Tibetan Buddhism

Like a flood gate opening, Tibetan Buddhism has flowed outward to the world as a result of the political conditions that arose with the Chinese government in the 1950's. As a result the Tibetan spiritual leader we know as the 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959. Armed conflict started earlier in 1956. What was bad for Tibet proved beneficial to the rest of the world with the release of Tibetan Buddhism. The plight of the Tibetans is one of the reasons that Buddhism, especially Tibetan, is as popular as it is. The difficult situation that existed then and now serves as a means to inform the people of the world of this great philosophy and religion. Many of the monks and nuns became refugees of India having to leave their homes and country to start a new life.
The Dalai Lama is often considered by many non-Buddhists to be the head of world-wide Buddhism. This is not the case. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is both the head of state and the spiritual leader of Tibet. This is important to understand in learning about Buddhism.
Still, the Dalai Lama is a wise, compassionate leader who exemplifies Buddhism beyond cultural norms.
The following is an excerpt from the Dalai Lama's book, In My Own Words:
He speaks of the need to be compassionate, understanding and aware of other traditions.
"We must study all the aspects of the teachings and develop admiration for them."
"Nor should we consider Tibetan Buddhism to be superior to other forms of Buddhism. In Thailand, Burma, and Sri Lanka, the monks have a true commitment to the practice of monastic discipline; and unlike Tibetan monks, they still maintain the custom of begging for meals, which was practiced 2500 hundred years ago by the Buddha and his disciples. In Thailand I joined a group of monks on their rounds. It was a hot, sunny day; and because the tradition is to go without shoes, my feet really burned. It was inspiring to see the practice of the Thai monks."
From these writings it is clear that the Dalai Lama has been a great advocate of peace and understanding for all. It is clear that he understands and transcends the differences of all traditions. He does that with all Buddhism, not just Tibetan Buddhism. He also understands this same need for religion in general.
He goes on to write:
"In Buddhist practice, instead of avoiding (these) suffering(s), we deliberately visualize them -the suffering of birth, the suffering of aging, the suffering of fluctuations in status, the suffering of uncertainty within this lifetime, and the suffering of death. We deliberately try to think of them so that when we actually do face them, we are prepared. When we meet with death, we will realize that our time has come. That does not mean that we would not protect our bodies. When we are sick, we take medicines, and try to avert death. But if death is unavoidable the Buddhist will be prepared."
Of course, for the novice, in most cases, it will most likely take more learning to actually understand these wise words. Yet, this is the great essence of what Shakyamuni taught long ago. It is this understanding that frees you of suffering. It is plain to see that Tibetan Buddhism, at it's core, is like all other Buddhist practices.
The links below outline further the various aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. Also, you may be interested in what the Dalai Lama says regarding the Bon religion!

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1) A Brief History and Overview

2) The Schools Of Tibetan Buddhism

3) Tibetan Bon Religion

4) Tibetan Lamrim .END=OM MANI PADME HUM.( 3 TIMES ).RESEARCH TIBET BUDDHIST DHARMA BY VENERABLE GESHE TESERING TASHI.VIETNAMESE TIBET NUN.( NHA TRANG ).29/1/2012.