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The
Religion/Philosophy of Tibet
Most of the
Tibetan population observes Tibetan Buddhism, which has evolved into four divisions:
Ngingma, teaches from translations from the 7th century; Kagyu, founded between
the 10th and 11th centuries; Sakya, before the Dalai Lamas came about, this sect
was led by the chief political rulers of Tibet; and finally the Gelugpa sect,
the Dalai and Panchen Lamas belong to this sect, which became the largest of the
four sects.
Religion is very
important to the Tibetans with everything being centered around it.
Education (although there wasn't a formal educational system) as well as
anything cultural or intellectual, was based on religious beliefs, with the
leaders in the government being Buddhist monks.
Things changed
during the Chinese cultural revolution with the Red Guard destroying anything
religious and persecuting the nuns and monks. Many temples were destroyed
and other religious buildings during this time.
Buddhism is
still prevalent in Tibet today and the temples and monasteries that were
destroyed have been rebuilt. The Chinese government still has a strong
hold on religious practices, including placing a limit on the number of
religious buildings. Tibetans are resentful of the control the government
has imposed on religion and the numerous restrictions that are in place.
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