Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism (Tibetan: དགེ་ལུགས་, dge lugs, “The Virtuous School”)
The Gelug school, also known as the “New Kadampa” or “The Virtuous Tradition,” is the youngest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded in the 14th century by Je Tsongkhapa (1357–1419), a renowned Tibetan scholar and practitioner who sought to reform monastic discipline and emphasize rigorous study, ethical conduct, and meditative practice. The Gelug school is widely known for its scholarly approach, strict monastic discipline, and the systematic cultivation of the Buddhist path. The Dalai Lamas, spiritual leaders of Tibet, are associated with the Gelug school, and the lineage has played a significant political and religious role in Tibetan history.
Historical Origins:
The Gelug school was established by Je Tsongkhapa Lobzang Drakpa, who was a student of the Sakya, Kagyu, and Nyingma traditions before founding his own school. Tsongkhapa is remembered for his extensive scholarly works, his reform of monastic practices, and his emphasis on moral discipline, systematic logic, and deep meditative insight. He established Ganden Monastery in 1409, which became the main seat of the Gelug school and the center of its monastic and philosophical education.
The name “Gelug” means “Virtuous Tradition,” reflecting Tsongkhapa’s emphasis on ethical conduct (śīla) as the foundation for spiritual development. Tsongkhapa’s teachings synthesized elements from all Tibetan Buddhist schools, but his reforms and distinctive approaches to practice set the Gelug apart from earlier traditions.
Key Teachings and Practices:
The Lamrim, or “Graduated Path to Enlightenment,” is one of the central teachings of the Gelug school. It is based on the Lamrim Chenmo (“Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment”), one of Tsongkhapa’s most important works. The Lamrim outlines the entire Buddhist path in a systematic way, beginning with the foundational practices of renunciation and leading up to the cultivation of bodhicitta (the mind of enlightenment) and the realization of emptiness (śūnyatā). The Lamrim is divided into stages suitable for practitioners of varying levels and provides a clear, structured path to enlightenment. 2. Emphasis on Monastic Discipline and Vinaya: The Gelug school is known for its strict adherence to the Vinaya, the code of monastic discipline, which Tsongkhapa regarded as essential for maintaining the purity of the Buddhist teachings. Gelug monasteries emphasize ethical conduct, celibacy, and the importance of living a virtuous life as a foundation for spiritual development. 3. Madhyamaka Philosophy (Middle Way): The Gelug school places great emphasis on the study and practice of the Madhyamaka (Middle Way) philosophy, particularly as articulated by the Indian master Nāgārjuna. Tsongkhapa’s interpretation of Madhyamaka is one of the defining features of the Gelug tradition. He emphasized the correct understanding of śūnyatā (emptiness), which is the realization that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence. This insight is considered the pinnacle of wisdom and the key to liberation. 4. Tantra and Highest Yoga Tantra: Although known for its emphasis on monastic discipline and philosophical study, the Gelug school also integrates tantric practices, especially Highest Yoga Tantra (Anuttarayoga Tantra). These advanced practices, including the deity yoga of Guhyasamāja, Yamāntaka, and Chakrasamvara, are practiced within a framework of strict ethical conduct and extensive preparatory training. Gelugpa practitioners are required to develop a strong foundation in sutra practices, particularly the Lamrim, before engaging in tantric practices. 5. Dialectical Debate: Gelug monasteries are renowned for their focus on debate as a primary method of studying Buddhist philosophy. Monastic debate involves rigorous logical analysis and public disputation, with the aim of deepening one’s understanding of the teachings. This tradition of debate has produced many great scholars and continues to be a hallmark of Gelug education.
The Dalai Lama and the Gelug School:
The Dalai Lama lineage is closely associated with the Gelug school, and the Dalai Lamas have historically been both spiritual and political leaders of Tibet. The first Dalai Lama, Gendun Drup (1391–1474), was a disciple of Tsongkhapa and is considered the founder of the Dalai Lama lineage. The title “Dalai Lama” was bestowed posthumously, and the third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso (1543–1588), was the first to officially hold the title.
The most famous figure of the Gelug school is the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso (born 1935), who is the current spiritual leader of the Gelug tradition and a global ambassador for Tibetan Buddhism, peace, and compassion. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his nonviolent efforts to resolve the Tibetan conflict. Although the Dalai Lama has relinquished political authority, he remains the central figure in the spiritual life of many Gelug practitioners.
Gelug Political and Religious Influence:
The Gelug school gained significant political influence in Tibet during the 17th century, when the 5th Dalai Lama (1617–1682), known as the “Great Fifth,” became the de facto ruler of Tibet with the support of the Mongol leader Güshi Khan. Under his leadership, the Dalai Lamas and the Gelug school assumed control over both the religious and political institutions of Tibet, a role that continued until the Chinese annexation of Tibet in 1950.
The Ganden Tripa (“Holder of the Ganden Throne”) is the official head of the Gelug school and serves as the administrative leader of the tradition. The position is not hereditary, nor is it a tulku (reincarnated lama) position like the Dalai Lama. Instead, it is an elected role, chosen from among the senior scholars of the Gelug school.
Prominent Figures in the Gelug Tradition:
The founder of the Gelug school, Tsongkhapa was a brilliant scholar, philosopher, and meditator. His works on Buddhist philosophy, particularly the Lamrim Chenmo, continue to be studied in Tibetan monasteries. He is revered as an emanation of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom. 2. Gendun Drup (1391–1474): Gendun Drup, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, is recognized as the First Dalai Lama and was instrumental in the early spread of the Gelug tradition. He founded Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, one of the most important Gelug monastic institutions. 3. The 5th Dalai Lama (1617–1682): Known as the “Great Fifth,” the 5th Dalai Lama unified Tibet under his leadership and established the Gelug school’s dominant position in both religious and political affairs. He was a prolific writer and a key figure in Tibetan history. 4. Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama (1935–Present): The current Dalai Lama is the most well-known figure in Tibetan Buddhism. As both a spiritual leader and global advocate for peace and compassion, he has played a crucial role in maintaining Tibetan Buddhism and culture in exile.
Gelug School Today:
The Gelug school remains the largest and most influential of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions. It has a significant presence not only in Tibet but also among the Tibetan diaspora, especially in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Western countries. The Gelug school has numerous monasteries and educational institutions, and its rigorous scholarly and meditative training programs continue to produce highly respected teachers and practitioners.
Institutions such as Drepung, Sera, Ganden, and Tashi Lhunpo monasteries serve as major centers of learning for the Gelug school, and they have been re-established in India after the Tibetan diaspora. The teachings of the Gelug school, particularly through figures like the Dalai Lama, have gained worldwide recognition and respect.