Do you need this or any other assignment done for you from scratch?
We have qualified writers to help you.
We assure you a quality paper that is 100% free from plagiarism and AI.
You can choose either format of your choice ( Apa, Mla, Havard, Chicago, or any other)
NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.
NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.
Padmasambhava arrived in Tibet with Buddhist beliefs that he had learnt in India. He found Tibetans practising rituals and ceremonies according to Bon religion. These were conducted by priests and priestesses. Deities were believed to occupy all spaces, from the earth to the sky (Kozak, 2011).
Kozak (2011) discusses that Padmasambhava built a monastery at Samye (A.D. 749) to aid his mission. He assisted in translating “Buddhist scriptures into Tibetan, and educated the populace about Buddhist teachings” (Kozak, 2011 p. 34). Bon religion believed in many gods.
Padmasambhava came at a time when the Bon religion believed evil spirits were attacking them. Padmasambhava “subdued them and recruited them to the Buddhist camp” (Chattopadhayaya, 1996 p. 236). Later, the blend of the two religions was known as Lamaism.
Buddhists in Tibet integrated ancient practices of the Bon religion. “Rites of sacrifice, exorcism, and ransom” were absorbed into Tibetan Buddhism (Philip & Lieberman, 2003 p. 5). According to legend, the Bon deities who were converted by Padmasambhava are “bound under mighty oaths to serve Buddhism in new roles as protectors and defenders of the law” (Philip & Lieberman 2003, p. 5). The lesser deities act like guards of entrances to sacred places.
Simplicity in Taoism means something in its original state. According to Fowler (2005), “something not having been tampered with in any way thus retaining its original, and natural state” (p. 124). Simplicity is also described as a state of mind in which it is freed from the burden of experience and knowledge (Taoism, Daoism, 2012).
Relativity is the ability to see “Tao within all things and to conform oneself to its way”(Taoism, Daoism, 2012 para. 11). Natural things, events, and people are considered to be interrelated. Bradshaw-Jones & Legge (2006) quote that “with that gentleness I can be bold… firmly to maintain its ground” (p. 92). Gentleness means preservation of creation. Restraining the force to put others into submission.
Taoists emphasize the balance that exists between nature, and human beings. Tao Tsang which means “canon of the way” are traditional writings interpreted in accordance with Taoism. One of the concerns of Taoists is the ability to conduct sacrifices that can prolong human life (Merriam-Webster, 1999). Ancient Taoists were committed to Mao Shan revelations which predicted the upcoming Buddhist influence. Modern times Taoists teach “ways of movement, breathing, and aspects of body awareness” that are similar to Yoga (Swatos & Kvisto, 1998 p. 511). They also teach morality.
One part of Shinto’s moral philosophy teaches respect “towards spirits, human beings, and nature” (Chapter Summary, 2008 para. 2). The other part is practising of purification rituals, demonstrating cleanliness, and reverence.
Shamanism is a practice that involves believers meditating through a journey into the spiritual world where they seek guidance, power, and healing. Individuals are supposed to have a power-animal which is an image of an animal that favors them. They also need a teacher who is the image of a superior spirit that acts like a mentor (Lama, n.d). Edson (2009) discusses that “Shamanism is a traditional, natural religious phenomenon that is being passed on by the central figure of the shaman” (p. 22).
Shamans are people chosen to connect communities with the gods. They are believed to possess supernatural powers. Edson (2009) discusses that the “shaman entered the realm of the deities and personally carried the message to the deities” (p. 22). The group believes in inviting and exorcising spirits. There is a connection between the past and future events.
References
Bradshaw-Jones, C., & Legge, J. (2006). The Tao Te Ching, Eighty-One Maxims from the Father of Taoism. Maesteg, Wales: Infinity Café.
Chapter Summary. (2008). McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Web.
Chattopadhayaya, A. (1996). Atisa and Tibet. New Delhi, India: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.
Edson, G. (2009). Shamanism: A Cross-cultural Study of Beliefs and Practices. North Carolina, USA: McFarland & Company.
Fowler, D. J. (2005). An Introduction to the Philosophy and Religion of Taoism: Pathways to Immortality. Portland, USA: Sussex Academic Press.
Kozak, A. (2011). The Everything Buddhism book: A complete introduction to the history, traditions, and beliefs of Buddhism, past and present. Avon, USA: Adams Media.
Lama, R. (n.d). Adaptation of Shamanic Practice. Eagle Spirit Ministry. Web.
Merriam-Webster, Inc. (1999). Merriam-Webster’s Encyclopedia of World Religions. Springfield, USA: Merriam-Webster.
Philip, T., & Lieberman R. M. (2003). Brief Introduction to Basic concepts on Tibetan Buddhism. Web.
Swatos, H. W., & Kvisto, P. (1998). Encyclopedia of Religion and Society. Walnut Creek, USA: AltaMira Press.
Taoism, Daoism. (2012). Nations Online. Web.
Do you need this or any other assignment done for you from scratch?
We have qualified writers to help you.
We assure you a quality paper that is 100% free from plagiarism and AI.
You can choose either format of your choice ( Apa, Mla, Havard, Chicago, or any other)
NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.
NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.