Ming-Tibetan Buddhist Envoy Exchanges

Timeline

1. 1414Forbidden City, Nanjing · Jiangsu ProvinceLeaders of various schools and local chiefs in Ü-Tsang, Tibet sent envoys to the Ming court bearing tribute of horses, woolen cloth, Buddhist statues, and other local products. The Ming court hosted banquets at the Ministry of Rites and reciprocated with silk, silverware, and imperial edicts, recognizing their religious and administrative status locally.
2. 1414Ü-Tsang (Tibet) · Tibet Autonomous RegionThe Ming dispatched a mission of eunuchs and officials carrying edicts, imperial proclamations, and gifts to Tibet to console high monks and local leaders of various schools. The Yongle Emperor promoted Tibetan Buddhism and had earlier invited Karmapa (the fifth Karmapa) to the capital, and at this time still maintained close ties with the various schools.
3. 1414Zhenwu Temple in Beijing and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries elsewhere · Beijing MunicipalityThe Ming court bestowed titles and gold seals on Tibetan religious and secular leaders who came to court, and built or repaired Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Beijing and elsewhere to host lamas. The envoy exchanges of 1414 were an important part of the Ming's 'many investitures, many establishments' policy toward Tibet, helping maintain the suzerain-vassal bond between Ming and Ü-Tsang.