| Nearly all Tibetans follow Tibetan Buddhism, known as Lamaism, with the
exception of approximately 2,000 followers of Islam and 600 of Catholicism. Tibetan
Buddhism is a branch of Chinese Buddhism. In the seventh century AD, Buddhism was
introduced into Tibet from China and Nepal. It first gained acceptance amongst the
nobility, and was gradually embraced by the common people.
Tibetan Buddhism was greatly influenced by Indian Buddhism during its development. From
the seventh century to the middle of the present century, a constant stream of eminent
Buddhist monks and scholars came from India, bringing with them the dharma, or faith. An
indigenous religion, Bon, influenced the development of the Buddhist religion, and the
combination of the two religions came to be known as Tibetan Buddhism.
After years of evolution, Tibetan Buddhism has developed its own distinctive qualities
and practices. A well-known example is the belief that there is a Living Buddha, who is
the reincarnation of the first, a belief alien to Chinese Buddhism.
Buddhism reaches every corner of Tibetan life. Monasteries are the most conspicuous
buildings in every village, town and city, and the locals gather and live near these
buildings. |
