Among all the Buddhist countries of Asia, the highest developments of
Indian Buddhism were preserved in Tibet. All schools of Buddhism in
Tibet maintain the monastic discipline of the Vinaya the graduated
spiritual practices and philosophical systems based on the Sutra and
their commentaries, the shastras, and the esoteric meditative practices
associated with the Tatras. Different school developed in different
periods of Tibetan history, each derived from distinctive lineages or
transmissions of the Indian Buddhism.
The oldest, the Nyingmapa, are associated with the early dissemination
of Buddhism during the period of the Yalung Dynasty. The Sakyapa and the
Kagyupa, along with the Kadampa, appeared in the 11th century on the
basis of later developments in Indian Buddhism. The Gelukpa originated
in Tibet during the 14th century, but can claim descent from the others,
particularly the Kadampa and the Sakyapa. Each of these schools has had
its great teachers and personalities over the centuries. Each has held
political power at one time or another and each continues to exert
influence in different parts of the whole Tibet plateau. Tibetan
Buddhism reached its height of power and splendor during the period
between the founding of Gelugpa through to the mid 20th century. Since
then, it has started to spread throughout the world.
Reincarnation System
Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama
Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama are the titles for the leaders of Gelupa,
founded by Tsong Khapa in the 14th century. Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama
are the two most influential religious leaders of Tibet.
Dalai Lama
The title of 'Dalai Lama' came into being during the third Dalai Lama
Sonam Gyatso in year 1578 of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The title
Dalai Lama was endowed by the Mongolian leader of Qinghai Province who
was converted to Buddhism duo to Sonam Gyatso's missionary work. 'Dalai'
means 'Sea' in Mongolian and 'Lama' refers to the word 'Master' in
Tibetan. Dalai Lama means 'a master with profound knowledge and
transcendent achievements in Buddhist cultivation'. Thus Sonam Gyatso
became the third Dalai lama for Gedun Drub and Gedun Gyatso were admited
posthumously as the first and second Dalai respectively. The title was
acknowleged by the central government of the Ming Dynasty in 1587. Later
in the year 1653, Emperor Shunzhi (Qing Dynasty 1644-1911) invited the
fifth Dalai to Beijing and conferred the title 'Dalai lama' on him
officially. A gold seal and a gold nominating album were granted
together. Since then the title 'Dalai Lama' had been significant both
politically and religiously.
Panchen Lama
'Panchen' means 'Great Scholar' in Sanskrit and Tibetan. In the year
1645 the leader of Mongolian conferred the title 'Panchen Lama' on
Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen, who became the forth Panchen Lama with the
former three Panchen admitted posthumously. In 1713, the Emperor Kangxi
formally granted the fifth Panchen the laudatory title of 'Panchen
Erdini', which means 'Treasure' in Manchu. Since then the status of
Panchen has been established. For the Dalai and Panchen are followed the
reincarnation system, each reincarnated boy should be proved by the
central government since then.
Relations between Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama
As Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama both root in the Yellow Sect of Tibetan
Buddhism, they bear a close relationship with each other. In fact, they
bear the relationship of master and apprentice. For example, the first
Dalai Lama was the disciple of the first Panchen Lama. According to the
sutras of Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lama is the incarnation of
Avalokitesvara or the Bodhisattva of Compassion while Panchen Lama the
Amitabha, Buddha of Infinite Light. Both of the two play significant
role in Tibetans religion and politics. Theoretically speaking, the
status of Amitabha is higher than Avalokitesvara, but Dalai Lama was
stronger in terms of political and religious affairs. Dalai dominated
the front Tibet centered by Lhasa while the rear Tibet centered by
Tashihunpo Monastery was ruled by Panchen.
Succession of Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama
Firstly, Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama were succeeded by their disciples.
When it came to the succession of third Dalai and fourth Panchen, the
Reincarnation System was adopted. According to Buddhism, Buddha's soul
never perishes and it incarnates to save mankind. The reincarnated boy
should be found and identified to be the successor. By doing so, the
internal strives were avoided. Dalai Lama is said to incarnate to the
14th and Panchen Lama the 11th now.
Religious Symbols
Om Mani Pedme Hum
The Sanskrit 'Om Mani Padme Hum' is the most popular kind of all the
mantras murmured by Tibetan Buddhists. Tibetans believe the unceasing
murmur accumulates personal merits and helps each person to become
Buddha. It can also be seen written on houses, rocks, mani stones,
prayer wheels, amulets, and other sacred articles, in the hope that it
will bless them. 'Om Mani Padme Hum' is said to be the fundamental true
words of the Lotus of Esoteric Buddhism. It originated from the chant
for Elysium sung by the Buddhist master Padmasambhava, and then became
the spoken mantra of Avalokiteshvara, also known as the Bodhisattva of
Compassion. Each word has a meaning by itself. 'Om' represents the heart
of Buddha; 'Mani' means 'treasure' in Sanskrit; 'Padme' means 'lotus',
symbolizing the pure dharma of Buddhism; 'Hum' represents the heart of
the Vajra and implies that following the Buddha will lead us to the
final Dzogchen. The whole expresses the good wish for living with the
Buddha.