Buffetrille (Katia): Pilgrims, Lamas, and Visionaries in Tibetan Pilgrimages
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: BUFFETRILLE (Katia), Pèlerins, lamas et visionnaires. Sources orales et écrites sur les pèlerinages tibétains
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions� publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales�)
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Subtitle: Wien (Autriche), Arbeitskreis fur tibetische und buddhistische Studien, 2000, xii + 377 p. (bibliogr., cartes, textes en tibétain, index) (coll. « Wiener Studien zur Tibetologie und Buddhismuskunde », Heft 46)
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Françoise Aubin
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly�)
Full text available for: BUFFETRILLE (Katia), Pèlerins, lamas et visionnaires. Sources orales et écrites sur les pèlerinages tibétains
Year: 2001 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.20864
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Katia Buffetrille's work, "Pèlerins, lamas et visionnaires," published by the Arbeitskreis für tibetische und buddhistische Studien in 2000, explores the multidimensional nature of Tibetan pilgrimage practices through a combination of oral and written sources. This comprehensive study spans 377 pages and is part of the "Wiener Studien zur Tibetologie und Buddhismuskunde" series. Buffetrille leverages her linguistic proficiency in both spoken and literary Tibetan to delve into the religious life of Tibetan communities, aiming to present a holistic understanding of sacred spaces influenced by local gods and tantric deities.
The Sacred Space of Pilgrimage
One of the central themes of Buffetrille's research is the significance of sacred geography in Tibetan pilgrimage. The author identifies eight critical pilgrimage sites across various Tibetan-populated regions, including the renowned Mount Kailash and Amye Machen in the Tibet Autonomous Region, as well as sacred lakes and caves. By gathering a variety of Tibetan texts pertaining to these sites, Buffetrille curates a rich collection that includes praises, offerings, autobiographies, and pilgrimage guides. These texts often transform the physical landscape into a spiritual narrative, revealing the intricate relationship between the pilgrims and the divine. Buffetrille's meticulous documentation and translation efforts highlight the energy, dedication, and artistic expression of the Tibetan authors, providing readers with a profound appreciation for the cultural and spiritual richness of these practices.
Conclusion
Buffetrille's exploration of Tibetan pilgrimage not only showcases the depth of religious sentiment among Tibetan communities but also emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach in Tibetan studies. The combination of oral and written accounts enables a richer understanding of how these rituals fulfill both spiritual and everyday needs. As the author prepares for a more detailed ethnographic analysis of her findings, her work sets a significant precedent, encouraging further research into the vibrant tapestry of Tibetan religious practices and their profound impact on the cultural landscape.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the primary focus of Katia Buffetrille's book?
Katia Buffetrille's book explores Tibetan pilgrimages, particularly the significance of sacred mountains, lakes, and caves, documenting both oral and written sources from Tibetan culture.
How does Buffetrille classify Tibetan pilgrimage sites in her research?
The pilgrimage sites are categorized to represent different Tibetan regions, including notable sacred locations in the Tibet Autonomous Region, Amdo, Yunnan, and Eastern Nepal, illustrating diverse spiritual landscapes.
What types of texts does Buffetrille collect for her analysis?
She gathers various texts, including praises, autobiographies, offering rituals, and pilgrimage guides, providing rich annotated translations alongside original Tibetan texts, showcasing the vibrancy and cultural depth of Tibetan religion.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Buffetrille (Katia): Pilgrims, Lamas, and Visionaries in Tibetan Pilgrimages�. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Tibetan:
The Tibetan culture embodies a rich religious and spiritual tradition, deeply rooted in Buddhism, where practices such as pilgrimage to sacred sites are fundamental to connecting with the divine and local deities.
2) Pilgrimage:
A pilgrimage in Tibet involves traveling to sacred mountains, lakes, or caves to pay homage, reflecting the deep spiritual journey of Tibetan practitioners and their connection to sacred spaces.
3) Lama:
A Lama is a spiritual teacher in Tibetan Buddhism, often guiding practitioners in their religious journey, including leading them on pilgrimages to sacred sites in Tibet.
4) Katia:
Katia Buffettrille is the author who conducted extensive research on Tibetan pilgrimages, utilizing both oral traditions and written texts to highlight the significance of these spiritual journeys.
5) Religion:
The religion practiced in Tibet encompasses a blend of Buddhism and indigenous beliefs, where rituals, prayers, and pilgrimages are integral to the spiritual life of its practitioners.
6) Buddhism (Buddhist tradition):
The Buddhist faith in Tibet emphasizes practices such as meditation and pilgrimage, which are vital for spiritual growth and the attainment of compassion towards all living beings.
7) Tibet:
Tibet serves as the geographical and spiritual heartland where Tibetan Buddhism flourishes, with various sacred sites such as Mount Kailash drawing pilgrims seeking enlightenment.
8) Deity (Deities):
A deity in Tibetan belief is an entity worshiped during pilgrimages, often approached with rituals and offerings as part of the spiritual landscape.
9) Cave:
Caves in the Tibetan landscape often serve as important pilgrimage sites, where practitioners seek solitude for meditation and reflection, fostering a deep connection with sacred space.
10) Living Being:
The concept of compassion toward all living beings is central to Tibetan Buddhism, shaping the ethical framework that guides practitioners in their spiritual endeavors.
11) Dalai Lama:
The Dalai Lama represents a key figure in Tibetan Buddhism, embodying compassion and wisdom while promoting practices that encourage respect for all living beings.
12) Oral tradition:
Oral tradition in Tibetan culture preserves narratives and teachings about pilgrimages, allowing for the transmission of spiritual practices from one generation to the next.
13) Meditation:
Meditation serves as a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism, aiding practitioners in developing mindfulness and compassion, often associated with the inner journeys undertaken during pilgrimages.
14) Compassion:
Compassion is a fundamental value in Tibetan Buddhism, promoting the well-being of all living beings, and is deeply integrated into the rituals and practices observed during pilgrimages.
15) Mysticism:
Tibetan mysticism often intertwines with local religious practices, particularly in the context of pilgrimages where practitioners encounter sacred energies and transformative experiences.
16) Mountain:
Mountains hold a revered status in Tibetan culture, with sites like Kailash being central to pilgrimage routes and embodying spiritual significance for practitioners.
17) Mandala (Mamdala):
A mandala represents a spiritual symbol in Tibetan Buddhism, often reflecting the landscape transformed into a sacred representation through pilgrimage narratives and experiences.
18) Kailash:
Mount Kailash is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Tibet, attracting pilgrims who perform circumambulations as acts of devotion to the local deities.
19) Delight (Delighting, Delighted):
The delight found in Tibetan religious practices is evident during pilgrimages, where the beauty of sacred landscapes and spiritual connection brings joy to practitioners.
20) Nyingma (rnying ma):
The Nyingma school, one of the oldest sects of Tibetan Buddhism, plays a significant role in the spiritual practices and pilgrimages of Tibetan practitioners, particularly in Sherpa territory.
21) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantric practices are integral to Tibetan Buddhism, often manifesting during pilgrimages where rituals invoke spiritual energies associated with the divine.
22) Yunnan:
Yunnan is a region in China where Tibetan cultural influences are present, with pilgrimage sites drawing both local practitioners and scholars interested in Tibetan Buddhism.
23) Praise:
Praise in Tibetan practices often takes the form of songs and offerings made during pilgrimages, acknowledging the deities and seeking blessings.
24) Future:
[see source text or glossary: future]
25) Smoke:
The offering of juniper smoke is a traditional ritual in Tibetan pilgrimages, symbolizing the connection between practitioners and the deities they venerate.
26) Space:
Sacred spaces in Tibetan culture are defined by the sites of pilgrimage where the divine is believed to interact with practitioners during their spiritual journeys.
27) Nepal:
Nepal, particularly the eastern region where Sherpas reside, is home to significant Tibetan pilgrimage sites that hold religious importance for local communities.
28) Kham (khams, Khaam):
Kham is known for its distinct Tibetan cultural identity, featuring important pilgrimage traditions that significantly shape the religious practices of the area.
29) Khar:
[see source text or glossary: Khar]
30) Blue:
The 'Blue Lake,' known as mTsho sngon po, is a significant pilgrimage destination in Tibetan culture, connecting practitioners with sacred landscapes.
31) Milk:
The 'Milk Lake,' or cO ma mtsho, is another revered site in eastern Nepal, integral to the spiritual practices of Sherpa practitioners, particularly from the Nyingma school.
32) Hope:
[see source text or glossary: hope]
33) Amdo (a mdo):
Amdo, a region in northeastern Tibet, contains important pilgrimage sites that draw practitioners looking to connect with local deities and partake in spiritual rituals.