mythologies of TIBET/buddhism

Myths served as the basis for rituals by which the ways of humanity and those of nature could be psychologically reconciled. Myths are an important part of every society, including our own. Without at least a basic understanding of a cultures myths it’s impossible
to fully understand that culture because myths express a societies beliefs
and justify it’s institutions, customs and values.

Tibet: The land of Myths and Mysticism

Tibet, the “forbidden land’ that was once shunned to the outer world, lies beyond the mighty Himalayas on the highest plateau in the world. Located 5,000 meters above sea level, Tibet is also known as the ‘Roof of the World’. This Buddhist Kingdom that remained long closed to foreigners and isolated to the world outside until recently, holds a strong fascination for many people, scholars, pilgrims, travelers and explorers alike who are all in pursuit of real “Shangri La”. The land of snows – Tibet never fails to charm visitors from all over the world. Heavenly lakes, mysterious rivers and breathtaking landscape, Tibet is nature’s paradise and is sure to leave you amazed with an unforgettable experience of land, people and mysticism. Apart from its geographical and natural wonders, Tibet’s long history, ancient culture, heritage and religion appeals people worldwide to visit this mysterious land.

Mythology of Tibetan Mountain Gods

The Tibetan Mountain Gods

There are countless high mountains in Tibet, and ancient Tibetans believed that Gods resided on every one of them. The worship of mountain Gods was one of the most important forms of nature worship among ancient Tibetans; it was fundamental to their entire belief system. Each mountain God possessed his own territory and was in charge of particular affairs. Around each God sprang up myths, legends, sacrificial rites and procedures. Analysis of Tibetan mountain God worship should lead to a fuller understanding of Tibetan mythology, and to a vision of the larger structures of that mythology.

The myths of Shangri-La and the harsh realities of the past Tibet

The Myths, Challenges, and Rewards of Tantra

Tibetan Myths Surrounding Snow Leopards

Tibetan tales: old myths, new realities

Aesthetics and Mythology

Tibetan mythology

Tibetan mythology refers to the traditional as well as the religious stories that have been passed down by the Tibetan people. Tibetan mythology consists mainly of national mythology stemming from the Tibetan culture as well as religious mythology from both Tibetan Buddhism and Bön Religion. These myths are often passed down orally, through rituals or through traditional art like sculptures or cave paintings. They also feature a variety of different creatures ranging from gods to spirits to monsters play a significant role in Tibetan mythology with some of these myths have broken into mainstream Western media, with the most notable one being the Abominable Snowman – the Yeti.

12 Tibetan Deities

Buddhas

Shakyamuni

Shakyamuni, formerly known as Gautama Siddhartha, is the founder of Buddhism. Shakyamuni was born in Kapilavastu, the north of ancient India around 500BC, and he was the son of King Śuddhodana. After enlightenment, he was respected by the world as “Sakyamuni”, meaning “the sage of the Sakyamuni”.

Bodhisattvas

Bodhisattva figures also account for a large proportion of Tibetan Buddhism. In Tibetan Buddhism, Guanyin is the most respected person in the Bodhisattva beliefs, followed by Manjusri, Samantabhadra, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, etc. Avalokitesvara with a thousand hands and a thousand eyes is a common kind of Guanyin.

Guanyin

Guanyin is the incarnation of wisdom and compassion in Buddhism. When all beings encounter any difficulties and pains and can recite the name of Guanyin sincerely, they will be rescued by Guanyin. The famous Potala Palace in Lhasa is considered to be the dojo of Guanyin Bodhisattva.

Manjusri

Manjusri Bodhisattva is responsible for wisdom in Buddhism, and his dojo is in Mount Wutai, Shanxi, China. In Buddhist temples, he usually stands on the left side of Sakyamuni Buddha, serving as the left guard.

Taras

In Tibetan Buddhism, Tara is called “Dolma”. According to legend, she is the incarnation of Guanyin Bodhisattva who manifested herself to save the sufferings. According to the sutra, Tara is transformed from the eyes of Guanyin Bodhisattva. There are 21 forms in total. They have different body colors. Tibetan Buddhism calls them 21 Tara. The most common and popular Tara statues in Tibetan monasteries are White Tara and Green Tara.

White Tara

In Tibetan Buddhism, White Tara is one of the three deities of longevity. If we want to live longer for ourselves or others, praying for White Tara is very important. White Tara has a pure white body as well a dignified and peaceful face. She has one eye on her hands and feet, and three eyes on her face, so she is also called the seven-eyed goddess.

Green Tara

She can save eight kinds of suffering. At the same time, she can turn the “suspicion”, one of the Five Poisons in human behavior into complete wisdom, which has the merits of protecting women and children. The statue of Green Tara is in Bodhisattva costume. The whole body is emerald green, and her head is wearing a small five Buddha crown. Her left hand is placed on the chest, holding Utpala flower (blue lotus), and the right leg is stretched out.

Goddesses

They are female protector deities worshipped in Tantric Buddhism. According to Tibetan Buddhism, the goddess is the source of all Buddhas. It mainly includes Palden Lhamo, Dakini, Usnisavijaya, Ushnisha Sitatapatra, and so on.

Dharma Protectors

Dharma protectors are the deities who protect the Buddha’s Dharma. Buddhism believes that when the Bodhisattva spreads the Dharma if there are no effective protectors, Buddhism will fall. They can benefit all living beings, as well as drive away those who endanger Dharma. They have extraordinary supernatural powers and are invincible. Many figures are the combinations of ancient Indian Brahmanism and Tibetan primitive religion – Bon.

Vajra Holders

Vajra holders are mainly the deity or protector of Tantric practice in Tibetan Buddhism. The most famous and common ones in Tantric Buddhism are Cakrasamvara, Yamantaka, Hayagriva, Guhyasamāja vajra, Guhyasamāja and so on. Its characteristics generally appear in the image of anger and majesty and have the power to deter evil.

Masters

Master mainly refers to the founders of various sects in the history of Tibetan Buddhism, or the figures of famous monks of that sect. Among them, the most commonly known are the Guru Padmasambhava, founder of the Nyingma School, Atisha and Mirarepa of the Kadam School, Guru Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug School, and Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas.

Dharampalas [known in Tibetan as Drag-ched]

The most important category of these deities is the group of eight, known as Dharampalas (Sans. Dharam: religion; Pala: protector), known in Tibetan as Drag-ched. The Dharampalas, or defenders of Buddhism, are divinities with the rank of Bodhisattva, and are supposed to wage war without any mercy against the demons and enemies of Buddhism.