During the Qing Dynasty, many Tibetan Buddhist temples were constructed in Beijing. People of all social ranks would participate in cultural activities at the temples. Tibetan Buddhism gained wide influence and over the years has been integrated into the Beijing folk culture.
White Dagoba ghee light burning
Oct. 25 on the Tibetan Calendar is the traditional "Lantern-lighting Festival" in Tibetan Buddhism, which is a memorial to Gelug's creator Tsongkhapa.
After Tibetan Buddhism was introduced into Beijing, many of its customs were transferred to the city. The famous White Dagoba ghee light burning in Beihai Park in Beijing is one of the most attractive activities.
Porridge in Yonghe Lama Temple
Dec. 8 on the Lunar Calendar, "Laba" in Chinese, is a traditional festival in Buddhism. During the Qing Dynasty, the Yonghe Lama Temple in Beijing would also hold some traditional Buddhist activities on that day.
According to some literature, the monks of Yonghe Lama Temple would begin making porridge on Dec. 1 on the Lunar Calendar and they would provide free Laba porridge for believers on Dec. 8. The monks would also pray around the porridge boilers. Although every family would prepare Laba porridge by themselves, they prefer to get some from the temple for good luck. Later, providing free Laba porridge became an important Laba tradition.
Walking around Miaoying Temple for blessing
There is the Miaoying Temple White Dagoba at Fuchengmen, which is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist buildings in Beijing. It has significant impact on religious and cultural exchanges. Every year on Jan. 1 on the Lunar Calendar, people begin to walk around the temple for Buddha's blessing in a new year. They stop Jan. 15 on the Lunar Calendar.
Ghost-beating ceremony in Lama temple
The "Ghost-beating" ceremony is the most famous Tibetan Buddhist tradition and it has been mentioned many times in literature.
"Ghost-beating" is also called "tiaobuzha," which means dancing in Mongolian. In fact, the ceremony is a unique exorcism dance in Tibetan Buddhism.
The "tiaobuzha" in Yonghe Lama Temple is the most ceremonious one. The emperor would even attend the ceremony during the Qing Dynasty.
