| 83. Q: Are all Tibetans Buddhists? | |
A: Since it was introduced to Tibet in the 7th century, Tibetan Buddhism has exerted a profound impact on the Tibetan people, in terms of their mentality, attitude towards the world, outlook on life, method of working, and customs and traditions. Its impact is also reflected in Tibetan history, politics, economics, culture and education, and has become the main religious belief of local Tibetans. But not all Tibetans believe in Buddhism. The Tibetan Buddhist followers explore and try to connect the relationship between humankind and Buddha, and all issues concerning human life and society, with the eventual attainment of enlightenment. This mode of thinking that guides their behavior and actions bears the inevitable stamp of Tibetan Buddhism.
Some scholars believe that the Bon religion also occupies and important position within the religious beliefs of the masses. On the one hand, Tibetan Buddhism has been formed through long-term struggle and blending of Buddhism and Bon; on the other, Bon still has great influence in some remote areas of Tibet. |
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