Lamaism

Lamaism (from the Thibetan b-Lanma [pronounced Lama], spiritual teacher or lord) is the Thibetan form of Buddhism (q.v.), blended with and modified by the religions which preceded it in that portion of China. Among these was the belief in the "Mystic Cross," which originated in the circumstance that an Indian prince of the Litsabyi or Lichhavyi race, being conquered in v.ar, sought refuge in Thilet, where he became king. The Lichhavyis of Vaisili professed belief in " Swasti." Sw.ati is a monogrammatic sign formed of the letters Su and Ti, and " Suti" is the Pall form of the Sanskrit "Swasti," a compound of su (well) and asti (it is); so that "swasti" implies complete resignation under all circumstances, which was the chief dogma of the fatalists who called themselves Swastikas, or followers of the Mystic Cross. These people were also annihilationists; hence their Thibetan name of Mu-stegs-pa or Finitimists. They were grossly atheistical and indecent in dress, but called themselves "Pure-doers," and the synonymous title Punya, "the pure," was carried with them into Thibet, and became modified into Pon or the " Bons." This form of faith continued for nine centuries, until Buddhism was generally introduced about the middle of the 7th century. Even then the followers of the Mystic Cross were still powerful.

History. — Buddhism was probably introduced into Thibet during the reign of Asoka, who propagated that religion with ardor upwards of two thousand vears ago. In B.C. 240, at the close of the third synodl, numerous missionaries were dispatched to all surrounding countries to spread the doctrines of Sakyamuni. But the more formal history of Buddhism in Thibet begins with king Srongtsan Gampo (born A.D. 617, died 698), who sent to India his prime minister Thumi Samnbhota, with sixteen companions, to study letters and religion. He had the sacred books translated into Thibetan, and issued laws abolishing all other religions, and directing the establishment of this one. His wives, the one a Nepaulese, the other a Chinese, greatly assisted him in these enterprises. He met, however, with only tolerable success, and the religion did not greatly flourish. Under king Thisrong-de-tsan (A.D. 728-786) Buddhism was more successful in Thibet, overcoming the efforts of the chief's to crush the "new religion." This prince induced great teachers from Bengal and Kafiristan to reside in Thibet. They superseded the Chinese priests, who were the earliest Buddhist missionaries. A public disputation on religions, which was ordered by the king, greatly increased the influence of the Indian priests. Large monasteries were erected, and a temple at Samye, and the translation of sacred books into the vernacular was more energetically conducted. King Langdar or Langidharma tried to abolish Buddhism, and in his efforts to do so commanded the destruction of all temples, monasteries, images, and sacred books pertaining to that religion. The indignation against these efforts was so intense that it resulted in the murder of the king in A.D. 900. His son and successor was also unfavorably disposed towards Buddhism, and gradually the new religion lost many adherents, and those still remaining faithful even suffered persecution.