Tibetan Buddhism: artistic, literary, and social legacy

Since the 7th century, Tibetan culture and society have been profoundly influenced by Buddhism. This paper aims to explore how Buddhism has shaped Tibetan aesthetics, music, literature, and social structures and to understand its enduring role in Tibetan identity and history. Employing a qualitative...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Zreik, Mohamad (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Interlibrary Loan:Interlibrary Loan for the Fachinformationsdienste (Specialized Information Services in Germany)
Published: 2024
In: Indonesian journal of religion, spirituality and humanity
Year: 2024, Volume: 3, Issue: 1, Pages: 25-52
Further subjects:B Buddhism
B Religion
B Tibetan culture
B East Asia
B Social legacy
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Summary:Since the 7th century, Tibetan culture and society have been profoundly influenced by Buddhism. This paper aims to explore how Buddhism has shaped Tibetan aesthetics, music, literature, and social structures and to understand its enduring role in Tibetan identity and history. Employing a qualitative research methodology that includes historical analysis, textual interpretation, and ethnographic studies, the paper investigates the development of a unique Tibetan aesthetic tradition, the establishment of monasteries and the monastic system, and the translation and creation of Buddhist texts. Findings reveal that Buddhism has significantly impacted Tibetan art by fostering the creation of intricate religious art forms like thangkas and mandalas, which are central to Tibetan Buddhist practice and reflect a profound spiritual connection between art and religion. The influence of Buddhism on Tibetan literature is evident in the rich body of original, translated, and adapted texts that have shaped Tibetan literary culture and transmitted Buddhist values and philosophies. Furthermore, Buddhism's centrality in Tibetan society is underscored by the establishment of monasteries and the monastic system, which have been pivotal in preserving Tibetan heritage and culture, providing essential services, and acting as beacons of learning and compassion within the community. The paper recommends further research into the specific ways Buddhist philosophy has influenced Tibetan art and music, the impact of various Buddhist canonical texts on Tibetan literature, and the continuing influence of Buddhism on modern Tibetan society.
ISSN:2962-665X
Contains:Enthalten in: Indonesian journal of religion, spirituality and humanity
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.18326/ijoresh.v3i1.25-52