A wooden cupboard decorated with dragons and 8 auspicious symbols in Techa Gompa, near Umlung Village, Markha Valley, Ladakh

Tibetan Buddhists

Buddhism in Ladakh is ancient and has been deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, which follows the Mahayana and Vajrayana schools. In these forms, Buddha is worshipped as a deity who has attained nirvana. Various incarnations of the Buddha, known as Bodhisattvas are also worshipped in monasteries. The Buddhists of Ladakh regard His Holiness, The Dalai Lama as a living incarnation of Buddha.

Tibetan Buddhism has over a period of time, been divided into various sects or orders. Out of the four main schools of Buddhism, the oldest three namely, Nyingma, Sakya and Kagyu are called the Red Hat sect named after the color of the monks' hats. The fourth school is the Gelug or the Yellow Hat sect. However; there is no rivalry between these two orders and they co-exist in their own comfortable spaces.

The Buddhist Way. (2018). [museum display board]. Leh, Ladakh, India: Hall of Fame.