Tibetan Buddhism encompasses several distinct schools or traditions, each with its own unique practices, teachings, and lineages. Here are some of the major types of Tibetan Buddhism:
Gelug: The Gelug school, also known as the "Yellow Hat" sect, is the newest of the major Tibetan Buddhist traditions. It was founded in the 14th century and is renowned for its emphasis on monastic discipline, rigorous study of Buddhist philosophy, and the use of logic and debate. The Dalai Lama is traditionally associated with the Gelug school.
Jonang: The Jonang tradition was initially founded in the 12th century and has had a complex history. It places emphasis on the Zhentong philosophical view, which asserts the existence of a transcendent, ineffable Buddha-nature. The Jonang school is known for its unique meditation practices and the Kalachakra tantra.
Kagyu: The Kagyu school is renowned for its emphasis on meditation and experiential realization. It includes several sub-lineages, with the Karma Kagyu being the most prominent. The Kagyu tradition is known for its practice of Mahamudra, which aims to directly experience the nature of mind.
Nyingma: The Nyingma school is the oldest tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and traces its roots back to the introduction of Buddhism in Tibet in the 8th century. It emphasizes the Dzogchen teachings, known as the "Great Perfection," and places importance on meditation, mantra recitation, and visualization practices.
Sakya: The Sakya school was founded in the 11th century and is known for its scholarly approach. It places a strong emphasis on the study of Buddhist philosophy, logic, and scriptural texts. The Sakya tradition is characterized by its unique rituals, deity practices, and the Lamdre teachings.
Each of these traditions has its own unique teachings, practices, and revered masters, but they all share a common foundation in the teachings of the Buddha.
The Sakya tradition is one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
It takes its name from the Sakya Monastery, which was established in the 11th century in the Sakya region of Tibet. The Sakya tradition has a rich history and has made significant contributions to Tibetan Buddhism in terms of philosophy, ritual practices, and lineage transmission.
Founding and Lineage: The Sakya tradition was founded by Khön Könchok Gyalpo (1034-1102), who belonged to the Khön family, a family which itself originated from celestial beings. He was a renowned scholar and teacher who received teachings from various Indian and Tibetan masters. His son, Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092-1158), became the founder of the Sakya Monastery and the first Sakya Trizin, the throne holder of the Sakya tradition. The leadership of the Sakya tradition has been hereditary, passing down through the Khön family lineage.
Philosophy and Teachings: The Sakya school places a strong emphasis on the study of Buddhist philosophy and logic. The scholars of the Sakya tradition have made significant contributions to the development of Tibetan Buddhist philosophical thought. The Sakya philosophy combines the Madhyamaka (Middle Way) view with the Yogachara (Mind Only) teachings, known as the "Rime" tradition, which seeks to harmonize different philosophical perspectives.
Sakya Pandita: One of the most influential figures in the Sakya tradition is Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyaltsen (1182-1251). He was a renowned scholar, diplomat, and author who played a crucial role in the cultural and political history of Tibet. Sakya Pandita was known for his expertise in various fields, including linguistics, poetry, medicine, and Buddhist philosophy. His writings continue to be studied and revered.
Ritual Practices: The Sakya tradition has its unique ritual practices, which include mantra recitation and various esoteric rituals. The Sakya lineage holds several important deity practices, such as the Hevajra, Guhyasamaja, Vajrakilaya, and Chakrasamvara tantric practices. These practices involve visualization, chanting of mantras, and meditative absorption on the deities.
Sakya Lineage Holders: The Sakya tradition has a lineage of throne holders known as the Sakya Trizins. They are considered the spiritual heads of the tradition and have played an important role in preserving and transmitting the teachings.
The Sakya tradition has had a significant impact on Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in the areas of philosophy, tantric practices, and scholarship. It has produced numerous renowned masters, scholars, and practitioners who have contributed to the preservation and dissemination of the Buddha's teachings.
Beginning with Khön Konchok Gyalpo (1034-1102), the founder of the Sakya tradition, the lineage continues to be unbroken to this day.