Spatial diffusion processes of Gelugpa monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibetan areas of China utilizing the multi-level diffusion model

Gelugpa is the most influential extant religious sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which is the spiritual prop for Tibetans, with thousands of monasteries and followers in Tibetan areas of China. Studies on the spatial diffusion processes of Gelugpa can not only reveal its historical geographical development but also lay the foundation for anticipating its future development trend. However, existing studies on Gelugpa lack geographical perspective, making it difficult to explore the spatial characteristics. Furthermore, the prevailing macro-perspective overlooks spatiotemporal heterogeneity in diffusion processes. Therefore, taking monastery as the carrier, this study establishes a multi-level diffusion model to reconstruct the diffusion networks of Gelugpa monasteries, as well as a framework to explore the detailed features in the spatial diffusion processes of Gelugpa in Tibetan areas of China based on a geodatabase of Gelugpa monastery. The results show that the multi-level diffusion model has a considerable applicability in the reconstruction of the diffusion networks of Gelugpa monasteries. Gelugpa monasteries in the Three Tibetan Inhabited Areas present disparate spatial diffusion processes with diverse diffusion bases, speeds, stages, as well as diffusion regions and centers. A powerful single-center diffusion-centered Gandan Monastery was rapidly formed in U-Tsang. Kham experienced a slower and more varied spatial diffusion process with multiple diffusion systems far apart from each other. The spatial diffusion process of Amdo was the most complex, with the highest diffusion intensity. Amdo possessed the most influential diffusion centers, with different diffusion shapes and diffusion ranges crossing and overlapping with each other. Multiple natural and human factors may contribute to the formation of Gelugpa monasteries. This study contributes to the understanding of the geography of Gelugpa and provides reference to studies on religion diffusion.