Robert Thurman explains that Tibetans tell their history in a magical way. They say they have multiple levels of history – ordinary perception, extraordinary perception and secret perception. Their lives are interfused with the presence of all kinds of supernatural beings.The story Thurman tells of Tibet is of the transformation of a ferocious nation into a compassionate one seeking transformation. He begins by looking at the Tibetan Plateau at a time when it was quite regionalized, with a variety of rulers and warlords. He notes, too, that the demands of high-altitude living mostly insulated Tibet from being overrun by its neighbors.Thurman tells stories of such important people as Songtsen Gampo, who unified Tibet, introduced Buddhism, and created the written Tibetan language in the 7th Century. Also, he introduces Padmasambhava, who, in the 8th century, brought Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet and environs.
The charismatic powers of Padmasambhava brought about an unusual degree of teamwork among kings, abbots and monastics, keeping Tibet unified. Buddhism led to a shift in society, as Buddha, unlike Arjuna, steps away from the warrior role. Whereas the warrior tradition valued self-sacrifice and conformity, the monastic institution strengthens individualism in society.Robert Thurman continues to enliven his talk with stories from Tibet. He speaks about Atisha, who came to Tibet in the 11th century to unite the three styles of Buddhism there. We learn about the great teacher Marpa and his renowned student Milarepa, who was the first Tibetan to attain Buddhahood one lifetime.
By demonstrating that it was possible to attain Buddhahood in one lifetime, Milarepa attracted many more Tibetans to Buddhism, continuing the shift away from militarism. Under Kublai Khan, when the influence of the Mongols was widespread, Tibetan monasteries, uniquely, took a role in administering the nation.Even after the Mongols’ dominance, Tibet was the only place where the warlords lost – the armies were disbanded, not the monks. From the 17th through the 20th centuries, Tibet was successfully non-militaristic. The institution of the Dalai Lama contributed, as he was both the spiritual and the temporal leader of the nation. Today we wonder if this unusual national dedication to spirituality can survive the Chinese policies.