Tibetan-RedHat

=**Red Hat Buddhism** = by Maggie Morrissey

**__ What is Tibetan Buddhism? __**

=
Tibetan Buddhism is defined as a "form of Buddhism prevailing in the Tibet region of China, Bhutan, the state of Sikkim in India, Mongolia, and parts of Siberia and SW China. It has sometimes been called Lamaism, from the name of the Tibetan monks, the lamas [superior ones]. The religion is derived from the Indian Mahayana form of Buddhism, but much of its ritual is based on the esoteric mysticism of Tantra and on the ancient shamanism and animism of Bon, an older Tibetan religion. It is also called Tantrayana [tantra vehicle] or Vajrayana [vehicle of the thunderbolt]." Tibetan Buddhism is a blend of Buddhism and Yoga. ======

=__ Critical Vocabulary/ Major concepts: __= =__Historical timeline (major developments): __= > //This is the beginning of what would soon become an overwhelmingly large religion in the area.// > //Buddhists began to be pushed out of their homes and faced many hard times, similar to some they are again seeing today.// > //Tibetan Buddhists were almost completely eliminated from the Tibetan society due to conflict with the local governments.// > //Tibetan Buddhism finally makes a much needed comeback.// > //For centuries monks and the government have had trouble getting along, due to much tension between the two groups and their control over the people of the area.// > //Buddhism finally gets a much needed pro-active leader to help them reach a common ground with their government.// > //Both Tibet and Buddhism, as well as the rest of the world, are happy thanks to the incredible work of the Dalia Lama.// [|Click for more significant Tibetan Buddhist Events] =__ Geography __= = =
 * **Tantric**- one of the two paths in Tibetan Buddhism, it is a blend of both the Sutra teachings and techniques adapted from the Hindu systems of Tantra and Yoga. Tantric was designed to "transform the basic human passions of desire and aversion for the purpose of spiritual development." Instead of denying these urges, Tantra purifies them turning them into helpful forces.
 * **Stages of Tantra**- include several steps to continue on the path towards enlightenment [|Click to read the Tantra Steps]
 * **Three Yanas**- are the three "schools" of Buddhism. Each teaches a similar approach to enlightenment, differing on emphasis and consisting of morality, concentration, and wisdom.
 * 1) **c. 200 C.E**. ~ Budd hism begins to percolate into Tibetan region and teachings affect Bon religion in kingdom of Shang-Shung (South Tibet).
 * 1) **840 C.E**.~ Persecution of Tibetan Buddhism under King Lang Darma, period of conflict and civil strife begins.
 * 1) **877 C.E.**~ Destruction of Tibetan Dynasties. Buddhism almost completely wiped out in Tibet.
 * 1) **978 C.E**.~ Commencement of second Buddhist period in Tibet. • Atisha (982-1054).
 * 1) **1924-1925**~ Pressure from monks causes Dalai Lama to dismiss his British-trained officers.
 * 1) **1979-1980**~ China allows a series of three delegations from Dalai Lama to visit Tibet.
 * 1) **1989**~Dalai Lama receives the Nobel Peace Prize.

=__Pilgrimage Sites __= //The following is a map of the most popular holy pilgrimage sites in Tibet // 

**Lhasa:** known for being the famous "forbidden city of Tibet", Lhasa is home to the palace of the Dali Lamas. Many day trips also start in Lhasa and venture to the main Buddhist temples like Ganden, Drepung, and Sera.

**Lapchi:** is home to one of the 3 main mountain pilgrimage sites. It was first established by a famous Tibetan Yogi as a practice site in the 11th century. Framed through much literature, this mt. is said to have housed the Buddha Chakrasamvara in its temples and caves.

**Tsari:**is home to the site of the Pure Crystal Mountain, one of the 3 main mountain pilgrimage sites. Every 12 years (year of the monkey) the mt. is home to a famous pilgrimage. Tsari is also known for its beautiful foliage that includes rhododendrons and many other plants not found in other places.

**Je Kumbum:**is known for being the birthplace of Je Tsong Khapa, a famous founder of a Buddhist order in Tibet.

Also at these sites, as well as many others, there are a variety of festivals and celebrations throughout the year.

[[image:tibet_buddhism_festivals.jpg width="983" height="687"]]
=__Monastic Practice__ =

** Daily Routine  in a Tibetan Monastery: **
Sunday-Friday: On Saturday, the same time­table is followed until 830 hrs. But instead of morning classes, debate tests are conducted upto 1030 hrs. After that the students are free to go out until 2100 hrs when everyone should be back in the Institute compound. Sundays are full­day holidays and everyone is free upto 1930 hrs. At 1930 hrs, everyone must be present for the debates held in groups. On the weekends, the students run their errands or watch television provided by H.H. Penor Rinpoche as a part of holiday entertainment. Most of the students stay in the Institute cleaning their apartments and washing their robes. [|Monastery Home]
 * Time || Activity ||
 * 5:00 || Rising Time ||
 * 5:00-7:00 || Morning Study ||
 * 7:00-8:30 || Breakfast Time ||
 * 8:30-11:00 || Morning Class ||
 * 11:00-13:00 || Lunch Break ||
 * 13:00-15:00 || Afternoon Revision Class ||
 * 15:00-15:30 || Evening Tea Break ||
 * 15:30-16:30 || Evening Class ||
 * 16:30-17:00 || Recess ||
 * 17:00-18:00 || Debate Class ||
 * 18:00-19:30 || Supper Time ||
 * 19:30-21:30 || Night Study ||
 * 21:30-22:30 || Night Tea Break ||
 * 23:00 || Bed Time ||

media type="youtube" key="zYB1TqEMuZ4?fs=1" height="385" width="480"
=__<span style="color: #800080; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Lay Practice __=

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|Click the link to find out about local Buddhist temples] =__<span style="color: #800080; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Scriptures and Poetry __= //The following is an example of Tibetan scripture/poetry://

"May the victory banner of Ngagyur teachings rise and wave, And the drum of Dharma resound through all directions! May the lions roar of reasoning reach all realms,  And the light of supreme virtue shine forever." -- Mipham

// One of the most important faces of Tibetan Buddhism is the Dalai Lama. Below is one of his several books pretaining to the Buddhist lifestyle and teachings. //

media type="custom" key="7229789"

=__<span style="color: #800080; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Buddha Images Red Hat Traditions: __= //The following video shows several photos of Buddhist images,traditions, monks, and monasteries throughout Tibet.// media type="youtube" key="2WvGlzGK4oE?fs=1" height="385" width="480" align="left"



This picture is the Tibetan representation of the Buddha. Unlike the Chinese Buddha, this Buddha is skinny but still in the same meditative position. This statue contatins the regular mudras and symbols of the Buddha as well. This particular stature has the Tritana, which symbolizes the three jewels, the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The statue also contains the Naga, or snake king, which is responsable for the vestige of pre-buddha fertility rituals and the protector of the Buddha and the Dhamma. This particular statue also contatins mudras, or hand gestures, representing the fufillment of all wishes and charity.

=__<span style="color: #800080; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Current Events __= > [|Online Article- Monks send relief for earthquake victims] > [|Monks Recieve Prison Time for Protesting] > [|Monks Tour Cental New York City]
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The monks in the regions of Tibet play a crucial role in the daily lives of the people native to the area. A few months ago after a devastating earthquake the monks set up relief centers throughout the area to try to help those in need after the devastation. The thousand or so monks were amazing, setting up several relief stations and even beating the military to some of the devasted areas. Even in the areas where both groups were aiding those in need, the people chose to wait in line instead of seeking immeadiate attention just to be assisted by the monks. However, these acts from the people and monks have put the government on edge.
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Months ago two monks, Jampel Wangchuk and Kunchok Nyima, took part in an anti- Chinese protest where many Chinese soliders were injured. The monks, a group of over 350, attempted to march in protest where they met the resistance of the police of Lhasa. Several monks were arrested and detained during the protest back in March of 2008. Recently they have been taken to court because of this protest and many of them, inclduding Jampel Wangchuk and Kunchok Nyima, have received lengthy prison terms.
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Tibetan Monks take Cental New York City, part two! For the second time a group of Tibetan monks will be coming to Cental New York City. The monks come to tour the city, practice in a local shrines, interact with the local people, and spread the word about the troubles their people are facing. Originally the monks toured New York City back in 2005 and are back to continue their jobs raising money for Tibetan refugees. So far they have been very successful rebuilding a devastated community, and look to continue their work. The monks have set up several events around the city to try and get the people of the city involved, and to see how they live back in Tibet.

=__<span style="color: #800080; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Personal Reactions: __= Through my searching I learned some interesting things about Buddhism in Tibet. To me the most interesting things I learned were through the current event stories. I was surprised to see how the monks were treated so poorly by some, and how much other people of Tibet looked up to them. Also, I learned how giving they were through their dedication to the people of Tibet even when they had nothing. The Tibetan monks also not only had a impact on the people of their country, but also in other countries and cities all over the world. I thought it was very interesting to see all that they were doing, especially close by in a city like New York.

GRADING: F: Follows directions. Steals material. (No attempt to cite anything.) C: Follows directions. Pastes the correct items into the correct places but takes no care in explaining the choices made. Uses less than six sources. Text is SLOPPY - no proofing! B: Follows directions. Describes the choices made using complete sentences and clear language. Labels items correctly. Cites sources. Organizes the visuals. A: Does B - but, shows some extra care, thought and research. An A has a "Wow" factor. This does not mean more color or flying moneys. It means that the content selected does a great job TEACHING about Buddhism in that region.


 * Sources**
 * **Buddhism definition-** See W. Y. Evans-Wentz, //Tibetan Yoga and Secret Doctrine// (1935, repr. 1958); P. H. Pott, //God and Demon in Buddhism// (1962); L. A. Waddell, //Buddhism of Tibet// (2d ed. 1939, repr. 1973); C. Bell, //The Religion of Tibet// (1931, repr. 1987); I. Hilton, //The Search for the Panchen Lama// (2000).
 * **Monastery Schedule & scripture/poetry**- Palyul Monastery, "Palyul Ling International." http://palyul.org/eng_shed06_daily.htm (accessed 10/19/10).
 * **Current Events: Monks Supply Relief**- Quinn, Rob. "Newser." April 21, 2010.http://www.newser.com/story/86571/china-to-monks-get-out-of-quake-zone.html (accessed 10/19/10).
 * **Current Events: Monks Sentenced to Time in Prison**- Big News Network.com, "Big News Network." October 8, 2010.http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/?sid=694894 (accessed 10/19/10).
 * **Current Events: Monks Tour NYC**- Wisneski, Erin. "CNYLink Local News." 10/8/10.http://cnylink.com/news/view_news.php?news_id=1286566699 (accessed 10/19/10).
 * **Pilgrimage Map & Site Info**- Kriesel, Ray. "On Pilgrimage in the Land of Snows Visiting the Sacred Sites of Tibet." 2004.http://www.kreisels.com/tibet2004/tibet-map.htm (accessed 10/20/10).
 * **Festival Calendar**-Tibet Travel and Tours, "Tibet Festival Calendar." 2004-2010.http://www.tibet-travels.com/tibet/tibet-festival-calendar.php (accessed 10/20/10).
 * **Statue Representations**- Knierim, Thomas. "Introduction to Buddhism." http://buddhism-profiles.wikispaces.com/file/view/25+page+summary+of+buddhism.pdf (accessed 10/20/10).
 * **Buddha Timeline**- Buddhanet, "Timeline of Tibetan Buddhism." 2008.http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/tib_timeline.htm (accessed 10/20/10).
 * **Vocab/ Main Concepts**- <span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">"Tibetan Buddhism." July 14, 1995.http://www.easimatch.com/~greg.c/tibet.html (accessed 10/20/10).