Home Nation World Business Science/Technology Photo Gallery Arts & Culture Special Health VIDEO
 
Zongkapa

In the 14th century, when Tibetan Buddhism was confronted with a crisis in belief, a religious reformer called Zongkapa appeared in Tibet. In 1373, the 16-year-old Zongkapa came to Tibet from Qinghai to acknowledge the hierarchs of the Sagya, Gagyu and Gadang sects as teachers to learn the strong points of each with an open mind. Subsequently, he launched religious reforms and set up a new sect, thus saving Tibetan Buddhism. Zongkapa gave lectures on Buddhist sutras and advocated learning open-school Buddhist doctrines first and then the esoteric Buddhism. He also advised the monks to strictly observe the commandments and strictly practice cultivation and forbade them to seek benefits and power and get married. After Zongkapa died, the Dalai Lama and Panchen Erdeni reincarnation systems existed in the Gelug Sect.. For several hundred years, they continued and developed with the approval and support of the Central Government. This statue was the work of Zongkapa before his death. It was deeply loved by the master and kept in the main hall of the Gandain Monastery. However, it was damaged during the "cultural revolution" (1959) 

 
About BEIJINGREVIEW | About beijingreview.com | Rss Feeds | Contact us | Advertising | Subscribe & Service | Make Beijing Review your homepage
Copyright Beijing Review All right reserved