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Are there any major differences between Tibetan Buddhism and other schools of Buddhism, such as Zen or Theravada?

Eddie Smurfitt

Well, I am not an expert in Buddhism, but as far as my knowledge goes, there are indeed some significant differences between Tibetan Buddhism and other schools of Buddhism, like Zen and Theravada.

One of the significant differences is the use of Tantras in Tibetan Buddhism. Tantras are the texts that contain specific practices and rituals to attain enlightenment quickly. In contrast, Zen Buddhism focuses more on meditation and mindfulness to attain enlightenment. Theravada, on the other hand, emphasizes on the teachings of the Buddha and achieving enlightenment through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Another notable difference is the incorporation of local beliefs and practices. Tibetan Buddhism has a unique blend of Bon, which is the indigenous religion of Tibet, and Buddhism. They incorporate Bon beliefs, such as the existence of spirits and deities, and use various rituals and offerings to appease them. In contrast, Zen and Theravada Buddhism do not incorporate any local beliefs and practices.

The role of the lamas or spiritual teachers is another significant difference. In Tibetan Buddhism, the lamas hold high importance, and they provide guidance and teachings to the practitioners. They are considered to be spiritual leaders who will help one attain enlightenment. In Zen and Theravada Buddhism, the focus is more on personal practice, and the role of the teacher is not as prominent.

Finally, there is a difference in the visual representation of the deities. Tibetan Buddhism features a wide array of colorful deities with intricate details, whereas Zen and Theravada Buddhism focus more on simplicity and often feature a single Buddha statue.

Overall, while there may be some similarities in the various schools of Buddhism, there are also significant differences. Tibetan Buddhism, with its use of Tantras, incorporation of local beliefs, and the importance of lamas, stands apart from Zen and Theravada Buddhism. Each school of Buddhism offers a unique perspective and approach to attaining enlightenment, making it a fascinating and diverse religion to study.