Gelugpa

Gelugpa, also called Dge-lugs-pa, one of the four main sects of Tibetan Buddhism. The name Dge-lugs-pa is Tibetan for “Model of Virtue.” The sect was founded as a reform movement in the late 14th century by the Tibetan monk Tsong Khapa. Tsong-kha-pa reintroduced strict celibacy, prohibitions on meat and alcohol, as well as better discipline and learning among monks. The sect is also known as the Yellow Hats for its members' distinctive yellow robes and hats, adopted in opposition to the Karmapa subsect of the rival Red Hats. Tsong Khapa placed high value on the religious texts and rituals of Buddhist Tantra. He emphasized rigorous logical dialogue in the pursuit of wisdom, introducing regular debates at monasteries. Tantric rites associated with the ritual use of alcohol, meat, and sexual intercourse were to be practiced with moderation. Tsong Khapa established three monasteries near Lhasa: Ganden in 1409, Orepung in 1416, and Sera in 1419. In 1578 head of the Gelugpa sect, Sonam Gyatso, received the title Dalai Lama from the Mongol leader Altan Khan. The Mongols helped the Dge-lugs-pa triumph over the Karmapa sect in 1642 for dominance of Tibet. The Gelugpa remained rulers of Tibet until China took control in 1950. The present Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the 14th leader of the Gelugpa.