PREFACE

55

Tsongkhampa

The majority of people in Tibet converted to Buddhism.
Tibet had greatly evolved thanks to its influence. The education
and civilization made rapid progress, which lasted more than 500
years.

B. The Madhyamika Sect
In the 14th century, a monk came forward and reformed the
then declining religion. He was Tsongkhampa, born in the
northern region of Tibet in the Am Do province. He was a
master in debate and exposition of the Dharma.

Since the development of Buddhism over 500 years, and
especially in the last 100 years, Buddhism had alarmingly
deteriorated. The monks were more preoccupied with their
family's matters than with the
purity of the mind. They
seldom meditated, even though
meditation was known to be the
only way to have wisdom and
liberation.
Instead of focusing on
religion, they devoted
themselves to sorcery, magic,
and exorcism, using spells and
charms, fortune telling, and got
involved in divinations. They
resorted to tricks to mesmerize
and to make people donate to
them out of fear and respect.
Instead of using the best ways to benefit the world, and convert
people, they perverted and abused the Dharma. Such was the