How many different "Buddhas" are there in the Tibetan pantheon? How does this differ from Theravada Buddhism?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_Buddhism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theravada_Buddhism

Let us know what you think.

=)

While you read through those sites, remember that "Buddha" is a title - not a name. Siddhartha Gautama is the name of the one we usually think of as "Buddha."

But in some sects, there are believed to be countless Buddhas. In other sects, it is believed that few are Buddhas.

Matt

Thanks Matt! Yes, it is important to remember that "the Buddha" was a man named Siddhartha Gautama, but that others may also reach his point of enlightenment and become Buddhas themselves. I would like to become a Buddha one day, in another life perhaps =)

That's a wonderful aspiration! In Tibetan Buddhism, there is a rich pantheon of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and deities. The exact number of different Buddhas can vary depending on different interpretations and lineages within Tibetan Buddhism.

To get a more specific answer to your question about the number of different Buddhas in the Tibetan pantheon, I suggest visiting the Wikipedia page on Tibetan Buddhism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_Buddhism). This page provides detailed information about the various Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and deities in the Tibetan pantheon and their significance.

Now, let's talk about the difference between Tibetan Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism is one of the oldest Buddhist traditions and is prevalent in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.

One key difference between the two is their approach to the role of the Buddha. In Theravada Buddhism, the focus is primarily on the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, as the main teacher and guide. The emphasis is on personal liberation and individual practice to achieve enlightenment.

On the other hand, Tibetan Buddhism incorporates elements of Mahayana Buddhism, which emphasizes the importance of compassion and the notion of the bodhisattva - an enlightened being who altruistically works for the liberation of all sentient beings. This has led to the development of a complex pantheon of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and deities, providing various beings to whom practitioners can turn for guidance and assistance on their spiritual path.

For a more in-depth understanding of Theravada Buddhism, I recommend visiting the Wikipedia page on Theravada Buddhism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theravada_Buddhism). There, you can explore the key teachings and practices that distinguish Theravada from other Buddhist traditions.

I hope this explanation helps you learn more about the different Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism and the differences between Tibetan Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism. Let me know if you have any more questions!