Gelug School (New Kadampa Tradition)

The Gelug school, founded by Je Tsongkhapa in the 14th century, is one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, renowned for its rigorous scholastic tradition and monastic discipline. It’s important to distinguish between Gelug as a historical and religious tradition and the practices within specific communities when applying Renee’s Cult Ranking Criteria. Here’s an analysis of how the Gelug school fares against these criteria.

1. Authoritative Leadership

Score: 2

The Gelug school values hierarchical monastic structures, with the Dalai Lama traditionally seen as the spiritual leader. However, authority is generally more distributed across various monasteries and teachers compared to more centralised, high-control groups.

2. Control Over Information

Score: 1

The Gelug tradition encourages broad study and debate, allowing for diverse perspectives within the context of its teachings. This openness to scholastic inquiry reduces the likelihood of information control typical of more restrictive organisations.

3. Deception

Score: 0

The Gelug school is transparent about its teachings and practices. There is no significant evidence of deceptive practices aimed at luring new members or misrepresenting the tradition’s core beliefs.

4. Exclusive Knowledge

Score: 1

While the Gelug school holds its teachings in high regard, it doesn’t claim exclusive access to spiritual truth. It encourages engagement with other Buddhist traditions and recognises the validity of diverse paths to enlightenment.

5. Exploitation

Score: 1

Financial and personal exploitation is not a hallmark of the Gelug school. While monks and practitioners may commit significant time and resources, this is generally seen as a voluntary dedication to spiritual practice rather than coercive exploitation.

6. Fear, Guilt, & Intimidation

Score: 1

The Gelug tradition does not typically use fear, guilt, or intimidation as tools of control. Its teachings focus on ethical conduct, compassion, and wisdom, promoting positive reinforcement rather than punitive measures.

7. Isolation

Score: 1

Practitioners are not isolated from society. While monastic life involves some level of seclusion, it is a chosen lifestyle rather than enforced isolation, and lay practitioners maintain regular interactions with broader society.

8. Micro-Management of Daily Tasks

Score: 2

Monastic life within the Gelug school involves a structured routine with specific daily tasks and practices. This management serves to support spiritual discipline rather than exert undue control over individual autonomy.

9. Monitoring Thoughts & Behaviours

Score: 1

There is no pervasive monitoring of thoughts and behaviours beyond the expectations of ethical conduct typical of monastic life. Personal growth and ethical self-discipline are encouraged over surveillance and control.

10. Punishment & Discipline

Score: 1

The Gelug school uses gentle correction and guidance rather than harsh punishment. Discipline within the monastic community is generally framed within the context of supporting spiritual practice and ethical development.

11. Thought Reform

Score: 1

The school’s approach to teaching and practice is one of gradual learning and voluntary adoption rather than aggressive thought reform. Critical thinking and debate are integral to its scholastic tradition, promoting independent thought within the framework of Buddhist teachings.

12. Us vs. Them Mentality

Score: 1

The Gelug school does not promote a significant “us vs. them” mentality. It maintains respect for other Buddhist traditions and fosters a sense of universal compassion and interdependence, rather than exclusivity.

Total Score: 13/36

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Overall Cult Ranking: 4. A Bit Cultish

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With a total score of 13 out of 36, the Gelug school ranks low on Renee’s Cult Ranking Criteria, translating to about a 4 on the overall scale. This indicates minimal levels of coercive control and suggests that, while the Gelug tradition is structured and disciplined, it does not exhibit the manipulative behaviours characteristic of high-control groups.

The Gelug school, as a major Tibetan Buddhist tradition, offers a structured and disciplined path to spiritual development without imposing the high levels of control or coercion seen in more extreme groups. This analysis through Renee’s Cult Ranking Criteria highlights its commitment to ethical conduct, open inquiry, and respect for diverse spiritual paths.

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Further Reading

• A lesson for the Dalai Lama

• Kelsang Gyatso obituary

• Panchen Lama earns 'doctoral degree' of Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism