Contents
Tsongkhapa
The Buddhist thinker whose synthesis of reasoning and practice helped establish the Gelug tradition.
Stages of the Path · Great Treatise on the Stages of Mantra
- Born
- 1357
- Birthplace
- Tibet
- Died
- 1419
More people
Tsongkhapa
Tsongkhapa brought rigorous argument together with meditation and monastic discipline. His writings became central to an influential school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Early life
Amdo
Born in northeastern Tibet.
Monastic education
Entered Buddhist study young before travelling to central Tibet.
Career
- 1370s
Advanced study
Studied with teachers from several Tibetan traditions.
- 1402
Major treatise
Completed The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path.
- 1409
Ganden
Founded the monastery that became a centre of the Gelug school.
Teachings & writings
Stages of the Path
A systematic account of Buddhist practice.
Great Treatise on the Stages of Mantra
Examines tantric practice.
Great Prayer Festival
Established a major religious gathering in Lhasa.
Beyond work
Teaching network
His students developed institutions that spread his approach.
Discipline
Emphasised monastic ethics alongside philosophical understanding.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy — ideas and context ↗Photo: Daderot; later Tibetan depiction, 1800–1900. CC0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
