Tibetan, Central in China

Introduction / History

Nomadic tribes roamed Tibet as early as the second century before Christ. The clans of Tibet were united around the year 600.

Tibet is known at "rooftop of the world." It is a mountainous landed located in southwestern China, just north of India. In 1950, the Chinese communists invaded Tibet. However, the Dalai Lama (religious and political ruler of Tibet) was permitted to remain their leader. While negotiations were being made between Tibetan and Chinese officials, Communist Chinese Party continued to oppress the Tibetans. In 1959, a revolt broke out in Lhasa, Tibet's capital. Many fled to other countries, especially India, but most remain in Tibet. Tibet is now one of China's "autonomous" regions, meaning it is a province of China controlled by China's strong central government.

Today there are several Tibetan dialects, but the primary one is Central Tibetan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Central Tibetans are often farmers or livestock herders. The farmers grow crops such as potatoes, wheat, barley, buckwheat, and vegetables. Farmers raise a wide variety of fruits in the short summers of the valleys of the Himalayan Mountains. Apricots are a staple fruit, and they even eat the pits. Butter tea is their favorite drink. Despite opposition from the Chinese government, many work for the Buddhist temples.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The ancient Tibetan Bon religion was primarily shamanistic and animistic. It involved magic, divination, spirit worship, and sometimes blood sacrifice. For centuries, Central Tibetans have blended Bon with Buddhist teachings. Tibetan Buddhism is the lifeblood of Central Tibetans. The patron saint of Tibet is Chenrezig, whose image has up to 11 heads and as many as 1,000 arms.

What Are Their Needs?

Tibet has long been one of the greatest challenges for Christianity. There are no breakthroughs that are strong enough to bring many Tibetans to the throne of grace.

Prayer Points

Pray for workers needed to sow God's word into Tibetan families, healing and strengthening households with God's blessings.
There are one or two small Tibetan fellowships in Lhasa. Pray for these believers to grow and become mature disciples of Christ, and to pray persistently for their Tibetan friends.
Pray these Buddhists would feel the reality of sin and seek the only savior.
Pray for Tibetan Buddhists to increasingly hunger to know a personal God; one who loves them and who has sent his son to die for their sin.

Text Source:   Joshua Project