(
or lamaism). A form of
Mahayana Buddhism as practised in
Tibet and
Mongolia. Introduced into
Tibet in the 7th Century AD, it is characterised by a complex symbolic literature and monastic discipline, with surviving features of
Bön shamanism. Buddhist elements are explored in their esoteric significance, hence the array of deities,
mandalas, etc. The
guru is of prime importance; some are held to be reincarnations of previous
lamas (called
tulkus). Until the
Chinese invasion of Tibet in
1959, the
Dalai Lama was both temporal and spiritual head of the state.
See also Panchen Lama.
Tibetan Buddhism has four main schools (remaining out of eight):
(See also:
Kadam, and
Rime schools)