Tibetan Buddhism

Question 1

Thunderbolt Vehicle (Vajrayana)

Answer 1

“Diamon Vehicle;” a branch of Mahayana Buddhism that incorporates esoteric practices such as mantras, mudras, and visualization techniques. It is often referred to as Tibetan Buddhism due to its prominence in Tibet. The name signifies the powerful and indestructible nature of its methods

Question 2

Dalai Lama

Answer 2

The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and is considered the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the 14th in this line of reincarnated lamas.

Question 3

Tulku

Answer 3

A reincarnated lama or spiritual teacher in Tibetan Buddhism, recognized as the rebirth of the previous master. They are identified through signs, visions, and divination. The Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama are examples of Tulkus

Question 4

Three Poisons

Answer 4

“Three Unwholesome Roots” in Buddhism are ignorance (delusion), attachment (greed), and aversion (hatred). These poisons are the root causes of all suffering and bind beings to the cycle of samsara (rebirth)

Question 5

Meditation (Tonglen)

Answer 5

A Tibetan meditation practice involving “giving and taking.” Practitioners visualize taking in the suffering of others while breathing in and sending out compassion and relief on the exhale

Question 6

Mudras (Tibetan Buddhism)

Answer 6

Symbolic hand gestures used in meditation and ritual practices in Tibetan Buddhism to channel energy glow and represent specific spiritual states or deities. Each one has a particular meaning, such as protection, compassion, or enlightenment

Question 7

Mantra (Tibetan Buddhism)

Answer 7

Sacred syllables, words, or phrases chanted repeatedly in Tibetan Buddhist practice to invoke spiritual power and concentrate the mind. One of the most famous mantras in “Om Mani Padme Hum,” associated with Avalokiteshvara

Question 8

Mandalas

Answer 8

Intricate geometric designs symbolizing the universe, used in meditation and ritual practices. They are often made of colored sand and depict sacred symbols, deities, and cosmic structures. Creating and meditating on mandalas help focus the mind and visualize the path to enlightenment

Question 9

Prayer Flags

Answer 9

Colorful pieces of cloth inscribed with mantras, prayers, and symbols. They are hung outdoors, allowing the wind to carry blessings and positive energy into the environment

Question 10

Prayer Wheel

Answer 10

A cylindrical wheel inscribed with mantras, typically “Om Mani Padme Hum,” that is spun clockwise by practitioners to release the blessings and prayers into the universe. Spinning the wheel is considered equivalent to reciting the mantras

Question 11

Vajra and Bell

Answer 11

Ritual implements used in Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies. The vajra (thunderbolt) represents masculine energy, compassion, and the indestructible nature of reality, while the bell symbolizes feminine energy, wisdom, and emptiness. Together, they represent union of compassion and wisdom, which is essential for enlightenment

Question 12

Mala Beads

Answer 12

Prayer beads used in Tibetan Buddhist practice to count mantra recitations, typically consisting of 108 beads. They help maintain focus during chanting or meditation

Question 13

Tibetan Book of the Dead (Bardo Thodol)

Answer 13

A sacred text that guides the soul through the stages (bardos) of death and rebirth, providing instructions for navigating the intermediate state between death and rebirth. It is read aloud to the dying or deceased to aid in achieving a favorable rebirth or liberation

Question 14

Om Mani Padme Hum

Answer 14

The most widely used mantra in Tibetan Buddhism, associated with Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. It is often translated as “The Jewel is in the Lotus,” symbolizing the purity of the enlightened mind