Significance of Dynastic period

The Dynastic period in Tibetan Buddhism signifies a historical timeframe marked by the rule of specific families or dynasties. This period is crucial for contextualizing Tantric texts, as it informs the cultural and political developments that influenced spiritual practices and teachings during that era. Understanding the Dynastic period helps to appreciate the evolution of Tibetan Buddhism and the significance of its Tantric traditions within that particular historical backdrop.

Synonyms: Ruling dynasty, Era, Epoch, Age, Reign, Dynasty, Rule, Succession

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Dynastic period'

Buddhism Books

The Dynastic period in Buddhism signifies a historical era dominated by ruling families, crucial for comprehending the context and significance of Tantric texts within Buddhist traditions and practices.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) It is a time under khri srongIde btsan when many siddhas and followers of the Vajrayana tradition appeared.[1] (2) A historical timeframe characterized by the rule of families or dynasties, relevant for understanding the context of Tantric texts.[2]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Classical concept of 'Dynastic period'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Dynastic period in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) From the texts of the late dynastic period, Nehemauait was identified with Meh-urt and with the goddess whose name is variously read Sefekh-aabu and Sesheta.[3] (2) Ptah's worship, in one form or another, goes back to the earliest part of the dynastic period, and his main characteristics did not change from the period of the IInd Dynasty to that of the Ptolemies and Romans.[4] (3) During this era, shrines were consecrated to the worship of Horus. The texts prove that the worship of the goddess was universal, and that her shrines were even more numerous than those of Horus. She was honoured with them, and she always became the chief female counterpart of the head of the company.[5] (4) During the latter part of the dynastic period, the characteristics of Nu appear to have changed, and the ocean and the Nile were identified with Nu, according to the information within the text.[6] (5) The terror with which the arch-serpent Apep was regarded, at least in the latter part of the dynastic period, is not adequately conveyed in the Book of the Dead.[7]

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) Long before this period, the Tuat was regarded throughout Egypt as the kingdom of the dead.[8] (2) It is the time period in which the conceptions about the Other World were evolved in the minds of Egyptian theologians before Osiris attained to the high position.[9] (3) During the Dynastic period, Egyptians developed definite ideas about the abode of departed spirits, documenting them extensively.[10] (4) During the Dynastic Period, the cult of Osiris became extremely popular, leading many people to believe their souls would go to the kingdom in the Other World over which he reigned.[11]

From: Legends Of The Gods

(1) It refers to a historical era in Egypt, during which the inscriptions do not provide information about famines, despite their likely occurrence.[12]

From: Egypt Through The Stereoscope

(1) The dynastic period in Egyptian history begins with Menes, the king under whom the union of Upper and Lower Egypt was accomplished, marking the start of successive generations or families of kings.[13]

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.

Meaning of Dynastic period in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings

(1) During this time, Egyptians believed the dead rose again because Osiris rose, bestowing new life and powers upon the reborn, while also performing works to attain immortality.[14]

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.