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Significance of Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism is a distinctive form of Buddhism developed in Tibet, integrating Tantric practices and indigenous spiritual elements. It combines various teachings from Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions, characterized by unique rituals, philosophies, and cultural influences. Numerous schools, such as Nyingma, Kagyü, Sakya, and Gelukpa, contribute to its rich diversity. Tibetan Buddhism also incorporates local religious practices and beliefs, reflecting its deep cultural heritage, and includes prominent elements like the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum in its rituals.1
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Synonyms: Lamaism, Tibetan tantra, Vajrayana buddhism, Vajrayana, Tantric buddhism

In Dutch: Tibetaans boeddhisme; In Finnish: Tiibetin buddhalaisuus; In Spanish: Budismo tibetano; In German: Tibetischer Buddhismus

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Tibetan Buddhism'

Buddhism Books

Tibetan Buddhism is a distinct branch of Buddhism originating in Tibet, integrating Tantric and indigenous practices, featuring unique rituals, teachings, and rich cultural heritages, including schools like Nyingma, Kagyü, Sakya, and Gelukpa.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) A type of Buddhism practiced in the context of Jam dbyangs mgon po's life and teachings.[1] (2) A form of Buddhism practiced in Tibet, incorporating unique teachings, rituals, and a rich history of spiritual lineage.[2] (3) The form of Buddhism practiced by g. Yag sde paN chen and his followers, characterized by unique rituals and philosophical tenets.[3] (4) A form of Buddhism characterized by its doctrines and practices, under which the characters and narratives in the text function.[4] (5) The form of Buddhism that developed in Tibet, characterized by the integration of Tantric practices and indigenous spiritual elements.[5]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: The gods of northern Buddhism

(1) The form of Buddhism that integrates local religious practices and developed distinctive doctrines in Tibet.[6] (2) A form of Buddhism where the Five Great Kings are actively worshipped for protection and wishes.[7]

From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara

(1) A form of Buddhism practiced in Tibet that encompasses various schools, including Nyingma, Kagyü, Sakya, and Gelukpa, each with its own interpretations and commentaries.[8]

From: ´¡²ú³ó¾±»å³ó²¹°ù³¾²¹°ì´ÇÅ›²¹

(1) A variant of Mahayana Buddhism that incorporates unique practices, beliefs, and rituals, often influenced by Tibetan culture.[9]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

The concept of Tibetan Buddhism in local and regional sources

History Books

Tibetan Buddhism is a distinct form of Vajrayana Buddhism that combines specific doctrines and rituals influenced by local culture, integrates teachings from Bon, and includes various spiritual traditions like Highest Yoga Tantra, evolving significantly since Atisha's 11th-century visit.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A branch of Mahayana Buddhism that developed in Tibet, featuring unique beliefs, practices, and texts, often focused on meditation.[10]

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) This is a religious tradition, and the Bon religious tradition in its current monastic form heavily draws on its doctrine and practice, which makes it one of the schools of Tibetan Buddhism.[11]