History of Buddhism

The Pali literature of the Theravadins reveals the struggle the Buddha had to establish and support his ever-growing community of disciples and followers under extremely difficult circumstances, such as political intrigues and several wars.

Selected bibliography of Western secondary literature on the spread of Buddhism in Asia, with special emphasis on its spread to Central Asia.

The Four Buddhist Councils were convened to codify Buddha's teachings. Because of differing opinions among the participants, different Buddhist traditions and tenet systems emerged from many of them.

Message from Ling Rinpoche

The Mulasarvastivada bhikshu ordination was established in Tibet on three occasions. It was never possible, however, for the Mulasarvastivada bhikshuni ordination lineage to be transmitted to Tibet.

The Tibetan monastic tradition of wearing yellow hats began with the revival of the monk ordination in the 11th century and was later adopted by the Gelug tradition as a symbol of renewed monastic purity.

Deriving primarily from India over several centuries through the efforts of a large number of teachers and translators, Tibetan Buddhism gradually evolved into four main traditions.

At a time of massive political upheavals between warring republics and kingdoms, many, including the Buddha, joined the “shramanas” – wandering mendicant spiritual seekers. Buddhism became the fifth of the five shramana schools of the time.