Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1290
Kublai Khan's army supports the Sakya and destroys the main centres of the Kagyud school. With
the death of Kublai Khan in 1294, the power of the Sakya school begins to wane.
1357-1419
Tsongkhapa establishes himself as a reformer, founds the reformist Gelugpa school, writes the in-
fluential Lamrin Chenpo and introduces the popular Mönlam festival.
1368
The Mongol Yuan dynasty in China ends, and the Ming dynasty begins. This coincides with the fi-
nal demise of Sakya rule in Tibet.
1565
The kings of Tsang became secular rulers of Tibet from Shigatse. Spiritual authority at this time is
vested in the Karmapa, head of a Kagyupa suborder at Tsurphu Monastery.
1578
Mongolian Altyn (Altan) Khan converts to Buddhism and bestows the title 'Dalai Lama' to Sonam
Gyatso, who becomes the third Dalai Lama (the first two are honoured retroactively).
1588
The third Dalai Lama dies en route to Tibet, aged 45, after a visit to the Ming court at Běijīng.
1601
The Mongolian great-grandson of Altyn Khan is recognised by the Panchen Lama as the fourth
Dalai Lama. This establishes the tradition of the Dalai Lamas being recognised by the Panchen.
1624
Jesuits open their first mission at Tsaparang in far western Tibet after an epic journey across the
Himalaya from bases in Goa.
