Tibetan Buddhism (also called Vajrayāna) is a form of Buddhism that matured in Tibet and the greater Himalayan region between the 7th–12th centuries CE after Mahāyāna and Tantric teachings arrived from India. It integrates early Buddhist monastic discipline, the Mahāyāna Bodhisattva path, and Tantric methods (mantra, visualization, deity yoga) within strong master-to-disciple lineages and formal empowerments.
In modern overviews, Tibetan Buddhism is usually presented as four major schools—Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug. This “four schools” model is accurate for the main lineages but not exhaustive: traditions such as Jonang and the pre-Gelug Kadam, as well as the indigenous Bon religion and the 19th-century non-sectarian (Rimé) movement, also play important roles.
The Four Major Schools
| School | Name & Origin | Formation | Core Emphases | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nyingma (The Ancient Ones) | Earliest transmission to Tibet; centered on Samyé and early temples. | 8th century | Dzogchen (Great Perfection); revealed “terma” teachings; kama (oral) transmissions. |  |
| Kagyu (Oral Transmission Lineage) | Indian siddha lineage via the Himalayas into Tibet. | 11th century | Meditation-first approach; Mahamudra; Six Yogas of Naropa; strong guru–disciple bond. |  |
| Sakya (Named after “Grey Earth” of Sakya site) | Khön family lineage establishing Sakya Monastery. | 11th century | Lamdre (“Path and Fruit”); synthesis of sūtra and tantra; scholastic rigor with esoteric practice. |  |
| Gelug (Virtuous School; “Yellow Hat”) | Reform movement emphasizing discipline and study. | Late 14th–15th centuries | Lamrim (graded path), Madhyamaka analysis, debate curriculum, strict monastic discipline with tantra. |  |
Other Important Traditions
Jonang (Often called the “Fifth School”)
Emerging around the 12th century, Jonang is known for its emphasis on the Kalachakra (Wheel of Time) tantra and its distinctive shentong (“other-emptiness”) interpretation of emptiness. Historically marginalized in the 17th century, it has revived in Amdo and eastern Tibet and maintains a modest but growing presence.
Kadam (Pre-Gelug Foundation)
Founded by Atīśa in the 11th century, Kadam stressed ethics, compassion, and the gradual path (Lamrim). While the original institution declined, its teachings were absorbed into Gelug, sometimes called the “New Kadam.”
How These Traditions Are Doing Today
- Gelug: Largest global footprint; led by the Dalai Lama; strong scholastic institutions and international centers.
- Kagyu: Flourishing in the Himalayas and worldwide; multiple sub-lineages active; the Karmapa lineage is widely known.
- Nyingma: Vibrant Dzogchen transmission; influential teachers and monasteries across Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and India.
- Sakya: Continues under the Sakya Trizin; preserves the Lamdre system with active monasteries and modern institutes.
- Jonang: Re-acknowledged and growing, especially in Amdo/eastern Tibet.
A visual tour of the major schools Monasteries:
Nyingma School (宁玛派):
Founder: Guru Padmasambhava
Overview: The oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism, known for the Dzogchen or “Great Perfection” teachings, emphasizing the innate purity of mind.
- Dorje Drak Monastery (多吉扎寺), near Lhasa, Tibet
- Mindrolling Monastery (敏珠林寺), near Lhasa, Tibet
- Katok Monastery (协庆寺), Sichuan Province
Sakya School (萨迦派)
Founder: Khön Könchok Gyalpo
Overview: Known as the “Grey Earth” sect, it emphasizes the Lamdre (“Path and Fruit”) teachings and a synthesis of sutra and tantra.
- Sakya Monastery (萨迦寺), Shigatse, Tibet
- Tagong Monastery (塔公寺), Kangding, Sichuan
- Ngor Ewam Chöden Monastery (结古寺 / 昂吾尔寺), Shigatse, Tibet
- Derge Gönchen Monastery (德格宗萨寺), Dege, Sichuan
Kagyu School (噶举派)
Founder: Marpa the Translator, Milarepa, and Gampopa
Overview: Focuses on direct meditation experience and the Mahamudra path; its masters often wear white robes, earning the nickname “White Sect.”
- Tsurphu Monastery (楚布寺), near Lhasa, Tibet
- Palpung Monastery (噶玛寺), Chamdo, Tibet
- Yabnak (Yabmdo) Monastery (八邦寺), Dege, Sichuan
Gelug School (格鲁派)
Founder: Je Tsongkhapa
Overview: The “Yellow Hat” sect, known for its strict monastic discipline, philosophical study, and integration of tantric practice. It became Tibet’s dominant tradition and is associated with the Dalai Lamas.
- Ganden Monastery (甘丹寺), near Lhasa, Tibet
- Sera Monastery (色拉寺), near Lhasa, Tibet
- Tashilhunpo Monastery (扎什伦布寺), Shigatse, Tibet
- Kumbum Monastery (塔尔寺), Qinghai Province
- Labrang Monastery (拉卜楞寺), Gansu Province
Kadam School (噶当派)
Founders: Atiśa and Dromtönpa
Overview: One of the earliest Mahayana-based Tibetan schools, emphasizing moral discipline, compassion, and the step-by-step “Lamrim” (Gradual Path) teachings. Later, it became the foundation of the Gelug tradition.
- Reting Monastery (热振寺), Lhasa Prefecture, Tibet
- Phuntsok Ling Monastery (恰卜寺), Central Tibet
- Narthang Monastery (纳塘寺), near Shigatse, Tibet
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