Tibetan Buddhism

Buddhism played a significant role in the developments of cultural and religious history of Tibet from the 7th century onwards. Although “Tibetan Buddhism” predominantly belongs to the Mahayana school whose teachings are directed toward the achievement of enlightenment for the benefit of all living beings, nonetheless it incorporates its indigenous culture. The courses connected with “Tibetan Buddhism” provide students with fundamental knowledge of the history, culture and meditative practices in the religious history of Tibet. Vajrayāna, which has its foundation in Mahāyāna, is the school most closely associated with Tibetan Buddhism, and thus has become virtually identified with the religion of Tibet. The study of Tibetan Buddhism is important for any student of Buddhism to understand the nature of the later phase of Buddhism which disappeared in the land of its origin, but is well preserved in Tibetan canonical literature. With a better knowledge of the background, the students will be able to appreciate “Tibetan Buddhism” in its right context. The courses cover Tibetan Buddhism from its Indian origins to the present day. They broadly include pre-Buddhist indigenous culture, introduction of Buddhism, the formation of the Tibetan Buddhist Canon, the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhist art and iconography, esoteric Buddhism, and religious and meditative practices.