GELUG

GELUG

The
Gelugs (yellow hats) tradition was founded by Tibetan teacher Je Tsongkhapa
(1357-1419 – see image on the left). The basis is formed by the old Kadam
lineage, but it in fact includes all other Tibetan traditions. For example;
Tsongkhapa’s main teacher was the Sakya teacher Rendawa.
Sonam Gyatso (1543-1588), received the title ‘Dalai Lama’ (Ocean of Wisdom)
from the Mongol ruler Althan Khan in 1578. In 1642, the 5th. Dalai Lama became
temporal and spiritual leader of Tibet by order of the Mongol ruler Gushri
Khan. Although trained in all four schools, basically all Dalai Lamas were
Gelug; one of the reasons that Gelug tradition is most widespread in Tibet.
Note that the posthumously declared "First Dalai Lama" named Gedun Truppa
(born 1391) was a disciple of Je Tsongkhapa.
Unlike what many people think, the Dalai Lamas are not the spiritual heads
of the Gelugpa school; this is always the Gaden Tripa.
Some typical aspects of the Gelug tradition: emphasis on ethics and sound
scholarship. Main Buddhist teachings are collected in the Lamrim presentation
(not unlike the Lamdrey teachings of the Sakya). The Gelug introduced a scholarly
title, Geshe,
for a fully qualified and authoritative spiritual master.