Uncover the many sects of "Tibetan Buddhism" to ensure that misunderstandings do not lead to awkward conversations and laughter
Tibetan Buddhism is known for its esoteric philosophy, rich rituals, and temple architecture that is unique in the world. However, Tibetan Buddhism is not a single system, but rather consists of many sects and lineages, each with its own characteristics and history. Below I will introduce you to the many schools of Tibetan Buddhism and their backgrounds, characteristics, and influences.
The roots of the Nyingma Red Sect.
Nyingma means in Tibetan"Ancient"or"Antiquity"。Because its monks wear red hats, it is commonly called"Red Cult"。The Nyingma sect did not initially have a unified organization and teachings as it later did, but existed in a decentralized manner, and the transmission of the Dharma was mostly confined to father-son or master-disciple, so the power was relatively small. It was not until the eleventh century that a master named Sangsu collected the Nyingmapa scriptures, formulated systematic teachings, designated special venues for activities, and established sangha organizations.
During the 5th Dynasty, the Nyingmapa sect grew stronger and established many monasteries. He also divided the sutra and tantric teachings of Buddhism into nine levels, emphasizing the practice of tantra, and left behind a large number of texts explaining his teachings and specific methods of practice. Compared to other sects of Tibetan Buddhism, the Nyingma sect has less strict requirements for monks, allowing them to marry and have children.
Gelugpa: The Rise of Yellow Religion.
Gelugpa is another important sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and its name translates as:"Good rules"。The Gelug sect emphasizes that monks must strictly follow the canons. Gelugpa monks wear yellow hats, hence the name"Yellow Sect"。Interestingly, Gelugpa actually evolved from Kadam and hence what it is also called"New Kadampa"。
The patriarch of the Gelug sect was Lama Tsongkhapa. The Gelug sect was formally founded when the Ganden Monastery was built in the northeast of Lhasa, and various Gelug temples later appeared, the most famous of which is the Lama Temple, which is one of the most important representatives of the Gelug sect. Gelugpa occupies an important place in history, and with the emergence of the reincarnation system of living Buddhas, the influence of Gelugpa is particularly far-reaching.
A Kadampa sect that teaches Buddhist teachings.
Kadam is also a sect of Tibetan Buddhism. In Tibetan,"Karma"It means Buddha"When"It means to teach. The Kadampa school was founded by the Dulong Deqing people in northwestern Lhasa, Jundunpa. Kadam is divided into three lineages:
Classical school: Focuses on the study of Buddhist classical theories.
Sharia School: Emphasis on the study of the Guru, i.e., practice.
Rules: Emphasis on rules and practices.
Kagyu School: Vajrayana.
The Kagyu school is the largest branch of Tibetan Buddhism, and its name means:"Oral tradition"。This school emphasizes the Vajrayana teachings. Kagyu monks usually wear white robes, hence the name"White Religion"。
The flower tradition of the Sakya sect.
Sakya means off-white land, and this is because the Sakya temple was originally built on off-white land. The walls of the Sakya Monastery are painted with red, white, and black flower bands that symbolize Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara, and Vajrapani, respectively, hence the name"Flower Sect"。There are two ways of transmission in the Sakya tradition: one is lineage, which is through the familyThe other is to teach the Dharma. In the Hinayana school, there are two different lineages, one is the one that advocates the ontological view of consciousness and teaches the theory of dharma;The other is to advocate the emptiness of all dharmas and to teach Madhyamaka, that is, the theory of all dharmas and all cognitions.
Tibetan Buddhism is a religious system with multiple sects, each with its own history, teachings, and rituals. The Nyingma school emphasizes tantric practice, the Gelug school focuses on rituals, the Kadampa school teaches Buddhist teachings, and the Kagyu school transmits Vajrayana. Tibetan Buddhism is one of the most shining jewels in the history of world religions because of its rich philosophical connotations and incredible cultural heritage.