Tibet
Early 20th century
Tibet
Early 20th century
This map illustrates a popular Tibetan mytho-historical narrative. Tibet is represented by a collection of Buddhist monuments that were constructed in strategic locations to pin down and tame a demoness who interfered with the establishment of Buddhism in the seventh century. The demoness is set in a heavenly landscape with her supine figure stretched between cosmic mountain ranges. Lhasa and its central temple, the Jokhang, are positioned at the heart of the demoness, which actively establishes Lhasa as the heart and center of Tibet. This temple-founding narrative promotes political and social order concentrated in the capital of Lhasa and its major Buddhist institutions.
Prescribed practices that carry symbolic meaning and value within a specific tradition and are intended to attain a desired outcome. Rituals are usually done as part of a ceremony or regular routine.
While the primary religious goal for followers of Buddhism is enlightenment, many of the practices also serve secular goals related to daily life, including ethical conduct and cultivating well-being.
Teachings and precepts that offer practical and experiential guidance. In Buddhism instruction is primarily an oral tradition and is often targeted to the specific needs or disposition of a student or disciple.
Today, Tibetans primarily inhabit the Tibetan Plateau, situated between the Himalayan mountain range and the Indian subcontinent to the west, Chinese cultural regions to the east, and Mongolian cultural regions to the northeast. During the 7th to 9th century, Tibetan rulers expanded their empire across Central Asia, and established Buddhism as the state religion.
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