What are the beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism?

webster26

Come to think of it, what separates the three major schools of buddhism? And do you have to believe in reincarnation/rebirth to belong to either one of these schools?

TheEccentric

Tibetan Buddhism practices Tantra as well as Sutra.

taiyaki

Tibetan Buddhism has it all (Hinayana, not to be confused with Theravada. Mahayana, Vajrayana & Dzogchen).

And yes rebirth is an important aspect of dependent origination.

Though belief goes so far, it is experiential realization that Buddhists strive towards.

There is no true separation between the schools of Buddhism. All are rooted in the eradication of suffering and all showcase a path encouraging the eradication of suffering.

karasti

You don't have to believe in anything. Belief is not required, there is no one there to check on what you believe and deny you anything because of your beliefs or lack thereof. Rebirth can be important in terms of understanding the workings of Karma and it's point, but it's still not required in any way. Many people do not believe in rebirth or are unsure about it and still practice Buddhism.

The foundation of Buddhism, being the 4 Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path exist in all traditions. Just those alone are enough to keep most people busy for their entire lives.

Jeffrey

There are differences but they pevade the whole thing. How things are defined and so forth. You can't put it in a nutshell.

Some TB is advaita vedanta pretty much. Some is very scholarly and based on definitions rather than cutting right to the chase of direct experience.