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Religion in Tibet. In Tibet, people are deeply rooted and dedicated to religious faith. Therefore, religious customs are part of everyday life, and Tibetans have developed distinct religion (what many describes as the Science of Mind) cultures.
The local Bon religion and Buddhism have strongly influenced Tibet. The main religion practised today in Tibetan culture is Buddhism, which first came to Tibet from India in the 7th century. Tibetan Buddhism is divided into four main sects: Nyingmapa, Kagyulpa, Sakyapa, and Gelukpa. Each sect values a similar set of basic beliefs but involves differing practices. Common to all four sects are beliefs in reincarnation, karma (a retribution system and reward for one’s negative and positive actions), and compassion for all living beings.
Before Songtsen Gampo brought Buddhism from India to Tibet, the Bön religion was widespread in the Tibet region. It had originated in the neighbouring area of Shangshung, and until recently, there were still centres in Tibet where the followers of Bön pursued deep study and meditation.
In the hearts of the Tibetan people, respect for nature is considered the key or the foundation of a healthy and happy life. Moreover, people take refuge in the “Three Jewels of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha”. “Karma”, the consequence of past lives’ actions, along with the consequences of this life’s actions in a subsequent life, form the theological basis of the people’s beliefs. Maintaining the right attitude and the right mind to accumulate merit is the key to a better future life; few people hope to reach the enlightened state by which they will escape the wheel of reincarnation. Each being has to practice religion in the best way possible at the level reached in this present life.
