Religion
in Tibet
Buddhism,
has a history dating back over 1300
years, these years have shaped a unique
form "Lamaism". Tibetan history, culture
and religion are mixed together and
infiltrated into every aspect of social
life. Buddhism in Tibet came into prominence
after Songtsen Gompo, the 33rd Tibetan
King married Bhrikuti, a Nepali Princess.
After the marriage, Buddhism slowly
started to replace the Bon religion
but really gained momentum after the
king's minister translated the first
Buddhist scripture. Buddhist scripture
is believed to have descended from heaven
around 5th century A.D. and was written
in Sanskrit. Now Buddhism is the soul
of Tibet and Tibetans.
A small
number of the population are Muslim
but there is little suggestion of any
other religion. Tibetan religious arts
have a distinctive style which has adopted
both Nepalese and Chinese influence,
it is regarded as a pearl of oriental
Buddhist art in Chinese Buddhism. Tibetan
architecture is rich in design, sumptuous
and full of noble aspiration. The Potala
Palace, built on the top of a hill is
a classic example of the wealth of Tibetan
architectural structures. These buildings
include wonderful sculptures, carvings,
murals, "thangkas" and skilled butter
sculptures alongside a vast array of
historical monuments.
Ethnic
Communities and Customs
People
living on the Tibetan plateau, Tibetans,
Monpas, Lhopas and Muslems, have their
different ways of living, marriage,
burial and other ceremonies. Tibetans
call themselves "Bodpas" with a total
population of 3.4 million (1992) among
which 2.2 million reside in the Autonomous
Region. Tibetans mainly engage in agriculture,
husbandry and handicrafts. Tsampa (barley
flour), beef, mutton, butter tea and
barley beer are their most common food
and drink. Traditional Tibetan clothing
is made from wool and lambskin. They
have a passion for ornaments with women
wearing traditional striped aprons.
Nomads and people living in remote areas
depend on Yaks for their transportation,
although donkeys and horses
are also used.. Their marriage system
is mainly monogamous. Tibetans do not
have surnames, their names consist of
four or two syllables mainly adopted
meanings from Buddhism. Festivals in
Tibet are numerous, the grandest being
the Tibetan New Year, (Lhosar) followed
closely by "Wangkor" Festival and horse
races.
Science
and Culture
Along
with the development of the Tibetan
history, Tibetans have created a unique
science and culture of their own, amongst
some of the most important formations
of the whole of Chinese culture. The
vast range of magnificent historical
documents cultural relics, and
literature presently in existence speak
volumes of the wisdom of the Tibetans.
Great scriptures such as "Kagyur" (Translation
of the Commandments) "Tengyur" (Translation
of Commentaries), "Four Tibetan Medical
Tantras", The Happy Feast of Sages",
Biography to Bhuton" and the "Biography
of Milarepa" have all been translated
into many languages. Tibet is also known
as the Sea of the Songs and Dances;
folk songs and daces of various styles,
witnessed especially during the 'Shoton"
Festival in August each year.
