Buddhism

The Ningma Sect came from India and is known informally as the Red Hat Sect. The founder was Baimaqiunai (Tibetan) or Great master Liauliusheng (Chinese). The Yundeng Monastery in Zhongdian belongs to this sect. Ningmapa is known for the Nine Vehicles (Chinese Jiuchencidi).

The Gaju Sect is also known as the White Sect and followed the oral teaching of the Great Master Jingang. The Masters Marpa and Milarepa followed Tabogaju, an offshoot of this teaching. Tabogaju has four big parts and eight smaller parts. The Ringha Monastery, also known as the Dabao Monastery, belongs to this practice.

The Sakya Sect was founded by Master Kunshi, one of the first disciples of Baimaquinai. Master Banshidangungejianzan helped unify Tibet with the Yuan Dynasty. His nephew Pasiba was tutor for the Yuan Emperor. The Mongolian language from that time is still heard in Nagu of Diqin Prefecture.

The Gelupa sect, or Yellow Hat, was founded by Songkapa. This sect enjoyed patronage from the Qing dynasty. The Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama are both members of the Gelupa Sect. Gedan Songzanlin Monastery follows Gelupa tradition and is the largest Monastery in the region. Today nearly 700 monks reside at this monastery.

The Bonpo is the earliest indigenous religion in Shangri-la. The representative color is black. Great Master Danbaxinrao is associated with the Bonpo. There are three subsidiary colors: White Bon practiced by the Tibetan, Black Bon practiced by the Yi people, and mixed color practiced by the Dongba. Holy places include Sanba White Land and Amenggudong Ancient cave in Shangri-la, Diqing Prefecture. More than twenty monasteries of various factions reside in Diqing.

Gelupa Sect Monks at Da Bao Si

Buddhist Mandala from Yuan Dynasty

Prayer Flags

Wood Printing Block for Prayer Flags