The Popularity of Tibetan Buddhism in Present Day China and the West
Tibetan Buddhism, one of the three branches of Buddhism that came to Tibet about 334 AD, thrives today in both China and the West. The true character of Tibetan Buddhism was introduced to the West through the Tibetan Book of the Dead . This was subsequently aided by the influx of many Tibetan masters during the 1960s. Comparatively, as a place where Buddhism has existed for more than a thousand years , China’s connection with Tibetan Buddhism can date back to the Tang Dynasty, so it’s not so surprising for China to witness the revival of Tibetan Buddhism since the 1970s. One of the reasons for its popularity today is the emphasis it places on both theory and practice.
The Meaning of Life Is More Related to Spiritual Wealth
The Meaning of Life Is More Related to Spiritual Wealth
No matter who you are, pursuing the meaning of life is the thing of most value. Most of us just want to own a house, a car, raise a family, earn a high social status and possess power. Although we admire success and envy those who achieve it, when we get it ourselves we are often not as happy as we thought. We are still suffering from inner affliction and being unsatisfied. This is because the meaning of life concerns not just material abundance but also spiritual wealth.
You Can Be Happy Living a Simple Life
Some people possess material wealth but lack inner happiness while others, living a simple material life, have inner happiness in abundance.
Combining Theory and Practice Purifies Your Inner World
Tibetan Buddhism draws people from both the East and West because of the power of mind purification which is attained through the integration of theory and practice. I happen to study other religions along with Tibetan Buddhism and think it is essential to combine theory and practice, especially in today’s times. Otherwise, you’re just talking through your hat––you could make many wonderful talks, but your mind is actually lacking the inner strength and happiness you publicize.
Wisdom is Essential for Religious Belief
Religious belief is not a hollow claim and can never be based just on academic study. We Buddhists often say “May Buddha bless you!” or “May Avalokitesvara bless you!” just as Christians will say, “May God bless you!” But do you really believe it? It is important that your belief is founded on wisdom rather than superstition or confusion. When a Buddhist who lacks authentic faith says “Buddha bless you”, his words are meaningless. It’s the same for other religions. Without the power of authentic understanding and faith, “God bless you” is just a feeble wish.
The Meaning of Life Is More Related to Spiritual Wealth
No matter who you are, pursuing the meaning of life is the thing of most value. Most of us just want to own a house, a car, raise a family, earn a high social status and possess power. Although we admire success and envy those who achieve it, when we get it ourselves we are often not as happy as we thought. We are still suffering from inner affliction and being unsatisfied. This is because the meaning of life concerns not just material abundance but also spiritual wealth.
Combining Theory and Practice Purifies Your Inner World
Tibetan Buddhism draws people from both the East and West because of the power of mind purification which is attained through the integration of theory and practice. I happen to study other religions along with Tibetan Buddhism and think it is essential to combine theory and practice, especially in today’s times. Otherwise, you’re just talking through your hat––you could make many wonderful talks, but your mind is actually lacking of the inner strength and happiness you publicize.
“Our life is our most pressing and important concern. We need wisdom to figure it out and that wisdom must be perfected through unremitting effort.”
