Culture

Shen Weirong: How to understand the reincarnation system of living Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism?

2022-12-02   

Among the numerous branches of Buddhism in the world, only Tibetan Buddhism has formed the reincarnation system of living Buddha; And the common Chinese name "Living Buddha" itself has a curious and mysterious meaning. What is the exact meaning of "living Buddha"? Why does the unique Tibetan Buddhism form such a system? Why did the systems such as the identification by lot drawing from the golden vase formulated by the central government of the Qing Dynasty become the historical customization of the reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhism's Living Buddha? Shen Weirong, a professor of the Chinese Language and Literature Department of Tsinghua University, recently received an exclusive interview with the China News Agency on this topic, "East West Question", to discuss the above topics. Now, the interview is summarized as follows: China News Agency reporter: Why do you think there is only a living Buddha reincarnation system in Tibetan Buddhism? How did this reincarnation system of living Buddha come into being? Shen Weirong: The reincarnation system of living Buddha is a pioneering work of Tibetan Buddhism and an important symbol of the localization of Buddhism in Tibet. Its formation is directly related to the Bodhisattva belief of Mahayana Buddhism. Since the 10th century, Tibet has been regarded as the land of Avalokitesvara. From Songzangampo, Tibetan political and religious leaders have been regarded as the avatar of Avalokitesvara. Even the macaque, which is said to have created the earliest human being in Tibet, is also regarded as the avatar of Avalokitesvara. Therefore, the formation of the reincarnation system of living Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism is directly related to the worship of Guanyin in Tibet, which is a widely accepted way for Tibetan Buddhism to choose its religious leaders. It is not appropriate to call the reincarnated living Buddhas in Tibet "living Buddhas". They are just the incarnation of Bodhisattva, not the incarnation of Buddha. Sakyamuni Buddha is the only incarnate Buddha who has ever been to the world, while there are countless bodhisattvas who have saved the suffering and difficulties in the world. The reincarnated living Buddha is the embodiment of the three treasures of Buddhas, Dharma monks and monks in the world. It is the adoptive parent of all sentient beings suffering in samsara. They are religious leaders who have been sanctified and integrate God and man. The Bodhisattva concept of Mahayana Buddhism is a belief system widely accepted and deeply rooted in Indian, Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism, but the reincarnation system of living Buddha only appears in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, which is an important feature of independent innovation of Tibetan Buddhism and is of great significance to the formation and development of Tibetan Buddhist tradition. In February 2022, Ta'er Temple, Huangzhong District, Xining City, Qinghai Province held the ceremony of the ninth Gejia · Jiumeici becoming Nanjie Living Buddha sitting on the bed and taking the throne. The ninth Gejia Jiumeici became Nanjie Living Buddha wearing a Dharma cap. Ma Mingyan, China News Agency reporter: In history, what influence did reincarnated living Buddhas have among Tibetan Buddhist believers and on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau? Shen Weirong: As mentioned before, reincarnated living Buddha is considered to be the embodiment of Guanyin Bodhisattva symbolized by compassion, which undoubtedly has a profound and extensive foundation of Mahayana Buddhism belief. Since the demise of the Tubo Dynasty, there has never been a unified and powerful secular regime in Tibet. Religious leaders have more and more influence on the whole Tibetan society, and the tendency of integrating politics and religion in traditional social governance in Tibet has become increasingly evident. The emergence of the reincarnation system of living Buddhas is corresponding to the development of Tibetan society. People urgently need leaders who are not only born religious leaders, but also have the world authority of the Wheel King. Living Buddhas who are reincarnated integrate the functions of birth and world leaders. Therefore, their social status and influence on both politics and religion are growing

Edit:luoyu Responsible editor:jiajia

Source:CNS.cn

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