What is Tibetan Buddhism?

What is Tibetan Buddhism?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight December 6, 2025 Duration: 20:24

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 128 - What is Tibetan Buddhism?What are some important historical points about it? What do the various schools of Tibetan Buddhism believe?

Resources: Cabezón, José Ignacio (26 October 2006). "Tibetan Buddhist Society". In Juergensmeyer, Mark (ed.). The Oxford Handbook of Global Religions. doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195137989.003.0010.

Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche (1993). Gates to Buddhist Practice: Essential Teachings of a Tibetan Master. Padma Publishing. ISBN 1-881847-02-0.

Coleman, Graham, ed. (1993). A Handbook of Tibetan Culture. Boston: Shambhala Publications. ISBN 1-57062-002-4.

Mullin, Glenn H. (2008). Living in the Face of Death: The Tibetan Tradition. Snow Lion Publications. ISBN 978-1-55939-908-1.

Powers, John (2004). History as Propaganda: Tibetan Exiles versus the People's Republic of China. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-517426-7.

Powers, John (2008). A Concise Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism. Snow Lion Publications.

Smith, E. Gene (2001). Among Tibetan Texts: History and Literature of the Himalayan Plateau. Boston: Wisdom Publications. ISBN 0-86171-179-3.

Wallace, B. Alan (1993). Tibetan Buddhism From the Ground Up: A Practical Approach for Modern Life. Wisdom Publications. ISBN 978-0-86171-075-1.

Yeshe, Lama Thubten (2001). The Essence of Tibetan Buddhism. Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive. ISBN 1-891868-08-X.


https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host


Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 252

Bright On Buddhism
Podcast Episodes
Lotus Sutra Chapter 5 - Medicinal Herbs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:41
Chapter 5 of The Lotus Sutra - Join us as we read and discuss Chapter 5 of the Burton Watson translation of The Lotus Sutra Resources: Hurvitz, Leon. 1976. Scripture of the Lotus Blossom of the Fine Dharma. New York: Col…
What is evil in Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:22
Bright on Buddhism - Evil - What is evil in Buddhism? How does the conception of evil change over time? According to the Buddhist scriptures, what ought to be done about evil? Content warning - This episode contains desc…
Kōan Series - Mind is Buddha [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:36
Bright on Buddhism - Kōan Series Episode 5 - Mind is Buddha Hello and welcome to a new type of episode of Bright on Buddhism, called the Kōan Series. In this series, we will read and discuss real Buddhist kōans to try an…
What is the Buddhist perspective of the family? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:10
Bright on Buddhism Episode 56 - What is the Buddhist perspective of the family? How ought laypeople have and maintain a family? How ought monks and nuns have and maintain a family? Resources: Wilson, Liz. Family in Buddh…
Who is Mahakasyapa? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:24
Bright on Buddhism Episode 55 - Who is Mahakasyapa? What role does he play in the texts? How does this role change over time? Resources: Ambros, Barbara R (27 June 2016), "A Rite of Their Own: Japanese Buddhist Nuns and…
What is the Eightfold Path? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:38
Bright on Buddhism Episode 54 - What is the Eightfold Path? What role does it play in Buddhist practice? How have understandings of it changed over time? Resources: Bodhi, Bhikkhu (1999). The Noble Eightfold Path: The Wa…
Who is Maudgalyayana? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:38
Bright on Buddhism Episode 53 - Who is Maudgalyayana? What role does he play in the texts? What are some stories about him? Resources: Berezkin, Rostislav (21 February 2015), "Pictorial Versions of the Mulian Story in Ea…
What are the tantras? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:55
Bright on Buddhism Episode 52 - What are the tantras? What do they contain? How do they relate to other Asian religious traditions? Resources: http://www.dsbcproject.org/; Wallis, Christopher; THE TANTRIC AGE: A Comparis…
How does Buddhist doctrine view food? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:02
Bright on Buddhism Episode 51 - How does Buddhist doctrine view food? Is veganism or vegetarianism required? What is the typical Buddhist diet? Resources: http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma3/vegi.html; http://www.urbandh…
Tathagatagarbha Sutra [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:41:50
Tathagatagarbha Sutra - Join us as we read and discuss the Tathagatagarbha Sutra! Resources: Grosnick, William H. (1995), The Tathāgatagarbha Sūtra (PDF), Princeton: In: Lopez, Donald S. Jr.; ed. Buddhism in Practice, Pr…