Tibetan Buddhism Schools
Tibetan Buddhism is divided into four primary schools, or sects. All schools subscribe to the basic Mahayana Buddhist belief system, though each embarks upon the path using different methodologies for meditation. Mahayana schools focus on compassion and meditation as a means to reach enlightenment, as well as in-depth studies of the Buddhist sutras.
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Nyingma
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Founded by the Indian Padmasambhava in the year 817, the Nyingma school is the oldest in Tibetan Buddhism. The practice surrounds Dzokchen meditation, which means the Great Perfection. The beliefs are founded upon the first translations of the Buddhist scriptures after they were brought to Tibet. Nyingma Buddhists also believe in visions and mystical experiences brought on by meditation. There is a focus on reincarnation of the great disciples as modern day masters that are an embodiment of the enlightened teachings of Padmasambhava.
Sakyapa
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Founded in 1073, Sakyapa Buddhism earns its name from the site of its first monastery. It was founded by Khon Konchok Gyelpo. The Sakyapa school focuses on the teaching of lamdre, which means the path and its fruition. This belief focuses on learning and understanding the entire Buddhist path through both study and meditation to attain enlightenment.
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Kagyupa
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Kagyupa, the Sacred Word lineage, was founded in the 11th century. It's based upon the teachings of Marpa Chokyi Lodoe who traveled to India and studied under some of the great mystics of his generation. After bringing the lineage back to Tibet, Marpa passed the teachings onto his disciples. The teachings focus on the Great Seal, the doctrine of Mahamudra. Followers master four stages of meditation, with completion of the fourth stage resulting in perfect enlightenment.
Gelugpa
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Gelugpa is also known as the Virtuous Tradtion, as it follows a complex code of Buddhist ethics and focuses on monastic discipline. Founded in the 14th century by the religious reformer Tsongkhapa, it focuses on compassion and wisdom. Yogic meditation and the teachings of emptiness are central to the Gelugpa school. Most practitioners are monks due to the emphasis on ethics, so there are very few lay followers of this school.
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