The Tibetan People

Who Are the Tibetan People?

The Tibetan people are an ethnic group native to the Tibetan Plateau, inhabiting one of the world's highest and most remote regions. Centered around Tibet (now the Tibet Autonomous Region of China), as well as parts of Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces, Tibetans developed a unique civilization shaped by extreme altitude, Buddhist philosophy, and a history of theocratic governance under the Dalai Lama. Their traditional society integrated monastic Buddhism with nomadic pastoralism and farming, creating a distinctive cultural identity marked by spiritual devotion, traditional medicine practices, and remarkable physiological adaptations to life above 4,000 meters.

Culture & Traditions

Tibetan Buddhism and Theocratic Governance

Tibetan Buddhism, particularly the Gelug school, has profoundly shaped Tibetan society since the 7th century. The institution of the Dalai Lama, believed to be the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara (the bodhisattva of compassion), served as both spiritual and political leader from the 17th century until 1959. Monasteries functioned as centers of learning, art, and community organization, with monks comprising up to 20% of the male population. The distinctive practices of Tibetan Buddhism include tantric rituals, elaborate sand mandalas, prayer wheels and flags, prostrations, and the search for reincarnated lamas (tulkus). The Potala Palace in Lhasa stands as the architectural embodiment of this theocratic tradition.

Traditional Medicine and Healing Arts

Tibetan medicine (Sowa-Rigpa) represents a sophisticated healing system integrating Buddhist philosophy with herbal remedies, pulse diagnosis, and dietary therapy. Based on the balance of three humors (wind, bile, and phlegm), Tibetan doctors undergo extensive monastic training studying ancient medical texts like the Four Medical Tantras (Gyushi). Practitioners use over 2,000 plant and mineral substances, many unique to the Himalayan region. Tibetan medicine emphasizes the connection between mind and body, incorporating meditation and spiritual practices into treatment. This medical tradition has gained international recognition and continues to be practiced alongside modern medicine.

Nomadic Pastoralism and High-Altitude Agriculture

Traditional Tibetan livelihoods are adapted to the harsh plateau environment. Nomadic herders (drokpa) raise yaks, sheep, and goats on the vast grasslands, moving seasonally to find pasture. Yaks provide meat, milk (for butter tea and cheese), wool, dung fuel, and transportation—they are the quintessential Tibetan animal. Settled agricultural communities cultivate barley (especially the high-altitude variety called highland barley or qingke), which forms the basis of tsampa (roasted barley flour), the staple food. The dramatic temperature variations, intense solar radiation, and limited oxygen make Tibetan agriculture and pastoralism unique adaptations to extreme conditions.

Contemporary Challenges and Diaspora

Since the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1950 and the failed 1959 uprising that forced the Dalai Lama into exile, Tibetan culture faces significant challenges. The Chinese government has implemented policies promoting Han Chinese settlement, restricting religious practices, and controlling monastery operations. Meanwhile, a vibrant Tibetan diaspora centered in India (particularly Dharamsala), Nepal, and Western countries maintains traditional culture and advocates for Tibetan autonomy. Exile communities have established monasteries, schools, and cultural institutions, while modern Tibetans navigate between preserving traditional identity and adapting to contemporary realities. The 14th Dalai Lama has become a global symbol of non-violent resistance and Buddhist wisdom.

Academic References & Further Reading