Expert: Bodhicitta - 6/22/2008

Question
I just started to study a book on Mahamudra from the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism by Traleg Kyabgon titled Mind at Ease. I love this book, it seems to have all the key doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism plus a full set of clearly explained explained practices.

What's the difference between the various Tibetan Buddhist sects?

Thanks, Bill

Answer
Hi Bill
There are four major schools of Buddhism within Tibet. Kagyu, Nyingma, Sakya and Geluk.
The Nyingma school means the ancient ones. They trace their history back
to the original transmission of Buddhism into Tibet by the Indian Saint
Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Many of their practises date from
more modern times - through the practise of terma or discovered
teachings. There are nine different progressive styles of practise taught in the school, Dzogchen is the highest style.

The Kagyupa - is a so called  New translation school. Teachings were
brought from India again in the 10th century. The lineage includes
Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa, Milarepa etc. Also Gampopa. They are famous for the six Yogas of Naropa.The head of the school is the Karmapa. There are
currently two competing Karmapas running two different factions - which
has caused some grief for some students.


The Sakya school is an ancient school of Buddhism which has a blood line
of leaders who are members of the Khon family who were formally Nyingmapa - but they decided to found a new school in  response to so called degeneration.  The current head is Sakya Trizin - an erudite Tibetan living in India who speaks english. Famous texts are the path and it's fruit which is a  whole path to enlightenment.

Gelug. From the late middle ages to the current times they have been
the dominating group within central tibet, often forceably converting monasteries from other schools. They tend to be push
a heavily scholastic  tradition, that values study, analysis and
debate. The Dalai Lama is often associated with this school
- although contary to popular belief he is not the head of the school,
and he follows and supports all four schools of Buddhism.

Hope this gives you an idea. There is plenty more in books and
on the web.
Bodhicitta