Buddhism is an important part of Tibetan traditional
culture. Tibetan Buddhism has four main characters:
firstly, in choosing religions, 'Mizong' is the
focus; secondly, religion ceremonies are different
is schools; thirdly, Lama has special status, who
is the center of Tibetan Buddhism; fourthly, Living
Buddha is both the religion and political leader
in Tibet.
1.Living Buddha
The term Living Buddha emerged in the early Yuan
Dynasty (1271-1368) when Emperor Kublai Khan honored
Pagba, head of the Sagya Sect, by granting him the
title 'Buddha of the Western Paradise' . Thereafter,
eminent Tibetan monks we distinguished them in the
practice of Buddhism were referred to as 'Living
Buddhas' . However, the term Living Buddha was not
recognized as a special title for a monk who became
the successor of the deceased leader of a monastery
until the eventual introduction of the Living Buddha
reincarnation system. The reincarnation system for
the Living Buddhas is the main point distinguishing
Tibetan Buddhism from other forms of Buddhism. Dalai
and Panchen, the two highest Living Buddhas, are
the political and religious leaders of inner and
outer Tibet. Due to different territories and the
number of dependent people, the Dalai and Panchen
have varying political rights, but one religion,
they are absolutely equal.
2.Lama
Lama is a respectful form of address to senior monks,
who has much knowledge and self cultivation. It
can be used to refer to Panchen, Dalai and other
monks in Tibetan Buddhism.
3.The Prayer Wheel
Prayer wheels are the most common religious utensil
in the regions of Tibetan Buddhism, and they can
be seen almost everywhere. In fact, this religious
instrument was invented by the hinterland Buddhists,
and was initially used by Chinese Buddhists around
the 6th century.
There are two types of prayer wheels in Tibet, the
bigger one is called Manitong (bucket-shaped prayer
wheel), and the smaller one is called Manilun (wheel-shaped
prayer utensil). Manitongs are made of wood (painted
red usually) or copper, and are often placed in
rows with a height of 1-2 meter under the eaves
or along the corridors of monasteries. The Six Syllable
Truth is engraved or written on the surface of the
cylinder of Manitongs. There is a wooden frame over
the bucket and bearings are installed on the top
and bottom sides, so the bucket can start rotation
just by a slight push. The bucket is hollow, with
sutras inside. The times of rotation of the bucket
symbolize the times of reciting the Buddhism Incantation
by the believers. However, the bucket should be
turned clockwise.
Silver or copper is forged to produce Maniluns on
which the Six Syllable Truth and some other patterns
were carved, and a handle is installed on the bottom
of the wheel. With the wheel in the right hand and
prayer beads in the left hand, the believers, especially
the elderly, turn the wheel while murmuring the
Six Syllable Truth. This has become a representative
phenomenon in the areas of Tibetan Buddhism.
4.Gongba Monastery
Gongba Monastery is located at southeast of Guide
Bain. The whole area is more than 49,669sqkm2. The
outside wall is 5m high, 1m wide and 880m long.
All the buildings in the monastery face south, in
which the main hall lays at the center northern
wall with Puxianwenshu Hall in the ease, Shangjing
Hall in southwest and Xiajing Hall in northwest.
The initiator of Gongba Monastery is Gongge Gajuba,
who studies Buddhism in Zhanxi Lunbu Monastery in
Tibet in childhood.
5.Changfo Monastery
Changfo Monastery also named Baifo Monastery, which
is located on southern bank of Huanghe River, 15km
away from Gongba Monastery. The whole area is four
mu, in which there are two wood-made halls. It is
famous for a large white stone, which has three
shining Tibetan words.
6.Tiewa Monastery
Tiewa Monastery is located at Douhoulou Village
of Donggou Town, which is 22.5km away from southeast
Gui'de County. It's one of most ancient monasteries
in Gelu School. It was founded in 1616AD. Since
its foundation, there have been six living Buddhas
presiding over the monastery.
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