Lecture by Jörg Heimbel, School of Humanities, Tsinghua University, Beijing

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In the first half of the fifteenth century, a series of religious controversies emerged in which the views of Tsong kha pa (1357–1419) and his followers—especially mKhas grub rJe (1385–1438)—came into conflict with those of Ngor chen Kun dga’ bzang po (1382–1456) and his disciples. As both masters sought to formulate coherent and authoritative systems of Buddhist thought and practice, disputes over a range of issues intensified, leading to increasing polarisation. What began largely as intrasectarian debate gradually hardened into more defined sectarian divisions, contributing to the growing separation between the followers of Tsong kha pa’s emerging dGa’ ldan tradition (later known as the dGe lugs pa) and the Sa skya tradition.
This talk examines not only the chronology and principal texts of these controversies, but also their broader historical context and literary representation in life-writing. It argues that sectarian polemics in these texts function not simply as records of doctrinal disagreement, but as deliberate narrative strategies through which authors shaped perceptions of authority, legitimacy, and difference. In doing so, they played an active role in consolidating sectarian boundaries, constructing collective identities, and contributing to the long-term polarisation of rival traditions.

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Please find here (JPG, 163 KB) the poster for this lecture.