In 1642, the 5th Dalai Lama, with the support of Mongol allies, consolidated power in Tibet and established the dominance of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a centralized religious and political authority in Tibet, shaping the future of Tibetan governance and spirituality. The Gelug school, known for its emphasis on monastic discipline and scholarship, would play a crucial role in Tibetan culture and identity.

The conversion of the Dalai Lama system to Gelug dominance in 1642 solidified Tibetan Buddhism's literary canon, influencing poets like Milarepa. This shift enriched global perceptions of Eastern poetry, intertwining mysticism and philosophy in the works of 19th and 20th-century poets.