Revival of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism in the 1430s

Timeline

1. 1431–1434Drepung Monastery · LhasaThe Gelug disciple Jamyang Chöje, with patronage, founded Drepung Monastery north of Lhasa; after Ganden it became the Gelug school's second-largest monastery, establishing a model of monastic education emphasizing debate, Vinaya discipline, and both sutra and tantra, attracting scholars from across Tibet.
2. 1434–1438Sera Monastery · LhasaSera Monastery was founded under Shakya Yeshe; together with Drepung and Ganden it became one of the Three Great Monasteries of Lhasa. The Gelug monastic system, degree examinations (Geshe), and the tradition of the winter Great Prayer Festival gradually took shape, and the school's religious influence surpassed other traditions.
3. 1436–1440Lhasa · LhasaWith support from the Phagdrupa regime, the Gelug school consolidated Lhasa's status as a religious center, maintaining ties of investiture and tribute with the Ming court. The external contacts of eminent monks such as Shakya Yeshe enhanced the Gelug school's prestige in Sino-Tibetan political and religious networks, laying the groundwork for the later Dalai Lama system.