Tibetans practice river burial. Therefore, many older Tibetans do not eat fish.

Traditional Tibetan Etiquette and Customs

• Toasting: When offering a toast, guests should first dip their ring finger into the wine and flick it into the air three times to offer to the heavens, earth, and ancestors. Then, take a small sip, and the host will immediately refill the cup. After taking another sip, the host refills again. After the third sip and refill, the fourth fill must be drunk completely in one go.

• Dining: When eating, one should not overfill their mouth, make chewing sounds, or slurp loudly.

• Tea Service: When drinking butter tea, guests should wait for the host to present the cup with both hands before taking it to drink.

• Prohibitions: It is forbidden to spit on someone’s back or clap behind them.

• Religious Sites: When walking past monasteries, mani walls, or stupas, one must circumambulate them in a clockwise direction. This is a custom in Tibetan Buddhism, while counterclockwise movement is associated with the indigenous Bon religion. Prayer wheels must not be turned counter-clockwise, and it is forbidden to step over religious objects or fire pits. One should also avoid touching someone’s head.

• Offering a Khata: Offering a Khata is a common Tibetan custom. It is customary during weddings, funerals, festivals, when visiting elders, when venerating Buddha statues, when sending messages, and when bidding farewell. A Khata is a silk scarf, either loosely woven or made from fine silk. They vary in length. Offering a khata signifies purity, sincerity, and loyalty. Traditionally white khatas are used due to the association of white with purity and auspiciousness. Colored khatas (blue, white, yellow, green, and red) are also used, with blue representing the sky, white the clouds, green rivers, red the protector deities, and yellow the earth. Colored khatas are used when making offerings to bodhisattvas or close relatives, and it’s the most formal gift. Buddhist doctrine explains that the colored Khata is the clothing of bodhisattvas, and hence it is only used on certain occasions. The Khata was introduced to Tibet during the Yuan Dynasty. When Sakya Dharma King Pagpa met with Kublai Khan, he returned to Tibet with the first Khata. The khatas at the time had images of the Great Wall on both sides and the words “auspiciousness and good fortune.” Some also believe it to be the streamer of a celestial maiden.

• Prostration: Kneeling is also a common Tibetan custom. It is performed when worshiping Buddhas, stupas and living Buddhas, and to show respect to elders. There are long prostrations, short prostrations and “sounding prostrations”. Long prostrations are often seen in the Jokhang Temple, the Potala Palace, and other temples. The person starts by holding their hands together above their head, then to the forehead, then to their chest, after bowing three times, they fall to the ground and stretch their arms forward on the ground. After that, they get up and repeat the action. In the past, some devout Buddhists prostrated themselves from various areas in Sichuan and Qinghai to Lhasa, completing a journey of thousands of miles. Every three steps they would kneel down, and prostrate, which often took them several years, many dying on the journey. The rough stone slabs in front of Jokhang Temple have been worn smooth by those who do these prostrations. In the temple, there is a “sounding prostration”. Regardless of age or gender, people first hold their hands together above their head three times. Then they bow down to the statue of the Buddha and gently tap their head on the floor to show their sincerity.

• Bowing: In the past, when meeting officials or respected people, one would take off their hat, and bow at a 45-degree angle, with the hat held low. For ordinary people, a simple bow is sufficient with the hat held at chest level and a slight nod of the head. Sometimes people bow and put their palms together to show respect, the hands are raised over the head, and the body bows.

• Serving Wine and Tea: When welcoming guests, Tibetans sprinkle a bit of wine to the sky three times, and will also scatter barley to the air three times. During a meal, the host will first drink from their glass and then finish the drink. Then the guests may drink as they like. When drinking tea, guests must wait for the host to present the cup before taking it. During festivals and holidays, when visiting a Tibetan family, the host will offer barley wine. It is customary to drink three sips of the wine before emptying the cup. This practice is customary, and not following this custom might make the host unhappy. Tea is an everyday practice. When a guest is seated, the woman of the house or her children will serve butter tea, but the guest must wait for the host to offer the cup before drinking.

• General Etiquette: It is also customary to add the suffix “la” to the end of a person’s name when addressing them respectfully. Tibetan language also has formal and informal forms. When speaking to elders or guests, use respectful language. When eating, avoid overfilling your mouth, making chewing noises, or slurp, and also avoid reaching too far across the table for food. When walking, one should not walk ahead of others, and allow others to go first. When seated, one should not take the main seat or slouch. These are common etiquettes that elders would teach the younger generation.

Buddhist Principles

1. The Three Jewels: Tibetan Buddhists view the Buddha as a pioneer who shows the ultimate truth to all beings. Therefore, the Buddha, and the Buddha’s teachings (dharma) are considered the root of wisdom and virtue. If all evil is eliminated at its roots, then all beings will benefit. Those who uphold the dharma and teach the Buddha’s teachings are considered the Sangha. Buddhist scriptures such as the Surangama Sutra, Samadhi Sutra, and Vajramala detail the merits of building temples, stupas, and printing scriptures and teach all beings to eliminate suffering by accumulating virtue and cultivating kindness.

2. Sacred Objects: In Tibet, whether it is a metal statue of Buddha, scripture, stupa, or temple, or wood carvings, sculptures, painted thangkas, or mandalas, once it has been consecrated by a qualified master, Geshe, or Rinpoche, it is considered the true body of the Buddha and must be honored. It should be regularly offered with chanting and mindful practice.

3. Monastic Etiquette: When interacting with monks or high lamas, it’s important to respect monastic etiquette:

   • Smoking, drinking, or entering temples intoxicated is forbidden.

   • Loud noises, farting, or walking through the monastic ranks are not allowed.

   • Buddha statues and scriptures should not be handled carelessly or placed on beds or seats.

   • Offerings such as lamps, water, mirrors, incense, flowers, fruits, ritual implements, and mandalas should not be touched or moved without permission. Don’t breathe on them, as this would make them unclean.

   • During group chanting, avoid staring at a lama’s face.

   • During Dharma assemblies, avoid walking through the monks’ rows and chatting with lamas.

   • It is forbidden to discuss the sale of Buddhist artifacts with high-ranking monks, and it’s also prohibited to profit from selling the temple’s artifacts.

   • During official work or interviews, it is forbidden to place recording equipment in temples or in the middle of monastic groups and it’s prohibited to interview lamas and abbots without permission.

   • When making offerings to the Sangha, one should first purify the area with incense before entering the temple and distributing them.

   • When meeting high lamas, offer a khata as a sign of respect. The khata should only be offered in the hands, not on the neck or head. High-ranking monks exchange khata in their hands when greeting each other. When presenting a khata to a national leader, one should first give a salute, and then offer the khata in the hands. It should not be placed on the leader’s neck, as this would be disrespectful. Only parents and teachers can put a khata on their children’s or disciples’ necks. What is often seen on television, where even child actors put khatas on the necks of national leaders, is extremely disrespectful and demonstrates a lack of cultural awareness.

4. Stupas: The stupa comes from the Sanskrit word “stupa,” which means a mound or high structure. The stupa structure started in India during the reign of Ashoka after the death of Buddha. Initially, a stupa contained the relics of the Buddha and was a “reliquary.” But later both types were known as “stupas” and the stupas containing relics were known as “reliquary stupas.” As Buddhism spread and integrated with various cultures, different styles of stupas were created. When near a stupa:

   • It is forbidden to take any offerings that have been made to the stupa.

   • When chanting, prostrating, or circumambulating the stupa, avoid crowding and pushing.

   • When walking past a temple, stupa, mani wall, or prayer flag, one should circumambulate in a clockwise direction.

   • It is forbidden to throw dirty objects into the sang smoke in front of the stupa.

   • Do not turn the prayer wheel counterclockwise, and do not open the cover.

   • Smoking and other unclean activities are forbidden in temples.

5. Written Words: Tibetan, Chinese, or any written text containing Buddhist teachings should be carefully protected. It’s forbidden to tear or throw away such texts, especially using them as toilet paper. And also, it is forbidden to carry Buddhist images, scriptures, or related items into the toilet.

Esoteric (Tantric) Practices

1. Tantric Deities: Tibetan Tantric Buddhist images include wrathful deities, deities in union (yab-yum), multi-armed deities, and deities in peaceful poses. They represent the four activities of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and protectors, and they represent the artistic features of Tibetan Tantric culture. When near images of wrathful deities and deities in union:

   • Do not make disrespectful comments about Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

   • When entering Tantric temples or protector deity halls, it is forbidden to look at the deities’ private parts as these deities are easily defiled and lose their power.

   • Widows and menstruating women are generally not allowed in protector deity halls.

   • There is a special precept in the Tantric tradition that if one does not respect women, it is considered a violation of Tantric vows. Therefore, it’s not a matter of discrimination against women, but to maintain the purity of the protector deities.

2. Ritual Objects: The “kapala” (skull cup) made from human skulls, drums made from human skulls, prayer beads made of human bones, and bone trumpets made from the thigh bones of young women are considered the most sacred of Tantric implements. Only highly accomplished Tantric masters can use them for offering to deities, issuing commands, and observing impermanence. It is forbidden for ordinary people to handle them, much less disrespect them.

3. Secret Mantras: Tantric Buddhism considers that killing as a consequence of the use of mantras is different from regular killing, and that the consequences are different. Therefore, Tantric Buddhism stresses secrecy of the precepts. Tantric Buddhist images are usually wrapped in khatas or silks, which is a way of keeping the deity’s form private and protecting it from being viewed by ordinary people.

   • It’s forbidden to discuss sexual topics inside the temple, to not harm the religious feelings of the practitioners and to not go against the religious policies.

Folk Taboos Related to Buddhism

1. Killing: Abstaining from taking life is a primary Buddhist precept, but in Tibet, slaughtering livestock is a necessary part of daily life. However, Tibetan snow cocks are considered to be the embodiment of the 1,000 Buddhas of the present age, and killing them would be equivalent to destroying a thousand Buddhas.

2. Sky Burial: Tibetans view eagles as sacred, and some consider them an emanation of Amitabha Buddha. During sky burials, lamas chant sutras, and the body is dismembered by experienced sky burial masters, with the bones crushed so that the eagles may consume them. This practice is considered a final act of generosity, where the deceased offers their body to other beings, which is believed to bring them immeasurable merit and help their consciousness to reach the pure land. From a Tibetan Buddhist perspective, this is a natural practice. It is forbidden to watch a sky burial and harm eagles. The Tibetan Autonomous Region government has prohibited the viewing and filming of sky burials, and also prohibits hunting and hurting eagles. Do not have any aversion or suspicion of any items offered by a sky burial master. It is forbidden to engage in discourse that is disrespectful of the ritual and the practitioners.

3. Other Burial Practices: In the deep valleys of southern Tibet, where eagles are unable to reach, bodies are dismembered and fed to fish as a form of water burial. While common in some areas of Tibet, water burials are a last resort for those who cannot afford other means. High-ranking lamas may be buried in stupas, while the remains of other lamas or people of note are cremated. Those who died of infectious diseases or have committed serious crimes may be buried in pits, without any markers. It should be noted that although the Monpa and Sherpa peoples of Tibet practice Tibetan Buddhism, they do not generally practice sky burial. Sherpa and Denpa peoples practice cremation, while the Monpa and Lopa peoples practice water burial.

4. Post-Burial Practices: When mourners return home from a burial, they must wash their hands using a mixture of black and white water. Gifts given by the deceased’s family must be purified with incense before they can be used, as this protects them from harm from the spirit of the dead. Those in mourning generally do not wear hats, do not cut their hair, and do not wear new clothes for 49 days. Women do not change their headdress. Besides religious ceremonies, the families will offer meals to the deceased. The mourning period for parents or teachers is usually one year. During this time, those in mourning do not wear new clothing and participate in any non-religious activities. During the mourning period, do not mention the name of the deceased and do not look at photos or videos of the deceased.

5. Sang (Incense) Offering: Sang is a form of offering made to deities and hungry ghosts. It’s performed at the top of roofs, mountains, plains, or any other location. One may also burn incense sticks at prayer flag poles, cairns, and mani stone piles. It is forbidden to yell or shoot guns at these sacred sites. If someone is sick, or if there is a newborn baby, or if there are lamas performing religious ceremonies, a small fire should be lit in front of the house to signify that visitors are not allowed. When important guests and relatives come to visit, the home must be purified by incense before they can enter. When children go out, their nose must be marked with some soot to ward off evil spirits. When family members return late at night, or from a trip, even if they are bringing gifts, the home must be purified with incense. Do not speak loudly or stay long near those who are sick.

6. Meditation Retreats: When lamas are in retreat, there is often a small wooden board or a ball of mud with a branch of cypress on it. This is called a “retreat stone”, and it marks the area in which people must not pass and that they should only be visited by those closest to the lama. When interviewing lamas who are in retreat, you must first get permission. After gaining access, one of the small stones placed near the retreat stone must be moved and brought to the lama, to signify that you have permission to interview him. Tibetans also have taboos about certain days, every month the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th days are known as “white days”, which are considered auspicious. The 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th, 16th, and 26th are “black days”, which are considered inauspicious. During “white days”, you may hold religious events, build homes, or get married, while on the “black days” it is generally avoided to speak of such matters or leave the house for any important purpose.

7. Marriage: There are many traditions when it comes to marriage. Besides looking at the family’s economic situation, the families will also look at their horoscopes to see if they are compatible. If their guardian deities do not match, and if the family’s horoscopes are incompatible, then marriage is avoided. When monks or nuns become ordained, they must take a new name and no longer use their old name. Those who have been sick for a long time, or who are experiencing family discord may ask the lamas to hold religious ceremonies and give them a new name. After getting a new name, you must not call them by their old name, as it can bring misfortune.

8. Auspicious and Inauspicious Years: When Tibetans are 13, 25, 37, 49, 61, and 73 years of age, these are considered inauspicious years. They avoid long trips, participating in entertainment activities, and especially avoid participating in weddings and funerals. When cooking, one should not taste the food with the spoon. It is especially taboo to use the spoon to drink and then put that back in a pot, as it will defile the offering to protector deities. When eating, drinking, or drinking tea, it is impolite to drink with big gulps or make slurping sounds. One should also not pour their own tea or alcohol, and wait for the host to do so. Also when drinking tea or alcohol, do not drink only one cup, as this can signify that you are an enemy. It is customary to drink 3 or more cups.

9. Home Altars: It is forbidden to look at a family’s altar without permission, as it can cause offense to the deities and bring misfortune.

10. Clothing: It is taboo to borrow other people’s hats and clothing, especially from widows and widowers. If you need to borrow them, you must purify them by incense before borrowing and returning them. When returning a borrowed broom, you must drop it on the ground instead of handing it to someone directly.

11. Festivals: Most festivals in Tibet have religious origins. Over the years, many of them have become more focused on traditional activities while some still have religious undertones. These include the Monlam Prayer Festival in Lhasa, and the Butter Lamp Festival, and there are also local religious and traditional festivals in different areas. The Monlam Prayer Festival in Lhasa is a major event, and many Tibetan Buddhists travel there to attend. The Butter Lamp festival at the end of the Monlam Prayer festival is when the streets are decorated with various butter sculptures. People will spend the night admiring the sculptures, and dancing in celebration. When attending these activities, it is important to adhere to the same taboos as when attending any religious activities.

Tibetan Buddhist Prayers and Practices

In various religions and cultures worldwide, there are diverse prayer methods and rituals. In the Tibetan Buddhist world, prayer is closely intertwined with the lives of the people. The epic King Gesar contains many prayers that reflect Tibetan Buddhism. One example of these is from the chapter “Heavenly Realms”:

“Om Mani Padme Hum. Homage to the saviors of all boundless worlds, the unchanging light of Amitabha in the western pure land. Your compassion has no bias, even the impure cycle of rebirths is illuminated. In that vast sea of suffering, a vicious sea monster who likes to kill has appeared. The fearsome five poisons are running wild, and the mirror heart is blinded. This endless cycle of birth and death is truly lamentable! Please give us your compassion and guide us with skillful means.”

Buddhism has been in Tibet for over 1,000 years. The ancient Yarlung Tsangpo River flows through this sacred land. Generations of Tibetans have followed in the footsteps of those who came before them, traveling to Lhasa, Shigatse, Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, and Pemako (a hidden sacred land) to seek blessings and fulfill vows. Each day, they recite prayers and turn prayer wheels in their path to be absolved of their sins.

The Tibetan word for prayer is “Monlam Debpa”, which means to make wishes and to pray. In 1409, Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, initiated the Monlam prayer festival at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. It is said that the prayer festival was attended by over 10,000 monks. It was the largest collective prayer event in Tibet. Today, the collective prayer ritual takes place every year in the first month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. The prayers are made for the flourishing of Buddhism, for all beings to be free of suffering and to be happy. During the war of resistance against Japan, the Labrang Monastery, the largest monastery in Gansu Province, held a prayer ceremony for victory.

Besides reciting mantras and the six-syllable mantra, Tibetans also use prayer implements, which distinguishes Tibetan Buddhism from other religions. Prayer implements are known as “Mani Wheels.” Mani refers to the six-syllable mantra (Om Mani Padme Hum). Turning the mani wheel is thought to have the same benefits as reciting the six-syllable mantra. And to do both at the same time is even more beneficial. Therefore, the mani wheel is also known as the “prayer wheel”. There are several types:

1. Wind-Powered Prayer Wheels (“Mani Lungkor”): These are prayer wheels that are turned by the wind.

2. Water-Powered Prayer Wheels (“Mani Chukor”): These are prayer wheels that are turned by water.

3. Large Prayer Wheels (“Mani Dongkor”): These are large prayer wheels that are often found in monasteries.

4. Hand-Held Prayer Wheels (“Mani Nakor”): These are handheld prayer wheels of different sizes and are made from copper, silver, or animal hide. Old people often carry these prayer wheels, reciting mantras and turning them on their journey. Once the central axel has worn out, it is considered to be an accomplishment.

5. Mani Wheels (“Mani Korlo”): These large wheels are installed around the perimeter of monasteries and have the six-syllable mantra on their surface. These wheels contain scriptures and are turned by visitors to the monastery. It is believed that turning the wheel once is equivalent to reciting the scripture inside the wheel.

Besides using the prayer wheels to pray, Tibetans also practice:

1. Prayer Flags (“Lungta”): These are flags printed with prayers. They are put on roofs and blown by the wind as a form of prayer.

2. Prayer Walls: These are wooden boards with prayers carved into them that are hung on walls as a form of prayer.

3. Mani Piles (“Mani Dopung”): These are piles of rocks carved with the six-syllable mantra. People will circumambulate the piles to gain merits.

4. Circumambulation (“Kora”): Tibetans also circumambulate sacred mountains and lakes as a form of prayer. It is believed to be more meritorious than regular prayer. Mount Tsari in the Lhoyu region of Tibet is considered the holy site of Chakrasamvara, a Tantric deity. Tsangpa Gyare Yeshe Dorje, a lama from the Kagyu school first initiated the circumambulation of Mount Tsari. It is said that circling the top of the mountain once takes 3 days and is worth 1.3 billion recitations of the six-syllable mantra. Circling the base of the mountain takes 10 days and is equivalent to 3 billion recitations of the six-syllable mantra. Circling the entire mountain takes 1 month and is equivalent to 10 billion recitations of the six-syllable mantra. Lhasa, the holy city of Tibetan Buddhism, has three circumambulation routes. These are known as “Nangkhor” (inner circumambulation), “Barkhor” (middle circumambulation), and “Lingkhor” (outer circumambulation). It is believed that circling these roads bring great merits. Therefore, from dawn to dusk, there are always people on the circumambulation paths reciting mantras and turning their prayer wheels.