Early Life and Background Zhang Yudrakpa Tsöndrü Drakpa was born in the year 1121 into the esteemed Nanam clan, a noble family in the historical context of Tibetan society. His lineage provided him not only a sense of privilege but also an inherent understanding of the spiritual responsibilities that accompanied his noble birth. From early...Read More

The Life of Makang Sherab Sengge Makang Sherab Sengge, a prominent disciple of Phagmo Drupa Dorje Gyalpo, was a pivotal figure in the development of Tibetan Buddhism. His teachings and contributions led to the establishment of the Makang Kagyu lineage, a notable sub-school within the broader Kagyu tradition. Through his dedication and spiritual insight, he...Read More

Introduction to Yeshe Tserpa Yeshe Tserpa, a significant figure in the realm of Tibetan Buddhism, is celebrated as the founder of the Yepa Kagyu school. A devoted disciple of Phagmo Drupa Dorje Gyalpo, his teachings and practices have profoundly influenced the Kagyu tradition. Establishment of Yepu Monastery One of the pivotal contributions of Yeshe Tserpa...Read More

Introduction to Jetsün Chökyi Sengé Jetsün Chökyi Sengé, a prominent figure in the history of Tibetan Buddhism, is celebrated as the founder of the Shungseb Kagyu tradition. Born in the mid-15th century in Tibet, his noble lineage and background played a crucial role in shaping his spiritual journey and contributions to Buddhist practice. Notably, he...Read More

Introduction to Chöphu Rinpoche Jatsa Chöphu Rinpoche Jatsa is a pivotal figure in the realm of Tibetan Buddhism, revered particularly for his foundational role in establishing the Chöphu Kagyu school. Born in the late 11th century, Rinpoche Jatsa has significantly influenced the broader Kagyu tradition, which is one of the four principal schools of Tibetan...Read More

Introduction to Gyalsang Chökyi Mönlam Gyalsang Chökyi Mönlam, born in 1169 in Tibet, stands as a pivotal figure in the history of Tibetan Buddhism, specifically as the founder of the Yasang Kagyu school. His birth occurred during a significant period in Tibetan spiritual development, which was characterized by the synthesis of various Buddhist teachings and...Read More

Introduction to Lingre Palmo Dorje Lingre Palmo Dorje, born in 1128 in western Tibet, stands as a pivotal figure in the historical landscape of Tibetan Buddhism and is widely recognized as the founder of the Drukpa Kagyu tradition. His early life and familial background played a significant role in shaping his spiritual journey and teachings....Read More

Introduction to Drigung Tangpa Tashi Pel Drigung Tangpa Tashi Pel, a prominent figure in the history of Tibetan Buddhism, is renowned as the founder of the Drigung Kagyu School, one of the key lineages within the Kagyu sect. His contributions during the 12th century not only shaped the spiritual landscape of Tibet but also established...Read More

Introduction to Jigten Sumgön Jigten Sumgön Rinchen Pal, a pivotal figure in the realm of Tibetan Buddhism, is revered as the founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage. His contributions have significantly shaped the spiritual landscape, influencing countless practitioners and scholars throughout the centuries. Born in the 12th century in the region of Ü, Jigten Sumgön...Read More

Introduction to Phagmo Drupa Dorje Gyalpo Phagmo Drupa Dorje Gyalpo, revered as a pivotal figure in Tibetan Buddhism, holds the distinction of being the founder of the Phagdru Kagyu lineage. This lineage emerged during a transformative period in Tibetan spiritual history, characterized by the blending of indigenous practices and the teachings of Buddhism as it...Read More

Introduction to Thangtong Gyalpo Thangtong Gyalpo, often referred to as “The Iron Bridge Builder,” is a prominent figure in Tibetan history, renowned for his multifaceted contributions as a saint, engineer, and the founder of Tibetan opera. His legacy extends beyond spiritual teachings, encompassing cultural innovations that have significantly shaped Tibetan society. Living during the 15th...Read More

Introduction to the Kagyu School The Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism, one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, holds a significant place within this rich tradition. The name ‘Kagyu’ translates to ‘the oral lineage’ in Tibetan, which profoundly reflects the school’s foundational principles. This designation is rooted in the deep commitment to transmitting...Read More

Introduction to Thubten Gyatso, the 13th Dalai Lama Thubten Gyatso (Ngawang Lobsang Thupten Gyatso Jigdral Chokley Namgyal), the 13th Dalai Lama of Tibet (1876–1933), is remembered as a transformative spiritual leader and a pivotal reformer during one of the most turbulent periods in Tibetan history. Born on February 12, 1876, in the small village of...Read More

Early life of 12th Dalai Lama Trinley Gyatso was the 12th Dalai Lama of Tibet, whose brief life unfolded during a period of significant political unrest and shifting power dynamics in the region. Born in the peaceful Woka Valley of Nyangbo, Southern Tibet, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama in 1858...Read More

Introduction to the 11th Dalai Lama, Khedrup Gyatso Khedrup Gyatso (1 November 1838 – 31 January 1856) holds an important place in Tibetan history as the 11th Dalai Lama, despite his brief life and reign. Born in Garthang near Dartsedo, the same village where the 7th Dalai Lama was born, he was recognized as the...Read More

Birth and Early Recognition of the 10th Dalai Lama Early Life and Recognition of the 10th Dalai Lama, Tsultrim Gyatso Tsultrim Gyatso, the 10th Dalai Lama of Tibet, was born on May 25 or 26, 1816, in Donapu Village, in Lithang County, part of the Kham region of eastern Tibet (modern-day Sichuan Province). His family,...Read More

The 9th Dalai Lama – A Short Life Like a Flash of Light Lungtok Gyatso, the Ninth Dalai Lama of Tibet, holds a unique place in Tibetan history as both the youngest enthroned and shortest-lived Dalai Lama, passing away at just 11 years old. Despite the brevity of his life, his enthronement in 1808 symbolized...Read More

Introduction: A Spiritual Leader in a Time of Turbulence Jamphel Gyatso, recognized as the 8th Dalai Lama, served as a pivotal figure during a transformative phase in Tibetan history. His tenure spanned from 1758 to 1804, a period characterized by significant political and social upheaval. Although Jamphel Gyatso did not directly engage in the political...Read More

Introduction to Kelzang Gyatso Kelzang Gyatso, the 7th Dalai Lama, holds a pivotal position in Tibetan history, revered not only for his spiritual guidance but also for his significant contributions to the governance of Tibet. Born in 1708, he ascended to the throne in 1750 at a time when Tibet faced various internal and external...Read More

Introduction to Tsangyang Gyatso Born in 1683, Tsangyang Gyatso emerged as the 6th Dalai Lama of Tibet and left an indelible mark on Tibetan culture through his unique dual identity as both a spiritual leader and a poet. Unlike most of his predecessors, Tsangyang Gyatso’s tenure was marked by profound personal tragedy and social turmoil....Read More