The 25th day of the 10th month in the Tibetan lunar calendar marks one of the most significant traditional religious events in Tibet: Ganden Ngamchoe, or the “Festival of Lights.” This day commemorates the parinirvana (passing) of Lama Tsongkhapa, the revered founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Meaning of Ganden Ngamchoe
In Tibetan, “Ganden” refers to a “supreme place of happiness,” symbolizing the Pure Land of the Buddha and deeply associated with Ganden Monastery, which Lama Tsongkhapa himself established and where he passed away. “Ngamchoe” translates to “festival of light.” Together, the phrase reflects the profound spiritual significance of this occasion.
How Tibetans Celebrate
Every year, on this auspicious day, Tibetan devotees honor Lama Tsongkhapa by lighting butter lamps and engaging in prayer rituals. The glowing lamps represent the wisdom of enlightenment and serve as an offering to Tsongkhapa, whose teachings continue to illuminate the spiritual path for millions.
Amid the reverent chanting of sacred mantras, thousands of worshippers gather, often facing the iconic Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. They recite prayers in unison, invoking blessings from the great masters of Tibetan Buddhism. A particularly moving verse of prayer goes:
To the boundless sea of compassion, Avalokiteshvara;
The master of ultimate wisdom, Manjushri;
To the destroyer of obstacles, Vajrapani;
To the saint of the Snowland, Je Tsongkhapa;
Losang Drakpa, I bow before you.
The Legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa
Born in 1357, Lama Tsongkhapa was a prolific scholar, teacher, and reformer. He systematized Tibetan Buddhist teachings and founded the Gelug school, also known as the “Yellow Hat” tradition. His legacy is celebrated not only for his profound philosophical insights but also for his devotion to monastic discipline and meditation.
The Festival of Lights serves as a reminder of his timeless contributions to Buddhism, fostering a deep connection between Tibetan Buddhists and their spiritual heritage.
The Festival of Lights: Honoring Lama Tsongkhapa in Lhasa
On the 25th day of the 10th month in the Tibetan lunar calendar, the city of Lhasa transforms into a dazzling spectacle of light for Ganden Ngamchoe, the annual Festival of Lights dedicated to the memory of Lama Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
A Night of Butter Lamps and Tradition
On this special evening, residents of Lhasa illuminate their rooftops and windowsills with rows of butter lamps, keeping the lights burning bright throughout the night. The entire city glows, reflecting the deep reverence of the Tibetan people for their spiritual leader.
In addition to lighting lamps, families gather to enjoy a traditional Tibetan dish known as “Nyambu”, a warm bowl of doughy porridge. Historically, children would carry handmade lanterns crafted from sheep or cow stomachs, while animal fat from livestock was used to light ceremonial lamps. These offerings symbolized prayers for the liberation of the livestock’s spirits. Though such customs have faded into history, they remain a part of the rich cultural memory of Ganden Ngamchoe.
Lama Tsongkhapa: The Man Behind the Festival
Lama Tsongkhapa was born in 1357 in Tsongkha, present-day Huangzhong County, Qinghai Province. The name “Tsongkhapa” means “the man from Tsongkha,” while his Buddhist name Losang Drakpa translates to “kind-hearted and wise.”
Tsongkhapa is widely regarded as an incarnation of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Born to a father, Lumbum Ge, a local official under the Yuan Dynasty, and a mother, Shingza Achö, he was the fourth of six children.
Early Spiritual Awakening
At the age of 3, Tsongkhapa received a blessing and an initiation from the Fourth Karmapa, Rolpe Dorje, who was passing through Qinghai on his way to Beijing at the invitation of the Yuan Emperor. At 7, he joined Shakyung Monastery, a Kadampa monastery, where he received his novice ordination and the name Losang Drakpa.
For nine years, he studied Buddhist philosophy, laying a solid foundation in scripture and meditation. At 16, Tsongkhapa left for central Tibet to further his studies. There, he studied under masters from various schools of Tibetan Buddhism, mastering esoteric texts and tantric practices. His remarkable intellect and ability to teach without error earned him widespread respect, as he could flawlessly explain 17 major Buddhist texts.
Legacy of Wisdom
Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings revolutionized Tibetan Buddhism, leading to the establishment of the Gelug school, also known as the “Yellow Hat” tradition. His contributions remain celebrated across the Tibetan plateau, and his annual commemoration during the Festival of Lights continues to inspire generations.
The Formative Years of Lama Tsongkhapa: A Journey of Knowledge and Spiritual Attainment
Lama Tsongkhapa (1357–1419), the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, is renowned for his profound scholarship and devotion to monastic discipline. His early years were marked by rigorous study and spiritual dedication, laying the foundation for his transformative contributions to Tibetan Buddhism.
Early Spiritual Development
At the age of 3, Lama Tsongkhapa received his Upāsaka vows and the title Khyen-tse Zangpo (Joyous Wisdom) from the great Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje, during the latter’s visit to Qinghai. Around this time, a local lama, Dundrup Rinchen, recognized Tsongkhapa’s potential and requested his parents’ permission to take the young boy as his student. Under Dundrup Rinchen’s guidance, Tsongkhapa received tantric initiations, including the Vajra name Akashagarbha (Unshaken Vajra), and studied extensively in both sutras and tantras.
At the age of 7, he took novice monastic vows under Dundrup Rinchen. These formative years prepared him for his future scholastic pursuits and spiritual journey.
Journey to Central Tibet
At 16, Lama Tsongkhapa embarked on a pilgrimage to central Tibet to deepen his knowledge. Over the next several years, he studied with numerous eminent teachers, mastering texts on philosophy, logic, and tantra.
- Age 17: At Drikung Monastery, he studied Mahamudra and other foundational practices under Rinpoche Arje. He later traveled to Lhasa and learned at Shang Happiness Monastery from masters such as Kunga Nyingpo and Shantipa.
- Age 19: While studying the Ornament of Clear Realization (Abhisamayalamkara), Tsongkhapa encountered difficulties with the text’s reliance on Abhidharmakosha. He dedicated himself to mastering this text, receiving teachings from Aryadeva and translator Yeshé Zangpo.
- Age 22: Tsongkhapa began a retreat under his principal teacher, Rendawa Zhonnu Lodro, who became a lifelong mentor. During this time, he developed unwavering faith in Dharmakirti’s logical treatises and further honed his understanding of Madhyamaka philosophy.
- Age 24: At Narthang Monastery, Tsongkhapa studied the commentary on Pramanavarttika and other works on Buddhist logic, while also delving deeply into Vinaya, Abhidharma, and tantric texts.
Transmission and Revival of the Madhyamaka Tradition
Tsongkhapa’s studies and teachings brought about a revival of the Madhyamaka (Middle Way) philosophy in Tibet. He received rare transmissions and lineages from his teachers, ensuring their preservation and dissemination. His mastery of the Madhyamaka texts later became one of the defining features of the Gelug tradition.
Legacy of Scholarly Achievement
Lama Tsongkhapa’s early years reflect an unparalleled dedication to learning. By the time he was 25, he had studied nearly every major Buddhist text available in Tibet, receiving teachings or transmissions from the best masters of his time. His vast knowledge and ability to synthesize complex teachings made him one of the greatest scholars and spiritual reformers in Tibetan history.
Through his writings, Tsongkhapa codified the teachings of sutra and tantra, offering clarity and structure that shaped Tibetan Buddhism for centuries to come.
The Life and Legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa: Reformer and Founder of the Gelug School
Lama Tsongkhapa (1357–1419) was a pivotal figure in Tibetan Buddhism, renowned for his scholastic rigor, spiritual dedication, and far-reaching reforms. His contributions revitalized Buddhist teachings and established the foundation of the Gelug School, also known as the “Yellow Hat School.”
A Sacred Prophecy and Past Life Connections
According to Khedrup Je’s “Secret Biography of Tsongkhapa”, the young lama Umapa once experienced a mystical encounter while herding cattle. Chanting the mantra of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, he felt an overwhelming power surge through him. Umapa, who frequently communicated with Manjushri, asked about Tsongkhapa’s past lives. Manjushri revealed that Tsongkhapa was a Brahmin in India during Shakyamuni Buddha’s time. He served Vimala Mitra, a disciple of the Buddha, and made a profound offering of pure crystal beads, planting the seeds of wisdom that would bloom in future lives.
Reforming Buddhism in Tibet
By Tsongkhapa’s time, Tibetan Buddhism faced challenges such as the decline of monastic discipline and political entanglements among influential sects like the Kagyu and Sakya. Disturbed by these issues, Tsongkhapa resolved to restore the purity of Buddhist practice.
At the age of 38, he introduced a symbolic reform by adopting the yellow, peach-shaped hat, distinguishing his followers from those who neglected monastic discipline. His movement gained the support of the Phagmodru dynasty and enthusiastic reception from monks and laypeople alike.
The Foundations of the Gelug School
Tsongkhapa’s intellectual and spiritual endeavors culminated in the creation of a comprehensive Buddhist system. His seminal works, “The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (Lamrim Chenmo)” and “The Great Treatise on the Stages of Tantra (Ngakrim Chenmo)”, became foundational texts of the Gelug tradition. These texts emphasized:
- Sequential practice: Mastering sutra teachings before tantra.
- Strict discipline: Encouraging asceticism, celibacy, abstinence from alcohol, and nonviolence.
- Balanced practice: Harmonizing philosophical study with meditative application.
The term “Gelug”, meaning “virtuous tradition,” reflects these principles. The school is also called the “Yellow Hat School” due to Tsongkhapa’s distinctive headwear.
Establishing Monastic Centers
Tsongkhapa’s vision materialized through the establishment of monastic institutions:
- Ganden Monastery (1409): Founded by Tsongkhapa himself near Lhasa, it became the center of Gelug scholarship.
- Drepung Monastery (1416): Established by his disciple Jamyang Chojey.
- Sera Monastery (1418–1419): Built by another disciple, Chokyi Gyaltsen, using gifts from the Ming Dynasty.
These three monasteries, collectively known as the “Three Great Monasteries of Lhasa,” later formed the core of Gelug influence in Tibet and beyond.
Tsongkhapa’s Enduring Legacy
Lama Tsongkhapa’s reforms and teachings not only revitalized Tibetan Buddhism but also established a lineage that continues to thrive today. His emphasis on ethical conduct, rigorous scholarship, and systematic practice laid the foundation for the Gelug school’s enduring success.
The annual Ganden Ngamchoe (Lamp Lighting Festival), held on the 25th day of the 10th Tibetan lunar month, honors Tsongkhapa’s passing. Devotees light butter lamps, recite prayers, and reflect on his life and teachings, keeping his legacy alive across generations.
