Gelugpa vs. Nyingma

Attribute	Gelugpa	Nyingma
Founder	Je Tsongkhapa	Padmasambhava
Location	Tibet	Tibet
Scriptures	Kangyur and Tengyur	Kangyur and Nyingma Gyubum
Philosophy	Madhyamaka and Prasangika	Dzogchen and Mahamudra
Monasticism	Emphasized	Emphasized

History

The Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism was founded by Je Tsongkhapa in the 14th century. Tsongkhapa sought to purify and revitalize Buddhism in Tibet, emphasizing the study of scripture and the practice of meditation. The Gelugpa tradition became the dominant school in Tibet, with the Dalai Lama being its most prominent figure. In contrast, the Nyingma school is the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, dating back to the 8th century. It was founded by Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who is credited with bringing Buddhism to Tibet.

Philosophy

Gelugpa teachings are based on the Madhyamaka philosophy of emptiness, as expounded by Indian scholar Nagarjuna. Emptiness is the idea that all phenomena lack inherent existence. Gelugpas also follow the teachings of Indian philosopher Chandrakirti, who emphasized the importance of logic and reasoning in understanding Buddhist concepts. Nyingma, on the other hand, follows the teachings of Dzogchen, a system of meditation that focuses on the innate purity and perfection of the mind. Dzogchen practitioners believe in the natural state of enlightenment, which is already present within every individual.

Practice

Gelugpa practitioners place a strong emphasis on the study of Buddhist scriptures, particularly the works of Tsongkhapa and other prominent Gelugpa scholars. Monastic discipline is also highly valued in the Gelugpa tradition, with monks and nuns following a strict code of conduct. Nyingma practitioners, on the other hand, focus more on meditation and direct experience of the teachings. Ritual practices, such as chanting and visualization, are common in Nyingma ceremonies, which often involve elaborate offerings and ceremonies to invoke the blessings of the deities.

Lineage

The Gelugpa school places a strong emphasis on lineage, with each Dalai Lama being considered the reincarnation of the previous one. The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the 14th in this lineage. Gelugpas also follow the teachings of the Ganden Tripa, the head of the Gelugpa school. In contrast, the Nyingma school has a more decentralized structure, with various lineages and sub-schools within the tradition. Nyingma practitioners often receive teachings from multiple teachers and may belong to different lineages simultaneously.

Iconography

Gelugpa iconography is characterized by the use of thangkas, or traditional Tibetan scroll paintings, depicting various deities and Buddhas. The Dalai Lama is a central figure in Gelugpa iconography, often depicted in thangkas and statues. Nyingma iconography, on the other hand, features a wide range of deities and symbols, including wrathful deities such as Mahakala and peaceful deities such as Tara. Nyingma practitioners often use ritual objects such as vajras and bells in their ceremonies.

Geographical Distribution

The Gelugpa school has a strong presence in Tibet, particularly in the regions around Lhasa and Amdo. The Dalai Lama's residence in the Potala Palace in Lhasa is a major pilgrimage site for Gelugpa practitioners. In exile, the Gelugpa tradition has spread to India, Nepal, and other countries around the world. Nyingma, on the other hand, has a more dispersed presence, with practitioners found throughout Tibet and the Himalayan regions. Nyingma monasteries, such as Mindrolling Monastery in India, are centers of learning and practice for Nyingma followers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Gelugpa and Nyingma schools of Tibetan Buddhism have distinct attributes that set them apart from each other. While Gelugpas focus on the study of scripture and logic, Nyingma practitioners emphasize meditation and direct experience. The two schools also differ in their philosophical foundations, practices, and organizational structures. Despite these differences, both traditions share a common goal of attaining enlightenment and benefiting all sentient beings.