The Differences between the Four Tibetan Buddhist Schools

In this teaching, Rinpoche talks about the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism: Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug. He explains that the meaning of the teachings is the same in all four schools, but they have differences in emphasis. The main emphasis of Nyingmapa is practice, with the most important part of practice being the view. The main emphasis in Kagyupa is the practice of meditation, and the focus is to see your true nature. In the Sakyapa the main emphasis is on the development and completion stages of practice. And the main emphasis of the Gelupa school is study and discipline, and then to practice. You can discuss this teaching in the Monthly Teachings Forum under the topic The Differences between the Four Tibetan Buddhist Schools.

Reflection Question

Mingyur Rinpoche's lineages of study and practice are the Nyingma and Kagyu schools with their emphasis on the view and seeing your true nature. As you understand them, has the view or trying to see your true nature influenced your practice?
 

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