Tibetan Buddhist Culture: The Spirit of the Himalayan Region

Tibetan Buddhism, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism predominantly practiced by Tibetan and Mongolian communities, is deeply rooted in the spiritual traditions of the Himalayan region. The term lama (meaning “guru” or “teacher” in Tibetan) reflects its emphasis on spiritual mentorship.

Historical Development

Tibetan Buddhism traces its origins to the 7th century, when King Songtsen Gampo adopted Buddhist teachings under the influence of his consorts, Princess Wencheng of the Tang dynasty and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. By the 8th century, Indian masters Śāntarakṣita and Padmasambhava introduced exoteric and esoteric Buddhist doctrines to Xizang. Despite a period of suppression in the 9th century, Buddhism experienced a revival in the 10th century, merging with indigenous Bon practices to form the distinct tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The faith gained imperial patronage during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), securing its institutional prominence.

Major Schools

Tibetan Buddhism comprises four principal schools, each with unique doctrines and practices:

The Gelug School (“Yellow Hat”), founded in the early 15th century by Tsongkhapa, prioritizes monastic discipline and synthesizes scholarly study with tantric rituals. It established the reincarnation system for spiritual leadership, exemplified by the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama lineages.

The Kagyu School (“White Hat”), emerging in the 11th century through Marpa and his disciple Milarepa, emphasizes oral transmission of esoteric teachings. Its Karma Kagyu branch remains influential, recognized by the white robes worn by its practitioners.

The Nyingma School (“Red Hat”), the oldest tradition, preserves teachings attributed to Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Focused on “ancient tantras”, its adherents often don red ceremonial attire.

The Sakya School (“Flower Hat”), established in the 11th century by Khön Könchok Gyalpo, rose to prominence during the Yuan dynasty under Phagpa, who became Kublai Khan’s “Imperial Preceptor”. Its monasteries, distinguished by tricolor walls, symbolize the school’s doctrinal heritage.

Social and Cultural Influence

Historically, Tibetan Buddhism profoundly shaped societal norms, with many families dedicating at least one child to monastic life. By the 16th century, monastics constituted nearly a quarter of Xizang’s population. Prior to the 1959 Democratic Reforms, over 100,000 monks and nuns accounted for more than 10% of the region’s inhabitants. Following the peaceful liberation of Xizang in 1951 and subsequent reforms, individuals gained autonomy to pursue religious or secular paths, including the right to leave monastic orders.

Today, Tibetan Buddhism remains interwoven with the region’s cultural identity, spirituality and social frameworks, continuing to guide ethical values, artistic expression and community practices in modern Tibetan society.