Prachin Tibbat

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prachin Tibbat" by Ramkrushna Sinha, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Prachin Tibbat (Ancient Tibet) Author: Ramkrushna Sinha, B.A., 'Visharad' Publisher: Indian Press Ltd, Prayag

Overall Theme:

"Prachin Tibbat" is a narrative account of the author's (Ramkrushna Sinha's) travels and observations in Tibet and surrounding regions, focusing on the religious, cultural, and social practices of the Tibetan people, particularly the Lamas. The book delves into their beliefs, rituals, mystical practices, and the author's personal encounters with spiritual figures and traditions.

Key Highlights and Summary of Chapters:

The provided pages cover parts of several chapters, offering glimpses into various aspects of Tibetan life and spirituality.

• Chapter 1 (Partial - Pages 1-2): Introduces the author's journey and initial experiences. The author finds herself in Kalimpong, where the Dalai Lama is taking refuge under British rule due to political turmoil. The author is excited by this opportunity to meet the Dalai Lama and observes the grand arrangements made for him, noting the Tibetan Buddhist inscriptions like "Om Mani Padme Hum" on prayer flags. She contrasts the temporary grandeur in Kalimpong with the actual splendor of Lhasa, emphasizing the exclusivity of access to the Dalai Lama. The author notes that she is the first non-Asian to reach the Dalai Lama's court during his exile.

• Chapter 2 (Partial - Pages 3-5): Focuses on the author's interactions with the Dalai Lama and her observations of religious practices.

  • Meeting the Dalai Lama: The Dalai Lama is surprised to meet a Western woman knowledgeable about Buddhist principles. He inquiries about her guru and is astonished to learn about her understanding of Tibetan Buddhism, which she claims predates his own understanding or access to certain scriptures. He expresses skepticism about foreigners truly grasping the essence of their religious texts.
  • Clarifying Misinterpretations: The author seizes the opportunity to discuss potential misinterpretations of Tibetan religious concepts, which pleases the Dalai Lama and leads to further cooperation.
  • Blessing Ceremonies: The author witnesses a significant event where the Dalai Lama bestows blessings on a large gathering of people, including Hindus. She meticulously describes the differing methods of blessing based on social hierarchy, from placing both hands on the head of the highest-ranking individuals to a mere touch for the lowest.
  • Encounter with a Naljopa: Amidst the crowd, the author notices an unusual individual resembling an Indian ascetic but not appearing Indian. Curious about his amused reaction to the crowd and the Dalai Lama, she decides to meet him.

• Chapter 3 (Partial - Pages 5-7): Details the author's encounter with the Naljopa (a wandering yogi) and the beginning of her journey.

  • Meeting the Naljopa: The author, accompanied by her guide (Lochoa/Davsandup), visits the Naljopa at his monastery. The Naljopa is direct and somewhat crude in his speech, initially referring to the author as a "silly woman" and asking her purpose.
  • The Naljopa's Philosophy: The Naljopa expresses disdain for the common people's adherence to rituals, calling them "insignificant insects." He reveals his own philosophy: he immerses himself in worldly "filth" like a pig to transform it into pure water, likening his practice to producing gold from refuse. He identifies himself as a disciple of Guru Padmasambhava.
  • Davsandup's Discomfort: The author's guide, Davsandup, is uncomfortable with the Naljopa's potentially offensive remarks and his evident disrespect for the Dalai Lama, as well as fearful of his powerful presence.
  • Unexplained Illness: The author attempts to offer money to the Naljopa, which he refuses. When Davsandup tries to place the money on a stool, he suddenly clutches his stomach in pain and leaves the room. Davsandup seems to attribute this to the Naljopa's actions and is fearful. The author suggests it might be a lung issue and advises a doctor.
  • Journey to Gangtok: The author and Davsandup depart for Gangtok. During their journey, they encounter a severe storm with hailstones, which the author attributes to Tibetan beliefs about demons and sorcerers causing such phenomena.

• Chapter 4 (Pages 7-12): Covers experiences in Sikkim and further insights into Tibetan Buddhism.

  • Sikkim Monasteries: The author visits monasteries in Sikkim, finding them in a state of poverty. She notes that donations are scarce, and monks have to work to support themselves. She describes how monks take on the responsibility of funeral rites, which provides them with income and sustenance.
  • Lama Priesthood: She observes that Tantrics often replace Lama priests in villages, and there's a mutual respect between them. Lamas are respected more than Bon and Ngagspa (sorcerers) by followers of older religions, but sorcerers are believed to have more power over spirits.
  • Extracting Souls: The author witnesses a ritual where lamas attempt to extract a soul from a deceased body using mantras. The process involves chanting specific sounds ("Hik," "Phat") to open a passage in the skull. The successful completion is indicated by a straw standing upright on the head. Davsandup, who is interested in death and the afterlife, later translates a Tibetan book on the subject.
  • Davsandup's Background: Davsandup's background is revealed: he was previously employed by the Indian government as an interpreter on Bhutan's southern border but left to become the headmaster of a Tibetan school in Gangtok. However, he preferred reading to teaching and often neglected his duties, leaving them to an assistant.
  • Tibetan School Discipline: The author describes the unique and rather harsh discipline at the Tibetan school, where students, after answering questions, would "slap" their classmates into their positions if they answered correctly.
  • Meeting Scholar Lamas: The author meets respected scholar lamas, including Kushog Chas-d-dud, a follower of the Gelug-pa sect (Yellow Hat), who teaches grammar and theology. She also meets Barmeyang Kushog, a scholar patronized by the Maharaja of Sikkim.
  • Religious Debates: The author participates in discussions with these scholars, observing their intellectual prowess and learning about Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and practices. She notes the inclusiveness of the Gelug-pa sect, contrary to some foreign writers' views on the separation of Yellow and Red Hat sects.

• Chapter 5 (Pages 12-17): Continues the exploration of Tibetan religious thought and practices.

  • Tibetan Views on Afterlife: The author discusses the differing Tibetan Lama views on the state of the soul immediately after death compared to other Buddhist traditions. Tibetans believe there's an interval before the soul enters a new life in one of the six realms.
  • The Concept of "Thab": A popular saying, "The rational can enjoy pleasure even in hell," highlights the Tibetan concept of "Thab" (skillful means or methods), which allows individuals to choose their rebirths. However, past karma significantly influences this choice.
  • Magical Lamas: The author touches upon the belief that powerful lamas can foresee their death and remain conscious during the process. Ordinary people, unaware of these matters, rely on experienced lamas to guide their souls and navigate the afterlife. The importance of correct mantra pronunciation ("Hik" and "Phat") for soul liberation is emphasized, with potential danger for incorrect recitation.
  • Practices Related to Death: The text touches upon the procedures for dealing with the deceased, including sky burials (cutting up the body for vultures), immersion in rivers, cremation, and burial. It also mentions the preservation of relics of great lamas.

• Chapter 6 (Pages 17-25): Focuses on rituals, beliefs about spirits, and encounters with various individuals.

  • Rituals for the Deceased: The author describes the rather graphic practice of preparing corpses, including dressing them in inverted clothes and folding their legs onto their chests before placing them in large pots for a week. The same pots are then used for making tea.
  • Beliefs about Spirits: Tibetans believe that demons and sorcerers cause natural calamities. They believe that spirits can hinder travelers or drive away disciples.
  • The "Asura Puja": The author witnesses the annual Asura Puja, where ancient Indian deities, considered troublesome, are imprisoned and taken out only once a year. Mahakala, a wrathful form of Shiva, is a prominent deity in this ritual. Legends are shared about Mahakala's disobedience and subsequent punishment by a Lama.
  • Encounter with a Gosain: The author meets a Gosain who possesses unusual abilities, including the power to control the weather.
  • The "Chöd" Ritual: A significant portion describes the "Chöd" ritual, a solitary tantric practice involving symbolic self-sacrifice, often performed in cemeteries or desolate places. The ritual involves chanting, dancing, and the symbolic dismemberment of the self to feed spirits. The author witnesses a Chöd practitioner in a state of ecstatic trance, experiencing suffering as if being consumed by spirits.
  • The Magic Kharga (Dagger): The author encounters a powerful magic dagger used by sorcerers, which is feared and avoided by ordinary people. She attempts to retrieve it but is thwarted by a high-ranking Lama who intervenes.
  • Supernatural Abilities: The author discusses the Tibetan belief in supernatural powers, the concept of "Gyud-pa" (those who follow the "easy path" to liberation), and the intense devotion of disciples to their gurus, even undergoing severe trials.

• Chapter 7 (Pages 25-37): Continues the exploration of spiritual practices and beliefs.

  • Tülkus: The concept of Tülkus (reincarnated spiritual leaders) is explained, with the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama being prominent examples. The author notes the origin of the Tülku system.
  • The Process of Identifying a Tülku: The text details how a Tülku is identified: reincarnated lamas often leave clues about their next life. Children who recognize items belonging to the deceased lama are considered potential Tülkus.
  • The Author's Own Experience with a "Tulku": The author describes an experience where she created a "thought-form" or "imaginary lama" that seemed to become almost real, interacting with her and even being mistaken for a real lama by others. This highlights the power of the mind and imagination in Tibetan spirituality.

• Chapter 8 (Pages 107-124): Focuses on specific mystical practices.

  • Lung-gom-pa: The author details the practice of "Lung-gom-pa," a specialized form of yogic running that allows practitioners to cover vast distances quickly and lightly. She describes her encounters with three such individuals, marveling at their speed and apparent detachment from the physical world.
  • The Power of Thought: The author connects these abilities to the power of concentration and the mastery of mind, emphasizing that the Tibetans believe these powers are attainable through specific practices.
  • Tümo: The practice of "Tümo," or internal heat generation, is described as a method for surviving extreme cold. The author notes that while understood in the West as mere physical heat, in Tibet, it's seen as a controlled process of generating spiritual heat through breath control and meditation, leading to physical lightness and the ability to walk on snow.
  • Telepathy (Mental Transmission): The author discusses telepathy as a known practice in Tibet, contrasting it with Western understanding. She describes how Tibetan lamas learn to focus their minds and transmit thoughts, a skill that involves analyzing mental states and practicing in solitude.

• Chapter 9 (Pages 144-160): Continues the exploration of spiritual practices and beliefs.

  • Sam (Seclusion): The author describes various forms of spiritual seclusion practiced by Tibetans, including living in solitary huts ("sam-kha") or completely dark cells ("sam"). These practices are undertaken for extended periods, sometimes years, to achieve spiritual insight.
  • The "Om Mani Padme Hum" Mantra: The significance and interpretation of this famous mantra are discussed, including its connection to the six realms of existence and its potential for liberation.
  • Mandala (Kyil-khor): The creation and use of mandalas, particularly for focusing the mind and invoking deities, are explained.

• Conclusion (Pages 161-182):

  • The Allure of Tibet: The author reflects on Tibet's enduring appeal, attributed to its mystique, ancient traditions, and the unique environment that fosters spiritual exploration. She acknowledges the limitations of Western understanding in fully grasping Tibetan beliefs and practices.
  • Tibetan Interpretations of Phenomena: The author highlights the Tibetan view that extraordinary events are often manifestations of the mind's power and focus, rather than purely supernatural occurrences. They categorize events as either unconsciously influenced by collective or individual thought, or consciously orchestrated by practitioners.
  • The Power of Will and Imagination: The core principle of Tibetan spirituality, as presented by the author, is the profound impact of willpower and focused imagination ("shags" or "sal") in shaping reality and achieving extraordinary feats.
  • Personal Experiences: The author shares her personal experiences, including the manifestation of an imagined lama, the mysterious disappearance of a practitioner, and the unusual circumstances surrounding the death of a high-ranking Lama, all of which reinforce her belief in the unique spiritual capabilities of the Tibetan people.

Overall Impression:

"Prachin Tibbat" offers a detailed and often personal account of a fascinating culture and spiritual landscape. The author's journey is characterized by her deep curiosity and a desire to understand the underlying principles of Tibetan Buddhism and its mystical practices. While acknowledging the potential for superstition, she also conveys a profound respect for the advanced spiritual and psychological disciplines developed by the Tibetan people, suggesting that many seemingly inexplicable phenomena are rooted in the extraordinary power of the mind and focused willpower. The text provides a valuable insight into the lives of lamas, yogis, and the spiritual aspirations of a unique civilization.