Tibetan Buddhism

Michelle

I have been reading a lot recently about Tibetan Buddhism and am becoming increasingly confused. Perhaps I am just slow, but I am having a difficult time deciphering Mahayana as seperate from and/or a part of Tibetan Buddhism.

Also, I am not finding much info on the Buddhist view of metaphysics. Since this is a big part of my life, it will definitely help me choose my path.

I greatly appreciate any insight that is shared.

Peace,
Michelle

Valtiel

Perhaps I am just slow, but I am having a difficult time deciphering Mahayana as seperate from and/or a part of Tibetan Buddhism

There are two main branches of Buddhism: Theravada and Mahayana. Mahayana includes Tibetan Buddhism, Zen, Pure Land, etc. The main differences between Mahayana and Theravada are that Mahayana includes Mahayana sutras (Sanskrit in origin, sutras outside the Pali Canon), and emphasizes bodhicitta. So Tibetan Buddhism falls under the category of Mahayana Buddhism.

Also, I am not finding much info on the Buddhist view of metaphysics.

Buddhism isn't really concerned with metaphysics.

What attracted you to Buddhism? Why do you wish to practice it?

BrotherBob

Hi Michelle,

As I imagine it, Tibetan Buddhism has two levels of training.

The first is 'Sutrayana' Training, which provides a solid foundation for understanding Buddhist teachings, most Sutrayana trainees study both the Theravada, Pali Canon, and the Mahayana, Sanskrit Canon, along with Tibetan, Chinese and other information sources to accomplish a well rounded objective multidisciplinary view as part of their training. This training often includes training in history, sciences, medicine, etc. and may include metaphysics.

The second level of training is the Vajrayana. To enter this level a trainee must demonstrate a high level of accomplishment in Sutrayana training and some natural affinity for understanding, what may be considered by some outsiders as, metaphysical principles and the application of same in practical ways along with the completion of very specific rigorous preliminary practices. Not everyone is suited for nor invited into this training. It's pretty much kept secret.

Following is a good source of information on Tibetan Buddhism:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJAokwMG7o4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEEqaSRbnQ8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4UB2xut1cs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O46MJQFOhMo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsnu6o_E-XA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ5XUaY23zQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmXoWt9hepE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7gOVqJwyaA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIcT9kWjWOM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saqW6olKIIw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFgYmEHINAM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpfmaNU_EwE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK8QoAMTujw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOh9w4qeya0&feature=related

:):)

Palzang

The main difference between Vajrayana and Mahayana is that Vajrayana employs tantric methods whereas Mahayana does not. Otherwise there is no difference to speak of.

Palzang

BrotherBob

I'm imagining I may have more clearly identified the second level of training as 'Mantrayana' or 'Tantrayana', cuz, as you say, Vajrayana includes both Mahayana and Tantrayana, with, as I understand it, some encouragement to understand other vehicles (points of view) as well - Like training with such information as found in Chandrakirti's 'Madhyamakavatara.'

Palzang

I think that's fair to say. (whatever it was that you said!)

Palzang

Michelle

Thank you all! Be back to reply individually as soon as I get over this lovely chest cold that someone was kind enough to share with me

Peace,
Michelle

Michelle

o0Mundus-Vult-Decipi0o wrote: »

There are two main branches of Buddhism: Theravada and Mahayana. Mahayana includes Tibetan Buddhism, Zen, Pure Land, etc. The main differences between Mahayana and Theravada are that Mahayana includes Mahayana sutras (Sanskrit in origin, sutras outside the Pali Canon), and emphasizes bodhicitta. So Tibetan Buddhism falls under the category of Mahayana Buddhism.



Buddhism isn't really concerned with metaphysics.

What attracted you to Buddhism? Why do you wish to practice it?

Thank you! You have clarified for me what I 'thought' I was reading.

What attracted me to Buddhism? Good question. I was raised baptist and in my early teens I knew that the beliefs of that particular religion and/or christianity in general did not make sense to me. I could never really resign myself to the fact that there was a man in the sky who sat in judgment of me (and everyone else for that matter) and our minute to minute activities. I always felt that we were each responsible for our own choices, that we choose our own path, and we reap the rewards or deal with the consequences...depending on OUR personal choices. I honestly cannot remember what prompted me to begin reading about Buddhism. I just remember having an 'aha' moment and feeling this was it for me.

As for Buddhisms lack of concern with metaphysics...good to know. Could have been old conditioning creeping in and asking the question.

Thank you again!

Peace,
Michelle

p.s. I love your US picture I have four daughters and remember those beautiful pictures vividly.

Michelle

Hi Brother Bob,

Wow, I have a lot more to learn than I anticipated . Thank you so much for all of the links, I have found them very interesting and helpful. Your description of the two levels helped, as well.

Peace,
Michelle

BrotherBob

Welcome Michelle :wavey:

Palzang

Michelle, I think it's true of all us Western Buddhists (or at least most of us) that we tend to come into it with all sorts of preconceptions and belief structures that come from the deist religions we were brought up with. It's natural, and it takes some time (well, a lot of time) to root them all out. We're not Japanese or Tibetan or Thai or Chinese or Indian or whatever, so we don't naturally look at the world with the same kind of perceptions. So not to worry, it'll come. One step at a time, as they say. The Buddha refused to comment on metaphysical questions because he said that he had come to teach the ending of suffering, not metaphysics.

Palzang

Brigid

Hi Michelle!

Michelle

Palzang wrote: »

Michelle, I think it's true of all us Western Buddhists (or at least most of us) that we tend to come into it with all sorts of preconceptions and belief structures that come from the deist religions we were brought up with. It's natural, and it takes some time (well, a lot of time) to root them all out. We're not Japanese or Tibetan or Thai or Chinese or Indian or whatever, so we don't naturally look at the world with the same kind of perceptions. So not to worry, it'll come. One step at a time, as they say. The Buddha refused to comment on metaphysical questions because he said that he had come to teach the ending of suffering, not metaphysics.

Palzang

Thank you, Palzang. You have helped a great deal. I need to have patience with myself, and that's definitely not something I am good at. I like what you have shared about the Buddha and metaphysics.

Peace,
Michelle

Michelle

Brigid wrote: »

Hi Michelle!

Hi Brigid !

bloodywaterfox

Thank your very much, this information on this thread also cleared up some things for me:D

Great advice as usual and thank you for the links:D

I wish everyone well!