Tsongkhapa’s Vision: The Birth of the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Tradition

The Gelugpa School: Tsongkhapa's Founding of the Yellow Hat Tradition

The Yellow Hat tradition or Gelugpa school was established by the famous Tibetan religious Philosopher Tsongkhapa in the 15th century. The Gelugpa tradition is known to be strict in monastic discipline, scholarly learning, and meditation, which also seek to lead an individual to enlightenment in a purposeful and disciplined manner. The vision of Tsongkhapa boosted Tibetan Buddhism, paying attention to the intellectual and profound spirituality, which has significantly influenced the culture of Tibet and beyond.

The term "Yellow Hat" comes from the distinct yellow ceremonial hats worn by Tsongkhapa’s followers, symbolizing their commitment to maintaining the traditional Buddhist monastic code. This reformation was necessary to differentiate the Gelugpa school from other Tibetan Buddhism schools that had relaxed in their practices. The Gelugpa is still one of the most powerful schools of Tibetan Buddhism and its doctrines are closely related to the Dalai Lama, whose leadership has become instrumental in spreading the ideologies of this school to the rest of the world.

Founding of the Gelug school: The Reformation and the legacy of Tsongkhapa

The Gelug school, often called the “Yellow Hat” or "Gelug Sect" tradition, is one of the most powerful branches of Tibetan Buddhism which was established by Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) in the 15th century. Tsongkhapa’s reforms marked a turning point in religious history of Tibet that established a tradition of strict monastic discipline, intellectual study and meditation. This school arose as a response to the growing corruption and political entanglements of the existing monastic communities. The vision of Tsongkhapa was to promote a clean and disciplined Buddhism that would foster the spiritual and moral development of its followers. The Gelug school continues to be one of the most popular in Tibetan Buddhism to date, and the most well-known one is the Dalai Lama.

The reforms of Tsongkhapa led to the introduction of the Gelug or "Virtuous Order." The initial significant institutional success was the establishment of the Ganden Monastery in 1409, where the Ganden Tripas, the religious leaders of the Gelug school, were to be based. The formation of Ganden Monastery formed the basis of the further development of the school. This was succeeded by the opening up of Drepung Monastery in 1416 and Sera Monastery in 1419, which were later to become some of the largest and most recognized monastic universities in the world. These monasteries were not only places of monastic life but also turned into major centers of Buddhist education that were able to give forth generations of intellectuals and religious figures.

Why is the Gelug School Called the “Yellow Hat” School?

(Photo From Study Buddhism)

The term “Yellow Hat” refers to the distinctive yellow hats worn by Tsongkhapa and his followers, which symbolize the fact that they held themselves to great monastic discipline and were opposed to the more relaxed practices of other schools of Buddhism that existed at that time. The central focus of the Gelug school foundation was the monastic codes of Buddhism that were quite traditional, especially the Vinaya (monks and nuns ethical code), which were the points of emphasis of Tsongkhapa. This religion came with the observance of celibacy, the use of the right robes of the monk, and ethical purity. The yellow hats were used as a symbolic response to this new devotion to monastic purity and austerity. Other Tibetan Buddhist groups had monks who would occasionally take part in secular activities and in politics, whereas Gelugpa culture emphasized on the purity of the spirit, learning, and meditation and the yellow hats were a sign of their commitment to this concept.

The reformist spirit that Tsongkhapa infused into the Gelugpa school was not merely of exterior observance; it was a call to a greater spiritual awakening based on moral rectitude and intellectual sanity. The Yellow Hat tradition was part of the way the followers of Tsongkhapa differentiated themselves among other Tibetan sects of Buddhism, especially those sects then, which were more political and less disciplined. The reason behind the reform was the increased moral decadency in the Tibetan monastic society, and the vision of Tsongkhapa was a template of spirituality that stressed study, practice, and monastic discipline as the path to enlightenment.

The Institutional Foundation: Ganden, Drepung, and Sera Monasteries

One of the primary institutional legacies of Tsongkhapa’s Gelug school, which was established in 1409, was the creation of Ganden Monastery. This monastery became the spiritual and administrative center of the Gelug tradition, and its importance cannot be enhanced. 

The Gelug School’s Emphasis on Monastic Discipline and Ethical Purity

One of the foundations of the reform by Tsongkhapa was the reinstatement of the Vinaya, or monastic discipline, which focused on moral purity as an indispensable principle in spiritual advancement. Tsongkhapa demanded that every practitioner follow the principles of celibacy, the appropriate monastic attire, and the morality of his/her actions that should guide the behavior of monks and nuns. Unlike other Buddhist traditions which enabled their monks to engage themselves in politics and secular activities, Gelug school founded by Tsongkhapa valued the need to lead a pure, disciplined life that only focused on spiritual practice and Dharma studies.

This rigorous discipline did not just constitute an outer practice but also a purification of the mind and a way of developing the required qualities towards enlightenment. Tsongkhapa used to teach that ethical purity and monastic discipline were not optional phenomena in the attainment of Mahamudra, the most exalted of meditations in the Tibetan Buddhist school. Through these rigid codes, Gelugpa practitioners aimed at purifying their minds and eliminating the mental afflictions that keep them in samsara, the cycle of birth and death, and rebirth.

Tsongkhapa’s Contribution to the Development of Buddhist Scholasticism

Tsongkhapa was much intellectual in his approach to Buddhism, and according to him, wisdom was the key to eliminate ignorance and attachment. He placed much value on the study and argument in the role to enlightenment and encouraged a stringent approach to the Buddhist philosophy. Tsongkhapa played a key role in the creation of a standardized curriculum founded on the Five Great Treatises which formed the basis of scholastic activity of the Gelug school. This curriculum assisted in creating generations of scholars who had received training in the philosophical and the meditative practices of Buddhism.

The Gelugpa school under Tsongkhapa was among the most scholarly schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The examination of Buddhist logic, philosophy and scriptures became needed to all Gelugpa monks and debates were promoted as a way to explain and perfect knowledge about the Dharma. The scholasticism of Tsongkhapa had the advantage of seeing to it that his disciples were not merely effective meditators, but also proficient in the intellectual side of the Buddhist tradition, which is why the Gelugpa school has become one of the most significant schools in the evolution of the Tibetan Buddhist thought.

Gelug School and Its Role in Tibetan Buddhism

• Prominence in Tibetan Buddhism: The Gelug school is one of the most powerful and popular schools of Tibetan Buddhism especially since the 17th century.
• Political Influence: The Gelegupa tradition became strongly associated with the politics in Tibet, particularly with the introduction of the Dalai Lama as a religious and political leader.
• Emphasis on Discipline and Study: Gelug school is defined by the focus on discipline, strict study, and monastic moral behaviour. The reform of Tsongkhapa was meant to restore high levels of discipline in the monasteries, and this assisted in maintaining a straight, clean way into enlightenment by the practitioners.
• Focus on Academic Methodology: The Gelugpa tradition is highly intellectual and academically oriented, and the scholars are trained in Buddhist philosophy, logic, and texts. Its teachings including the study of the "Five Great Treatises" have influenced the intellectual basis of Tibetan Buddhism with numerous generations of scholars and practitioners.
• The Role of Meditation: The practice of meditation, especially Mahamudra (the great seal), is central to the Gelug tradition. Meditation is considered to be the way to know what the nature of the mind is and to become enlightened. The school practices promote a balance between intellectual study and contemplation practice, producing well-rounded practitioners.
• Compassion and Ethical Conduct: Gelug teachings focus on the cultivation of compassion that is considered to be a prerequisite for enlightenment. The focus of Tsongkhapa on the ethical behavior of monks and practitioners has remained a factor in the everyday life and behavior of the Gelugpa tradition.
• Global Influence: The philosophies of the Gelug school still affect Tibetan Buddhist practice throughout the world, particularly the leadership and teaching of the Dalai Lama. Gelug has been very active in the global Buddhist community, and there are numerous centers, monasteries, and followers practicing and spreading its doctrines of meditation, compassion, and ethical living.
• Cultural and Social Impact: Gelug school has not only provided an impact on the spiritual life of the followers but also on the culture and social life of the Tibetan society. Its monasteries, especially Drepung, Sera, and Ganden, have traditionally been the places of social life, education and community building.
• Current Role in Tibetan Buddhism: The Gelug school is still one of the most significant influences of Tibetan Buddhism nowadays and still it has its impact on its practitioners in Tibet as well as in Tibetan diaspora. The doctrines of Tsongkhapa and the leadership of the Dalai Lama still offer guidelines to millions of individuals who are in search of a way of enlightenment through study, discipline, and compassion.
• Integration of Modern and Traditional Practices: The Gelug school’s balance of traditional practices with modern academic and social engagement makes it an adaptable tradition. Gelug teachings have been effectively adopted in Western societies as whereby many Western Buddhists abide by the Dalai Lama and other great Gelugpa masters.

The Dalai Lama and the Continued Legacy of Tsongkhapa’s Vision

(Photo From Buddhism Red-Zambala)

The lineage of the Dalai Lama who is considered to be the spiritual and political leader of the Tibetan people is one of the largest legacies of the Gelug school founded by Tsongkhapa. The teachings of the Dalai Lama are deeply entrenched in the teachings of Tsongkhapa especially in the fields of meditation, morality and academic scholarship. The Dalai Lama is still a living example of the teachings of the Gelug school of Tsongkhapa since he continues to embody the values of Tsongkhapa’s Gelug school, teaching the world about compassion, peace, and the importance of maintaining a disciplined spiritual practice.

As a global spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama has helped bring the teachings of Tsongkhapa’s Gelug school to the world stage, emphasizing the essence of wisdom and compassion in solving the problems of the contemporary world. The Dalai Lama, through his teachings, has made sure that the legacy of Tsongkhapa does not just die in Tibet but also in the world at large, making many feel motivated to retrace the steps of enlightenment.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Gelug school by Tsongkhapa was a pivotal moment in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. His insistence on the discipline of the monastery, the study of the intellectual light, and meditation left a rich and eminent tradition which up to date, shapes Tibetan Buddhism. By founding major monasteries, setting up a standardized curriculum and introducing the custom of the Yellow Hat, Tsongkhapa provided the basis of a disciplined, academic and spiritual life that has given rise to thousands of teachers, meditators and spiritual leaders, including the Dalai Lama. The vision of Tsongkhapa is still vibrant today as the Gelugpa is still relevant in terms of educating and teaching followers the way to enlightenment.