Religions of Tibet: Buddhism and Cultural Regions

U-Tsang

Central Tibet region, home to Lhasa.

Ngari

High desert area with Mt. Kailash.

Kham

Low altitude area known for farming.

Amdo

Eastern Tibet, characterized by dense forests.

Shakyamuni Buddha

Original Buddha, prophesied to be a king or sage.

Four Sights

Sick man, old man, dead man, sage seen by Buddha.

Middle Way

Balanced approach between extremes in Buddhism.

Samsara

Cyclical existence of death and rebirth.

Karma

Actions result in positive or negative consequences.

Mara

God of samsara, prevents escape from the cycle.

Three Poisons

Hatred, ignorance, greed that trap beings in samsara.

Human Realm

Best realm for achieving enlightenment through karma.

Impermanence

All created things are subject to change.

Dukkha

Suffering inherent in all constructed things.

Anatman

Concept of no enduring self in Buddhism.

Four Noble Truths

Framework for understanding and overcoming suffering.

Nirvana

State of escaping suffering, akin to enlightenment.

Relics

Parts of deceased priests believed to offer benefits.

Mahayana Buddhism

'The Great Vehicle', emphasizes multiple paths to enlightenment.

Bodhisattvas

Enlightened beings who help others achieve enlightenment.

Six Perfections

Qualities practiced by Bodhisattvas for enlightenment.

Avalokiteshvara

Bodhisattva of compassion, watches over beings.

Tara

Bodhisattva with four forms, aids those in need.

Manjushri

Bodhisattva of wisdom, depicted with a sword.

Three Jewels

Buddha, Dharma, Sangha; core components of Buddhism.

Songtsen Gampo

First Dharma King, introduced Buddhism to Tibet.

Tulku Lineages

Reincarnation lineages maintaining spiritual authority.

First Dissemination of Buddhism

Initial spread among Tibetan royalty.

Second Dissemination of Buddhism

Continued import from South Asia, scholarly exchanges.

Khon Family

Established first priest-patron relationship in the 1200s.