Added: 02/25/2006 |
Tibetan Buddism and AttractionsControversy among scholars of religion concerning whether Buddhism constitutes a religion or philosophy is arguing until the present day. But in any case, Buddhism is a major movement, with approximately 700 million followers. Buddism spread throughout the ancient Indian sub-continent in the five centuries following his death and continued to spread into Central, Southeast, East Asia, and Eastern Europe over the next two millennia. Naturally that in each part of Asia Buddism acquired its own shade and character. Tibetan buddism is not the same as Indian one. It is a multifaceted and integrated teaching, naturally implementing methods for all human-condition levels: Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana (Tantric Path) and Ati Yoga (Dzogchen). The most important event in Tibetan Buddhist history, however, was the arrival of the great tantric mystic Padmasambhava(more commonly known in the region as Guru Rinpoche) in Tibet in 774, who merged tantric Buddhism with the local B?n religion to form what we now recognize as Tibetan Buddhism.
There are a number of Tibet attractions to see when visiting, Tibet itself is a great attraction. One trip may not be enough time to experience all the places listed in this section, especially since they are located in different regions of Tibet. One can understand Tibet only having been there plunging into a unique atmosphere of religion and philosophy. Until the present day Tibetan monasteries are strongholds of spiritual and cultural life. It's estimated that as much as 25% of the population of Tibet was monastic from the 16th century through the Chinese invasion.unfortunatel, many buddism monasreries were ruined ransacked and destoyed by by the Chinese communists, though mst of the major ones have been at least partially reestablished. Tibet monastery are an integral part of the history and culture and are Tibet attractions that are definitely worth viewing. I tried to include the most popular sites and some that are underrated. And you should visit them, though one must choose carefully because of the fact that the monasteries are scattered in different regions. But still it is worth it. For example, Drepung Monastery (in western lhasa), Drepung Monastery is one of the must see as it is one of the three most important buddism monasteries of the Yellow hat Sect. Built in 1416, it stands as one of the largest monasteries in the world. Gandan Monastery (built in 1409, and located in Lhasa as well)stands out like another of the three famous Yellow Hat Sect Monasteries, being the most important buddism spot. Along with the Drepung and Sera Monasteries, they formulate the three famous monasteries in Lhasa.
The construction of Jokhang Monastery began in the 7th century. Standing as one of the largest and oldest buddism monasteries in Tibet, Jokhang impresses by its incredible architecture including bronze and golden statues and figurines, abundance of paintings and various other cultural relics, it is no wonder that it landed a spot on the world Cultural Heritage List! There are many Tibet monastery throughout the vast area that makes up the Tibet Autonomous Region. While visiting, be certain to respect local traditions and religious beliefs.
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