Tsongkhapa

Tsongkhapa (1357–1419) (Tib., Tsong kha pa losang drakpa). The founder of the Geluk school of Tibetan Buddhism. Tsongkhapa was born in Amdo at a place known as ‘Onion Valley’ from where he derives his popular name. In his youth he studied under masters of the Sakya, Kagyü, and Kadampa schools. Dissatisfied with the way in which Buddhism was taught and practised in Tibet at that time, he established a following of like-minded students who became known as the ‘Virtuous Ones’ (Gelukpa) and set up the reformed school of Buddhism of that name. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of Buddhism and attempted to systematize what he believed were the authentic teachings of Indian Buddhism through his many important literary works such as the Great Stages of the Path (Lam-rim Chen-mo) and the Stages of Mantra (sngags-rim).