Lama Tsongkhapa and His Eight main Disciples: The Mastermind Behind Gelug School

The Life and Influence of Tsongkhapa

Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) རྗེ་ཙོང་ཁ་བ་བློ་བཟང་གྲགས་པ། was a pivotal figure in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly as the founder of the Gelug school, often referred to as the “Yellow Hat” sect. His influence spread across several regions in China, Tibet, India, Bhutan, Russia, Mongolia and Beijing. Statues of Tsongkhapa, some gilded in gold and others cast in bronze, are common sights in Lama monasteries across these areas. Born Lobsang Drakpa, a name he received upon becoming a novice monk, Tsongkhapa was a native of Qinghai’s Huangzhong County. Born into a devout Buddhist family, his parents were both committed followers of the faith. Tsongkhapa’s life, spanning 63 years until his death in 1419, left a profound impact on Tibetan Buddhism. His birthplace, now known as the area around Kumbum Monastery, was called “Tsongkha” in Tibetan, hence his revered name, Tsongkhapa.

Tsongkhapa’s Eight Eminent Disciples

Tsongkhapa’s teachings and legacy were carried forward by his eight distinguished disciples, each of whom played a crucial role in the spread and development of his teachings.

1. Gyaltsab Dharma Rinchen (1361-1432): Initially a member of the Sakya sect, Dharma Rinchen became one of Tsongkhapa’s most devoted disciples. After Tsongkhapa’s passing, he took the lead at Ganden Monastery and became instrumental in spreading Tsongkhapa’s teachings.
2. Khedrup Gelek Pelzang (1385-1438): Another former Sakya sect monk, Pelzang became a disciple of Tsongkhapa through the introduction of Dharma Rinchen. He continued to spread Tsongkhapa’s teachings in Western Tibet and later succeeded Dharma Rinchen at Ganden Monastery. Pelzang is recognized as the first Panchen Lama in Tibetan Buddhism.
3. Jamyang Chöje Tashi Palden (1379-1448): Renowned for his exceptional understanding and teaching of the scriptures, Palden established the Drepung Monastery under Tsongkhapa’s guidance. His teachings were deeply rooted in Tsongkhapa’s philosophy.
4. Jamchen Chöje Shakya Yeshe (1354-1435): He represented Tsongkhapa in meetings with the Ming dynasty’s Emperor Yongle. After founding Sera Monastery, Yeshe became a national teacher during the reigns of Emperors Yongle and Xuande, playing a vital role in spreading Tsongkhapa’s teachings to Mongolia and Mainland China.
5. Gyalwa Gendun Drub (1391-1475): Initially a disciple of the Sherab, Gendun Drub later joined Tsongkhapa’s fold. He then followed another teacher to Western Tibet, where he founded the Tashilhunpo Monastery, which he led for thirty-eight years. This monastery became the most significant in Western Tibet and has been traditionally headed by successive Panchen Lamas.
6. Dülzin Drakpa Gyaltsen: Although not as widely recognized in later traditions, was a key disciple of Tsongkhapa. He played a significant, yet often understated, role in the development of the Gelug school, He taught and wrote extensively, helping to spread Tsongkhapa’s ideas. He founded many monasteries, which became important centers for learning and practicing the Gelug tradition.
7. Ngawang Drakpa, a key but less famous disciple of Je Tsong Khapa, significantly impacted Tibetan Buddhism. He learned from Tsong Khapa after his Gelong ordination, before the master’s contact with his three famous disciples. Tsong Khapa composed important texts for Drakpa, including the ‘3 Principal Aspects of the Path’. He founded 108 monasteries in eastern Tibet, fulfilling a vow made to Lama Tsong Khapa.
8. Tokden Jampel Gyatso: As a young student in Lhasa, he was recognized as fifth Ganden Tripa, Lobsang Chukyi Gyeltsen. Later, Khedrup Je was retrospectively identified as the first Murig Kungga Rinpoche. The seventh Panchen Lama, Tenpai Nyima, wrote the prayer text documenting the reincarnation lineage of the Murig Kungga Rinpoches.

These disciples played a crucial role in ensuring the teachings of Tsongkhapa were not only preserved but also expanded across various regions. They established monasteries, taught extensively, and continued the lineage, making significant contributions to the spread of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Their work helped to cement Tsongkhapa’s teachings as a central pillar of Tibetan spiritual and cultural life. Through their efforts, Tsongkhapa’s teachings continue to thrive and inspire practitioners around the world.