The Four Major Schools of Vajrayana Buddhism

Vajrayana Buddhism is one of the three main traditions of Buddhism, alongside Theravada and Mahayana. Within Vajrayana, there are four major schools or sects, namely Nyingma, Kagyud, Shakya, and Geluk.

Nyingma School
The Nyingma school is the oldest of the four schools and is associated with the early translations of Buddhist texts into Tibetan. It emphasizes the importance of the Dzogchen teachings, which focus on the nature of mind and the attainment of enlightenment through direct experience.

Kagyud School
The Kagyud school was founded in the 11th century and is known for its emphasis on meditation and the use of tantric practices. It is divided into several sub-schools, including the Karma Kagyud, which is headed by the Karmapa, one of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism.

Shakya School
The Shakya school is named after the Buddha’s family name and is associated with the teachings of the Indian master Virupa. It places particular emphasis on the use of spiritual practices and rituals to purify the mind and attain enlightenment.

Geluk School
The Geluk school was founded in the 14th century by the Tibetan master Je Tsongkhapa and is known for its emphasis on the study of Buddhist philosophy and the use of reasoning to understand the nature of reality. It is also known as the “Yellow Hat” school because of the distinctive yellow hats worn by its monks.

Conclusion
In summary, the four major schools of Vajrayana Buddhism are Nyingma, Kagyud, Shakya, and Geluk. Each school has its own unique teachings and practices, but they all share a common goal of attaining enlightenment through the use of tantric practices and spiritual development.