A handful of myths tend to swirl around the Jonang lineage, obscuring its vibrant legacy. First off, it’s often painted as a fringe or extinct school. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Thanks to tireless revival efforts in recent decades—especially in Amdo and parts of India—the Jonang tradition is very much alive, with flourishing monasteries and a growing global interest in its unique take on Buddha-nature.

Another misconception is that Jonang followers reject mainstream Tibetan Buddhism. Quite the opposite: their emphasis on the Tathāgatagarbha (Buddha-essence) doctrine complements Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna teachings rather than contradicting them. It’s a case of different angles on the same gem, not competing religions.

People often think their hallmark Kalachakra teachings are purely astrological or ritualistic. While the Kalachakra Tantra does involve detailed cosmology and ritual, at its heart lies an experiential path—meditative practices designed to melt the boundary between ordinary perception and enlightened vision. Recent seminars in Europe and North America have spotlighted these practices as dynamic, inner-work methodologies rather than exotic ceremonies.

A persistent blunder is the assumption that “shentong” (other-emptiness) philosophy denies emptiness altogether. In reality, it’s a nuanced reading: ultimate reality is empty of fleeting, conditioned phenomena yet brimming with luminous Buddha qualities. Think of it as seeing the sky—no clouds, yet boundless blue light.

Finally, it’s sometimes thought Jonang’s contributions ended centuries ago. On the contrary, contemporary scholars like Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye and environmental activists within Jonang circles are forging dialogues on ecology and mindfulness, linking ancient wisdom to modern challenges. Their approach shows that Jonang isn’t stuck in the past—it’s a living, breathing tradition adapting to today’s world.