STUDIES ON THE SITUATIONS OF TIBETAN BUDDHIST BELIEF IN THE CITY : TAKING XI’AN CITY IN CHINA AS AN EXAMPLE

Abstract

There are very few Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and basis of traditional belief in large and medium-sized cities of China. But in recent years, a few of urban citizens get in touch with Tibetan Buddhism by interpersonal communication and visiting monasteries. Some lay Buddhists believing in Chinese Buddhism convert into devout Tibetan Buddhist followers. They propagate ideas, communicate information and share resources mainly by new media, including internet etc. Then they study classics, recite Buddhist mantras and worship Buddha. In Xi’an city, most of Tibetan Buddhist followers belong to intellectual elite group aging from 35-55 years old. Their masters owning high religious status mainly come from Sichuan province and Qinghai province. Although the masters can’t speak fluent Chinese, their followers through translating still study Buddhist texts together by network classroom, recite and worship strictly according to masters’ explanations. These pious followers eventually expect to achieve great perfection by blessing from masters and spiritual practices by themselves.