THE STRANGE CASE OF THE TIBETAN BUDDHISM

Dr Uday Dokras

The Tibetan population had stayed at around one million for nearly 200 years before 1950. A
census by the regional government in 1953 showed the population at one million, an increase of
58,000 people in 200 years. From 1642 until 1705 and from 1750 to the 1950s, the Dalai Lamas
or their regents headed the Tibetan government (or Ganden Phodrang) in Lhasa which governed
all or most of the Tibetan Plateau with varying degrees of autonomy. This Tibetan government
enjoyed the patronage and protection of firstly Mongol kings of the Khoshut and Dzungar
Khanates (1642–1720) and then of the emperors of the Manchu-led Qing dynasty (1720–1912).
In 1913, several Tibetan representatives including Agvan Dorzhiev signed a treaty between Tibet
and Mongolia, proclaiming mutual recognition and their independence from China, however the
legitimacy of the treaty and declared independence of Tibet was rejected by both the Republic of
China and the current People's Republic of China.

Avalokiteśvara Statute I the middlepainting from

a Sanskrit palm-leaf manuscript. India, 12th century Extreme right

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 Statue of a
1000 armed Avalokiteshvara on the table behind His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the Avalokiteshvara empowerment
at his residence in Dharamsala, HP, India on May 30, 2020. Photo by Ven Tenzin Jamphel

Dalai Lama is a title given by the Tibetan people to the foremost spiritual leader of the Gelug or
"Yellow Hat" school of Tibetan Buddhism, the newest and most dominant of the four major
schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The 14th and current Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso, who lives as a
refugee in India. The Dalai Lama is also considered to be the successor in a line of tulkus who
are believed to be incarnations of Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

Since the time of the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century, his personage has always been a
symbol of unification of the state of Tibet, where he has represented Buddhist values and
traditions. The Dalai Lama was an important figure of the Geluk tradition, which was politically
and numerically dominant in Central Tibet, but his religious authority went beyond sectarian
boundaries. 

The Dalai Lamas headed the Tibetan government afterwards despite that, until 1951. The highly
religious people of Tibet, who practice a unique form of Buddhism, suffered under communist
China's anti-religious legislation. After years of scattered protests, a full-scale revolt broke out in
March 1959, and the Dalai Lama was forced to flee as the uprising was crushed by Chinese
troops.
Importance to Tibet in Buddhism?: In Central Asian Buddhist countries, it has been widely
believed for the last millennium that Avalokiteśvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, has a
special relationship with the people of Tibet and intervenes in their fate by incarnating as
benevolent rulers and teachers such as the Dalai Lamas.

This is according to The Book of Kadam, the main text of the Kadampa school, to which the 1st
Dalai Lama, Gendun Drup, first belonged. In fact, this text is said to have laid the foundation for
the Tibetans' later identification of the Dalai Lamas as incarnations of Avalokiteśvara.

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It traces the legend of the bodhisattva's incarnations as early Tibetan kings and emperors such
as Songtsen Gampo and later as Dromtönpa (1004–1064). And who wrote the book of Kadam?
The Tibetans.Especifically the Dalai Lama.

This lineage has been extrapolated by Tibetans up to and including the Dalai Lamas.

In Buddhism, Avalokiteśvara  is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas.

He has 108 avatars; one notable avatar being Padmapāṇi, the one who holds the lotus (padma).
This bodhisattva is variably depicted, described and portrayed in different cultures as either male
or female. The original meaning of the name fits the Buddhist understanding of the role of a
bodhisattva. The reinterpretation presenting him as an īśvara shows a strong influence
of Hinduism, as the term īśvara was usually connected to the Hindu notion
of Vishnu (in Vaishnavism) or Śiva (in Shaivism) as the Supreme Lord, Creator and Ruler of the
world. Some attributes of such a god were transmitted to the bodhisattva, but the mainstream of
those who venerated Avalokiteśvara upheld the Buddhist rejection of the doctrine of any creator
god. In Sanskrit, Avalokiteśvara is also referred to as Lokeśvara ("Lord of the World").

After the death of Buddha,not only did his disciples split into groups but began creating a
narrative to highlight the virtues of the Buddha and of their own sect or part of Buddhism. The
reason was twofold:
1. To cinemascope their own importance in order to attract the disciples as well as other
clergy and common man into their fold.
2. To establish a narrative to fight the Hinduism surrounding them.

Hinayana and Mahayana

After the death of Buddha, Buddhism was divided into two sects namely Mahayana and
Hinayana. The terms Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle or Modest Vehicle) and Mahayana (Greater
Vehicle or Vast Vehicle) originated in The Prajnaparamita Sutras (The Sutras on Far-Reaching
Discriminating Awareness, The Perfection of Wisdom Sutras).

Hinayana
Hinayana follows the original teaching of Buddha. It emphasizes individual salvation through
self discipline and meditation.

Mahayana
This sect of Buddhism believes in the heavenliness of Buddha and believes in Idol Worship.
Mahayan sect spread from India to several other nations such as China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan,
Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and Mangolia. Mahayana believes in Mantras. Its main principles were
based on the possibility of universal liberation from suffering for all beings. That’ why, this sect
is called Mahayana (The Great Vehicle). Its principles are also based on the existence of
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas embodying Buddha nature. It allows salvation through having faith
and committing oneself to Buddha.
Mahayana believes in Mantras.

Major difference between Hinayana and Mahayana

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Mahayana worships the bodhisattvas and read the Mahayana sutras while Hinayanists do not
perform these.
Mahayana Buddhism followers think that The Buddha is a God because they think that the
Buddha came down to earth to help people cross the sea of life. So the Buddha can be
worshipped as a God because he is eternal and comes down to earth.

BUDDHISM IN TIBET
Buddhism was introduced into Tibet from India and China beginning in the 600s. Over the
succeeding centuries, Buddhism became the dominant cultural form in Tibet, exerting a powerful
influence not only over religion, but also over politics, the arts, and other aspects of society.
Tibetan Buddhism eventually spread into Mongolia and Nepal, as well as into China, where it
received imperial patronage especially during the Yuan (1260–1368) and Qing (1368–1644)
dynasties.

The Buddhist deity White Tara, approx. 1400–1500. Nepal. Gilded copper repousse. Courtesy of the Asian Art
Museum, The Avery Brundage Collection, B60S22+.

Tibetan Buddhism inherited many of the traditions of late Indian Buddhism, including a strong
emphasis on monasticism (Tibet was once home to the largest Buddhist monasteries in the
world), a sophisticated scholastic philosophy, and elaborate forms of tantric practice. At the same
time Tibet continued its tradition of powerful popular cults, incorporating a wide variety of local
deities into the already burgeoning Buddhist pantheon. Who follows the Dalai Lama?

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The Dalai Lama is revered by Tibetan people, who have maintained their devotion over the past
70 years of Chinese rule. In 1995 the Chinese government detained the Dalai Lama's choice for
the successor of the 10th Panchen Lama, named Gendun Choeki Nyima, when he was 6 years
old.

Unique to Tibetan Buddhism is the institution of the tulku (incarnate lama): Tibetan Buddhists
believe.that. compassionate teachers are reborn again and again, in each lifetime identified when
they are children and invested with the office and prestige of their previous rebirths. Tibet has
had many such lamas, the most famous of whom is the Dalai Lama. The Fifth Dalai Lama
became ruler of Tibet in 1642, and under his rule was built the great palace of the Potala in
Lhasa, the country’s capital. Tibet was incorporated into China in 1951, and the present
(Fourteenth) Dalai Lama went into exile in India in 1959, when the Tibetan diaspora began.
Since that time, Tibetan Buddhism has become of increasing interest to people throughout the
world.

Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibetan Buddhism. He was born on July 6, 1935, to
a farming family, in a small hamlet located in Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet.The Dalai
Lama belongs to the Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, which is the largest and most
influential tradition in Tibet.
 
About Dalai Lamas
 
The institution of the Dalai Lama is a relatively recent one. There have been only 14 Dalai
Lamas in the history of Tibetan Buddhism, and the first and second Dalai Lamas were given the
title posthumously.
 
The 14th Dalai Lama
 
The Dalai Lama is the head monk of Tibetan Buddhism and traditionally has been responsible
for the governing of Tibet, until the Chinese government took control in 1959. Before 1959, his
official residence was Potala Palace in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.At just over five years old, he
was enrolled in the local monastery and began his training. He was also trained by the highest
monks in Lhasa, Tibet’s capital city.He was enthroned at the age of 15 in 1950 amidst the start of
troubles with China, but continued to study until the age of 25.
 
 When did Dalai Lama go into exile  
5
 
The political landscape of China started changing in the 1950ies. Plans were made to bring Tibet
officially under Chinese control. But in March 1959, Tibetans took to the streets demanding an
end to Chinese rule. Chinese People’s Republic troops crushed the revolt and thousands were
killed.The Dalai Lama fled from Tibet to India with thousands of followers during the 1959
Tibetan uprising, where he was welcomed by former Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru
who gave him permission to form the 'Tibetan government in exile' in Dharamsala.
 
How Dalai Lama and his followers promoted the Tibetan culture and Tibetan Buddhism
across the world
 
The Dalai Lama, and the refugees who followed him, created a society in which Tibetan
language, culture, arts, and religion are promoted. In 1989 he received the Nobel Peace Prize for
maintaining a policy of non-violence with the Chinese government.
 
He has traveled the world and has spoken about the welfare of Tibetans, environment,
economics, women's rights, nonviolence, interfaith dialogue, physics, astronomy, Buddhism and
science, cognitive neuroscience, reproductive health, and sexuality, along with various topics of
Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist teachings.
 
How is the Dalai Lama chosen
 
The Dalai Lama is found rather than chosen. Following the Buddhist belief in the principle of
reincarnation, the Dalai Lama is believed by Buddhists to be able to choose the body into which
he is reincarnated. That person, when found, will then become the next Dalai Lama.
 
The search for the reborn Dalai Lama is the responsibility of the High Lamas of the Gelgupa
tradition and the Tibetan government.
 
This process can take several years: it took four years to find the 14th (current) Dalai Lama,
Tensin Gyatso. The search is generally limited to Tibet, although the current Dalai Lama has said
that there is a chance that he will not be reborn, and that if he is, it will not be in a country under
Chinese rule.
 
Who will succeed the 14th Dalai Lama?
 
Because of the threat from China, the 14th Dalai Lama has made a number of statements that
would make it difficult for a Chinese appointed 15th Dalai Lama to be seen as legitimate.
 
According to him, the institution of the Dalai Lama might not be needed any more. However, he
has also said it was up to the people if they wanted to preserve this aspect of Tibetan Buddhism
and continue the Dalai Lama lineage.
 
Another option the Dalai Lama has proposed would be for him to appoint his reincarnation
before he dies. In this scenario, the Dalai Lama would transfer his spiritual realization to the
successor. The Dalai Lama has also stated that if he dies outside of Tibet, his reincarnation

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would be located abroad, most likely India. He also mentioned the possibility of being reborn as
a woman.

The tryst of the Dalai Lama with the Chinese is murky and full or characters that lack credibility
including he himself. Having said that I mean no disrespect but between the choice of returning
to Tibet at the Behest of the PM of China whom he personally met in Delhi India and the
invitation of the PM of India to seek asylum in India he chose the latter. And the rest is history.

How did Richard Gere become a Buddhist?

Richard Gere's ( the Hollywood actor who made the dalai lama Famous) interest in Buddhism
began when he was in his 20s. ... He then met the 14th Dalai Lama in India and became a
practicing Tibetan Buddhist (specifically of the Gelugpa school) and an active supporter of the
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Dalai Lama. Gere's interest in Buddhism began when he was in his 20s. He first studied Zen
Buddhism  under Kyozan Joshu Sasaki. After having studied Zen for five or six years,  he and
Brazilian painter Sylvia Martins traveled in 1978 to Nepal, where he met many Tibetan monks
and lamas. He then met the 14th Dalai Lama in India and became a practicing Tibetan
Buddhist (specifically of the Gelugpa school) and an active supporter of the Dalai Lama.

So if you see the reincarnation traditions in Tibet etc I doubt if the Tibetan Buddhism is in tempo
with other Buddhist toughts and if at all so such importance should be given to it. Currently
hardly ½ million people follow it!!

Vajrayana Buddhism
Vajrayana Buddhism, which is the form of Buddhism practiced in Tibet, provides a great variety
of special practices, meditations and rituals to accomplish the goals of cultivating compassion
and the ultimate liberation of all living beings. Vajrayana is based on the esoteric doctrines of
Buddha Shakyamuni given to selected disciples. It uses yogic techniques of meditation, mantra,
and ritual to bring about psychological and physiological transformations. Initiations and
empowerments are needed to understand and engage in these techniques, and to use the sacred
implements such as the vajra and ghanta (bell), sacred images (such as those in the museum
collection), hand and body gestures (mudra), and sacred power words (mantra).

Tibetan Buddhism comprises four lineages. All trace themselves back to Buddha Shakyamuni in
an unbroken lineage of enlightened masters and disciples that extends down to the present day.
They are distinguished much more by lineage than by any major difference in doctrine or
practice. The four lineages are Gelukpa, Sakyapa, Nyingmapa and Kagyupa.

Title Portrait Name Date of birth Dalai Lama From

1st Dalai
Gedun Drupa 1391 N/A
Lama

1st Dalai Lama

2nd Dalai
Gedun Gyatso 1475 1492
Lama

2nd Dalai Lama

3rd Dalai
3rd Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso 1543 1578
Lama

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4th Dalai
Yonten Gyatso 1589 1601
Lama

4th Dalai Lama

5th Dalai Ngawang Lobsang

1617 1642
Lama Gyatso

5th Dalai Lama

6th Dalai
Tsangyang Gyatso 1683 1697
Lama

6th Dalai Lama

7th Dalai
Kelzang Gyatso 1708 1720
Lama

7th Dalai Lama

8th Dalai
Jamphel Gyatso 1758 1762
Lama

8th Dalai Lama

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 9th Dalai
Lungtok Gyatso 1 December 1805 1810
Lama

9th Dalai Lama

10th Dalai
10th Dalai Lama Tsultrim Gyatso 29 March 1816 1826
Lama

11th Dalai
Khedrup Gyatso 1 November 1838 1842
Lama

11th Dalai Lama

12th Dalai
Trinley Gyatso 26 January 1857 1860
Lama

12th Dalai Lama

13th Dalai
Thubten Gyatso 12 February 1876 31 July 1879
Lama

13th Dalai Lama

22 February 1940
(de jure)
14th Dalai
Tenzin Gyatso 6 July 1935 17 November
Lama
1950
(de facto)[4]

14th Dalai Lama

ALL OF THESE LAMAS WILL LIVE IN INDIA AND REIGN

OVER THE “KINGDOM” OF TIBET?

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