Tibetan Buddhism: Key Concepts, Practices, and Beliefs

What is the Bardo and what happens there?

The bardo is an intermediate state between death and rebirth, where life, dreaming, meditation, and after-death states occur.

How does Tibetan Buddhism differ from other forms of Buddhism?

Tibetan Buddhism is more ritual-heavy, symbolic, and mystical, focusing on death and the afterlife (bardos) as a path to enlightenment.

What are the four thoughts that turn the mind toward Dharma?

1. Precious human life - rare and valuable opportunity; 2. Impermanence - life is short; 3. Karma - actions have consequences; 4. Suffering of samsara - ordinary existence is unsatisfying.

What is the goal of the practice of Lojong, or 'mind training'?

To develop compassion and wisdom, transforming negative situations into opportunities for growth and changing how one thinks and responds to the world.

What does the practice of Chod seek to accomplish?

Chod is meant to 'cut through' ego and attachment, aiming to eliminate fear and attachment to the self.

Why is the Vajrayana practice considered dangerous?

It uses powerful psychological and spiritual techniques that, without proper guidance, could be misunderstood or misused, involving deep confrontation with fear, death, and ego.

What is the significance of wrathful deities in Tibetan Buddhism?

They represent fierce compassion, possessing the power to destroy ignorance and ego quickly, and serve as a means to confront fear and transform it into wisdom.

What is the goal of tantric visualization?

To imagine oneself as an enlightened being (a deity) and train the mind to realize that one already has Buddha-nature, transforming ordinary perception into pure, enlightened awareness.

Who is the Dalai Lama and why is he important?

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, believed to be the reincarnation of a compassionate bodhisattva (Avalokiteshvara), and is a global symbol of peace, compassion, and nonviolence.

Why do Tibetan Buddhist put prayers on flags?

They use prayer flags to spread blessings through nature.

Be able to describe in generality the second stage of the foundational practices - Mandala, Mantra, Prostrations, Guru Yoga

• Prostrations: Physically bowing to reduce ego and build humility

• Mantra (Vajrasattva): Repeating sacred sounds to purify negative karma

• Mandala offerings: Symbolically offering the entire universe to show generosity and non-attachment

• Guru Yoga: Meditating on unity with the teacher to receive wisdom and guidance