Long a beacon of scholastic rigor, the Gelug tradition navigates a landscape alive with spirited debates and delicate controversies. One of the most enduring is the shentong versus rangtong dispute, where divergent Mahayana views of emptiness spark lively chamber debates across monasteries. Rangtong upholds that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence; shentong champions an ultimate, luminous mind. This philosophical tug-of-war echoes through today’s teachings, rekindled by scholars eager to bridge classical Indian thought with contemporary neuroscientific insights—much like the Dalai Lama’s Mind and Life conferences in Boston, now in its third decade.

Monastic discipline versus lay engagement presents another frontier. Traditionalists emphasize strict vinaya observance, while reform-minded teachers encourage socially engaged Buddhism—championing environmental action or refugee rights. That balancing act has grown especially visible since Tibet’s diaspora communities restructured the government in exile back in 2011, striving to honor monastic roots while addressing modern ethical challenges.

A thorny controversy centers on the Dorje Shugden practice. Once widely respected within parts of the Gelug school, Shugden devotion became a flashpoint after the 14th Dalai Lama discouraged it in the late 20th century, citing sectarian tensions. Monasteries today still wrestle with questions of sectarianism, freedom of belief, and unity—a reminder that faith communities often grapple with internal fractures as much as external pressures.

Political legitimacy also weaves through Gelug debates. China’s unilateral recognition of a “Panchen Lama” in 1995 remains a red-hot issue, drawing lines between traditional succession methods and state interference. For many, this underscores a broader tug-of-war over Tibetan identity, sovereignty, and the role of spirituality in public life.

Gender equality and ordination rights for nuns have surged into the spotlight. Efforts to grant full bhikshuni vows mirror global movements for religious gender equity. In Dharamsala and beyond, voices advocate for equal monastic training, creating ripples that challenge centuries-old customs.

Across these dialogues, the Gelug school demonstrates resilience and adaptability. Whether debating metaphysical subtlety or engaging pressing social issues, its conversations remain as dynamic today as Tsongkhapa’s original treatises once were.