blog o tibetskom buddhizme

Briefly about Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism, often also referred to as "Lamaism," is one of the most fascinating and diverse forms of Buddhism. This religious and philosophical system originated in Tibet and spread to regions of the Himalayas, Mongolia, China, and other Central Asian countries. Tibetan Buddhism combines ancient Buddhist traditions with unique Tibetan religious practices, resulting in a diversity of teachings, rituals, and philosophy. This article focuses on the foundations of Tibetan Buddhism, its ethics, symbolism, and its spread in the modern world.

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The General Essence of Buddhism

Buddhism, which originated in India more than 2,500 years ago, is a philosophical and religious system focused on finding a way to overcome suffering and attain a state of liberation—enlightenment (awakening, nirvana, etc.). This process involves a deep understanding of the nature of the world, the mind, and human existence.

Although there are many different schools and traditions within Buddhism, they all stem from a few key principles and the teachings of the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

The Four Noble Truths

This foundational teaching pillar of Buddhism is at the core of all Buddhist traditions. The Four Noble Truths describe the nature of suffering and how to overcome it:

The First Truth – The Truth of Suffering (dukkha):
Suffering is an inseparable part of life. It can appear in many forms—physical pain, emotional sorrow, or dissatisfaction with life's circumstances. Suffering arises from the constant change and impermanence of all things.

The Second Truth – The Truth of the Origin of Suffering (samudaya):
Suffering arises from our desires, attachments, ignorance, and sensory dependencies. These cravings and attachments are the root of our problems, as they keep us trapped in a cycle of rebirths and continuous dissatisfaction.

The Third Truth – The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (nirodha):
Suffering can be overcome by eliminating its causes. This leads to the state of nirvana, a condition of complete liberation and peace where desires and attachments no longer exist.

The Fourth Truth – The Truth of the Path Leading to the Cessation of Suffering (mārga):
This process involves ending suffering through the Eightfold Path, which includes moral conduct, concentration, and wisdom. This way of life leads to gradual liberation from suffering.

The Eightfold Path

The Eightfold Path is a practical guide to achieving nirvana and ending suffering. These steps are grouped into three fundamental categories: ethical conduct, concentration, and wisdom:

Right View (prāgnā): Correct understanding of reality and the principles of the Buddha’s teaching.
Right Intention: Cultivating intentions guided by compassion, kindness, and justice.
Right Speech: Avoiding lies, insults, and unnecessary words.
Right Action: Ethical behavior—avoiding theft, killing, and inappropriate sexual conduct.
Right Livelihood: Earning a living in a way that does not harm others.
Right Effort: Striving to develop positive qualities and eliminate negative mental states.
Right Mindfulness: Developing the ability to perceive things as they are, without bias or judgment.
Right Concentration: Meditation and development of focus with the goal of achieving liberation and inner peace.

The Requirement for an Impersonal Nature

At the heart of Buddhist philosophy is the concept of anattā or anatman (non-self), which means there is no permanent, independent "self" or "I". All beings and things are impermanent and constantly changing. Human desire to maintain a fixed, unchanging identity is the cause of suffering.

This concept is a significant departure from the Western view of the human being, which often sees the self as something stable and independent. In Buddhism, everything is temporary, including our thoughts and emotions. By understanding that we are not a fixed "self" but part of ever-changing processes, we can free ourselves from false beliefs and desires that lead to suffering.

The Cause of Suffering: The Trigā (Three Roots of Evil)

Buddhism identifies three main causes of suffering:
Rāga (Desire): Desire, sensory pleasure, and attachment to the material world are major roots of suffering.
Dveṣa (Aversion): Hatred, anger, and resistance toward others, the world, or oneself lead to spiritual suffering.
Moha (Ignorance): Ignorance of the truths of existence—such as emptiness, impermanence, and the transitory nature of all things—is the deepest root of all suffering.

These three qualities are obstacles on the path to spiritual liberation and the pursuit of inner balance.

Symbolism in Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism is rich in symbols that carry deep spiritual meanings. Some of the most well-known include:

Tibetan Prayer Flags

These are colorful pieces of cloth printed with mantras. According to Tibetan tradition, the wind that moves the flags spreads the mantras and blessings throughout the world. They are a spiritual tool used to express respect, invoke blessings, and support spiritual practice.

Structure of Prayer Flags: Prayer flags usually come in five different colors, each representing an element and carrying symbolic meaning. The flags are strung together, and the wind disperses them, symbolizing the spread of positive energy, prayers, and blessings:
Blue – represents sky; symbolizes wisdom
White – represents water; symbolizes purity
Red – represents fire; symbolizes spiritual strength
Green – represents earth; symbolizes harmony
Yellow – represents air/wind; symbolizes learning and openness

Mantras on the Flags:

Each flag contains various mantras or prayers printed in Tibetan script. These mantras serve various purposes but are mostly focused on protection, spreading positive energy, and blessings. One of the most famous mantras is “Om Mani Padme Hum,” associated with the Bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteśvara. Its repetition expresses the desire for liberation and compassion for all beings.

Om Mani Padme Hum — Often translated as “The Jewel in the Lotus,” it is one of the most powerful mantras, reflecting the ideals of compassion, wisdom, and spiritual growth. Another mantra is “Om Ah Hum,” which relates to spiritual liberation and symbolizes the union of body, speech, and mind.

Stupa (Chorten)

The stupa, or chorten in Tibetan, is one of the most recognized symbols of Buddhism. It is a sacred monument built to house relics and is used for meditation, prayer, and contemplation. The structure is designed with symbolic architecture representing four key aspects of Buddhist teaching:
Square base – symbolizes earth
Round dome – represents water
Conical spire – symbolizes fire and air
Topmost point – represents enlightenment (nirvana)

Walking around the stupa clockwise is a form of meditation and a sign of devotion to the Buddha’s teachings (Dharma). Lotus Flower A symbol of purity and liberation. In Tibetan Buddhism, the lotus often appears as a flower growing from the mud, symbolizing the spiritual journey of rising above obstacles and suffering to achieve enlightenment.

Mandala

A geometric representation of the universe, symbolizing different aspects of the spiritual realm. Mandalas are used in meditation and rituals as tools for concentration and the visualization of higher realities.

Dharmachakra (Wheel of Dharma)

This symbol, often shown as a wheel with eight spokes, represents the Eightfold Path and the Buddha’s teachings. It symbolizes the journey toward enlightenment and the cycle of birth and death.

Buddha Statue

A Buddha statue embodies various aspects of his teachings and his path to enlightenment. Different postures and mudras (hand gestures) represent specific meanings, such as the “teaching hand” or the “compassionate hand.”

Conclusion

Buddhism is not only a path to religious or philosophical enlightenment but also a practical way of living—free from unnecessary desires, fears, and suffering. It’s a philosophy that emphasizes the development of self-awareness, compassion, and wisdom, leading to harmony with oneself and the surrounding world.

Tibetan Buddhism, like other forms of Buddhism, teaches people to accept reality in its purest form, free from illusions and attachments. And while each school may have its specific practices, the core teachings of the Buddha remain shared across all traditions and offer a clear path toward freedom from suffering.

Michal Gabriž