Four great sects of Tibetan Buddhism

India is the birthplace of Buddhism, a country where Lord Buddha carried out most of his preaching, and venues for most of his great deeds. However, if we look at modern context of Buddhism, it is far better preserved in Tibet than India, the country of its origin; or perhaps compared to any other countries in the world.

The Buddhism that flourished in Tibet over the centuries was the great Pāla tradition of Buddhism, which historically practiced in the Indian university of Nālanda and others. And the Buddhist literatures which were once in Pāla and Sanskrit are now in Tibetan language, and Buddhism so practised in Tibet came to be known as Tibetan Buddhism.

The most prominent feature of Tibetan Buddhism that differentiates it from Buddhism practised elsewhere is the tradition of four major sects or schools of the religion, namely Nyingmapa, Kagyuepa, Sakyapa and Gelugpa.

It is believed that all four sects originated from their founders as per their different understanding and interpretation of the teachings of the Lord Buddha.

The first and the oldest sect is Nyingpa, meaning “the Ancient”. This sect claims Padmasambhava, the great Indian Buddhist master to be its founder. Popularly known as Guru Rinpoche, he visited Tibet in late eighth century. In this tradition, along with tantric practices, it emphasizes revealed teachings attributed to Padmasambhava, plus the “great perfection” or Dzogchen doctrines.

The second sect is known as Kagyuepa, meaning “Lineage of the (Buddha’s) Word”. This traditional is mainly based on experiential dimension of meditation. Renowned Tibetan Yogi Milarepa was one of the most prominent figures in this sect. This school emerged from the teachings of Marpa “The Translator” (1012-1099) and his student Milarepa.

The third sect Sakyapa, meaning “Grey Earth”. This school was founded by Khon Konchog Gyalpo, a disciple of the great translator Drokmi Lotsawa and claims its lineage to the Indian master Virupa. The great scholar Sakya Pandita was an exponent of this school.

The fourth and the newest sect is Gelugpa, meaning “Way of Virtue”. Founded by great scholar Je Tsongkhapa in the 14th to 15th century. This school lays particular emphasis on logic and debate. Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama are the most prominent figures of this tradition.

Although there are notable differences among the four sects in terms of their practice, however, there is no fundamental difference in philosophy, according to the Fourteenth Dalai Lama.