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The Fourth Paṇchen Lama Lobzang Chökyi Gyaltsen + (The Fourth Paṇchen Lama, Lobzang Chokyi Gy … The Fourth Paṇchen Lama, Lobzang Chokyi Gyeltsen, who was the first to hold the title, lived during a time of tremendous political and religious change in Tibet. During his near-century long life the Geluk government of the Fifth Dalai Lama, the Ganden Podrang, took power in Tibet, and Bhutan established itself as an independent state under the rule of the Drukpa Kagyu, both events in which he was intimately connected. Lobzang Chokyi Gyeltsen was a teacher to many powerful Tibetan, Bhutanese and Mongolian political and religious figures, including the Fourth and the Fifth Dalai Lamas, and the First Jetsundampa of Mongolia. The Sixteenth abbot of Tashilhunpo, he was given the title Paṇchen Lama by the Fifth Dalai Lama, who declared him an emanation of Amitabha. By the system advanced by the Ganden Podrang, Chokyi Gyeltsen is considered the First Paṇchen, not counting three previous incarnations, beginning with Kedrubje, one of Tsongkhapa’s close disciples. A prolific author, Chokyi Gyeltsen is credited with over a hundred compositions, including a number of commentaries and ritual texts that remain central in the Gelukpa tradition.t remain central in the Gelukpa tradition.)
Vimalamitra + (The Indian Dzogchen master Vimalamitra is … The Indian Dzogchen master Vimalamitra is believed to have translated, composed, and concealed some of the central tantric teachings of the Nyingma tradition during the late eighth century reign of Tri Songdetsen. Historically, very few details surrounding his life and teachings can be confirmed. The dates of his birth, the location of his birthplace in India, the names of his parents, and the date of his arrival in Tibet have all been disputed. According to contemporary Nyingma accounts, he was born in India and became proficient in the sūtra-based scriptures before traveling to China to receive instructions from Śrī Siṃha. In China he received the Nyingtik teachings and achieved realization, then returned to India. Only then, at over one hundred years of age, did he enter Tibet. In Tibet, he taught and translated a wide array of esoteric tantras, concealed the Nyingtik terma, and returned to China where he achieved the rainbow body. China where he achieved the rainbow body.)
Muchen Sempa Chenpo Konchok Gyeltsen + (The Sakya master known as Muchen Sempa Che … The Sakya master known as Muchen Sempa Chenpo Konchok Gyeltsen (mus chen sems dpa' chen po dkon mchog rgyal mtshan) was born in the Mu (mus) valley of Tibet in 1388. His father was Konchok Zangpo (dkon mchog bzang po, d.u.) and his mother was Namkha Kyong (nam mkha' skyong, d.u.).When he was nine, Konchok Gyeltsen took monastic ordination with Wang Opa (dbang 'od pa, d.u.). At age fifteen he began to study the Prajñāpāramitā and Bodhicaryāvatāra with the teachers Lelung Khenpo Kunmon (gle lung mkhan po kun smon, d.u.) and Zur Chopa Changchub Sengge (zur chos pa byang chub seng+ge, d.u.).At age twenty he requested initiation into Chod (gcod) practice from Muchen Namkha Neljor (mus chen nam mkha' rnal 'byor, d.u.). Soon afterwards, he joined Sakya Monastery (sa skya dgon) to train briefly under Yaktuk Sanggye Pel (gyag phrug sangs rgyas dpal, 1350-1414) before the master passed away. At twenty-eight, Konchok Gyeltsen went to the Mugulung Hermitage (mu gu lung), a famous site for Lamdre (lam 'dre) transmission, where he studied the Uyuk tradition of logic ('u yug pa'i tshad ma) with Zhonnu Gyelchok (zhon nu rgyal mchog, d.u.). At thirty-four, Konchok Gyeltsen underwent a course of study with Sheja Kunrik (shes bya kun rig, 1367-1449) in Ngamring (ngam ring) to clarify doubts that remained from his previous studies. The next year, he circumambulated Lhasa one hundred thousand times.In addition to the masters mentioned above, Konchok Gyeltsen's teachers also included Peljor Sherab (dpal 'byor shes rab, d.u.), Kunga Pel (kun dga' dpal, d.u.), Yakton Sanggye Pel (g.yag ston sangs rgyas dpal, 1348-1414), Rongton Sheja Kunrig (rong ston shes bya kun rig, 1367-1449) and most importantly, Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo (ngor chen kun dga' bzang po, 1382-1456), with whom he studied the Cakrasaṃvara and Hevajra Tantras, as well as the Six Unions of the Kālacakra Tantra.Konchok Gyeltsen helped Kunga Zangpo establish Ngor Monastery (ngor dgon) in 1430. He taught there from the age of fifty-nine and took the throne as the second abbot in 1456, at the age of sixty-eight. It was during Konchok Gyeltsen's tenure at Ngor that the Lamdre teachings were divided into two: Lobshe (slob bshad) and Tsokshe (tshog bshad). He lived and taught at Ngor until 1462, when he retired Mu Tendzin Puk (mus bstan 'dzin phug) where he resided and practiced until passing away in 1469.Konchok Gyeltsen also founded Linga Dewachen Monastery (gling dga' bde ba chen) in 1437 and Musu Yama Monastery (mus su ya ma dgon) in 1459.Some of Konchok Gyeltsen's close disciples were the Twenty-first Sakya Tridzin, Lodro Gyeltsen (sa skya khri 'dzin 21blo gros rgyal mtshan, 1444-1495), who wrote his biography; Lowo Khenchen Sonam Lhundrub (glo bo mkhan chen bsod nams lhun grub, 1456-1532); Muchen Sanggye Rinchen (mus chen sangs rgyas rin chen, 1450-1524); Kunga Wangchuk (kun dga' dbang phyug, 1424-1478) and Gorampa Sonam Sengge (go rams pa bsod nams seng ge, 1429-1489).Konchok Gyeltsen's written works include the biography of Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo, and a biography of the Sakya master Pelden Tsultrim (dpal ldan tshul khrims, 1333-1399), as well as works he compiled and edited on mind training or Lojong (blo sbyong).im (dpal ldan tshul khrims, 1333-1399), as well as works he compiled and edited on mind training or Lojong (blo sbyong).)
The Second Pawo Tsuklak Trengwa + (The Second Pawo Tsuklak Trengwa was a prom … The Second Pawo Tsuklak Trengwa was a prominent sixteenth-century Kagyu scholar whose best known composition was the ''Chojung Khepai Gaton'' (''chos 'byung khas pa'i dga' ston''), or ''Scholars Feast'', a history of Buddhism in India and Tibet, as well as the history of the Karma Kagyu tradition. He is also famous for a massive commentary (975 folios) on the ''Bodhicaryāvatāra'' (''The Way of the Bodhisattva''), which is still the standard for Karma Kagyu commentaries. He was a disciple of the Eighth Karmapa, the Fourth Zhamar, Dakpo Chokle Namgyel and other Kagyu lamas. He supervised the cremation the Eighth Karmapa, enthroned the Fifth Zhamar and also later organized the enthronement of the Ninth Karmapa.zed the enthronement of the Ninth Karmapa.)
The Third Changkya, Rolpai Dorje + (The Third Changkya, Rolpai Dorje (lcang sk … The Third Changkya, Rolpai Dorje (lcang skya 03 rol pa'i rdo rje) was born in 1717 in the Drakkar territory of Nub Padmo De Monastery (nub padmo'i sde dgon) outside Liangzhou (lang gru), modern-day Wuwei. Nub Padmo De was one of four monasteries that Sakya Paṇḍita Kunga Gyeltsen (sa skya paN+Di ta kun dga' rgyal mtshan, 1182-1251) and Pakpa Lodro Gyeltsen ('phags pa blo gros rgyal mtshan, 1235-1280) established in the region in the thirteenth century. His father was Tsangpa Guru Tenzin (tshangs pa gu ru bstan 'dzin, d.u.) and his mother was called Bukyi (bu skyid). His family was of Monguor descent.Rolpai Dorje was recognized as a reincarnation of the Second Changkya, Ngawang Lobzang Choden (lcang skya 02 ngag dbang blo bzang chos ldan, 1642-1714) in 1720 and brought to his monastic seat, Gonlung Jampa Ling (dgon lung byams pa gling), one of the four most important Geluk monasteries in Amdo.He was taken to the Qing imperial court in 1724, after his home monastery was destroyed by Qing troops in response to the rebellion led by Lobzang Danjin (blo bzang dan jin, d.u.). Rolpai Dorje was later identified as an incarnation of the great Sakya scholar and statesman, Pakpa Lodro Gyeltsen ('phags pa blo gros rgyal mtshan, 1235-1280) as well.blo gros rgyal mtshan, 1235-1280) as well.)
Third Tai Situ Tashi Paljor + (The Third Tai Situ, Tashi Peljor, was a student of the Seventh Karmapa. He recognized the Eighth Karmapa by means of showing him items that had belonged to the Seventh Karmapa, possibly the first time such a method was used to identify reincarnations.)
The Third Trijang, Lobzang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso + (The Third Trijang, Lobzang Yeshe Tenzin Gy … The Third Trijang, Lobzang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso was one of the most prominent Geluk teachers of the twentieth century. One of two principle teachers of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, he was a disciple of the Pabongkha, from whom he received Ganden Nyengyu and numerous other teachings, including the worship of the deity Dorje Shugden. Virtually every Geluk teacher today has received teachings or empowerments from him or from one of his direct students.om him or from one of his direct students.)
The Thirteenth Dalai Lama Thubten Gyatso + (The Thirteenth Dalai Lama, Tubten Gyatso, … The Thirteenth Dalai Lama, Tubten Gyatso, lived through a turbulent time in Tibetan and world history. Forced into exile first by a British invasion and then by a Chinese invasion, the Thirteenth Dalai Lama learned about modern technology and different forms of government. Following the collapse of the Qing Dynasty, he declared independence for Tibet. His reforms and religious eclecticism put him in conflict with many conservative members of the Geluk clergy, who resisted his efforts to modernize Tibet.o resisted his efforts to modernize Tibet.)
The Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso + (The life and legacy of the Sixth Dalai Lam … The life and legacy of the Sixth Dalai Lama Tsangyang Gyatso is an uncertain admixture of tradition and controversy. Kept under virtual house arrest for a decade following his discovery, he was enthroned at a time of great political unrest in Tibet. He is often portrayed as a poet and libertine, who disrobed rather than take full monastic ordination. Following the murder of his regent, Sanggye Gyatso, he was ordered to the court of the Manchu Emperor in Beijing. According to one tradition, he died of fever in 1706 at Kunganor, but there is another tradition, in which he escaped and died in Alashan in 1746.ch he escaped and died in Alashan in 1746.)
Sera Khandro + (The treasure revealer Sera Khandro was the … The treasure revealer Sera Khandro was the most prolific female author in Tibetan history. Considered an incarnation of Yeshe Tsogyel, her main treasure revelations are The Secret Treasury of Reality Ḍākinīs and The Ḍākinīs’ Heart Essence. She also wrote her own autobiography, a commentary on Dudjom Lingpa’s Buddhahood Without Meditation and a biography of her main consort, Drime Ozer.biography of her main consort, Drime Ozer.)
Tong Ācārya + (Tong Ācārya (rgya'i lo ts+tsha ba ban d+he … Tong Ācārya (rgya'i lo ts+tsha ba ban d+he tong A tsarya) was a monk who participated in the translation of the ''Aṅgulimālīyasūtra'' into Tibetan in the late eighth or early ninth century. It is not known whether he was Indian or Chinese. According to Kazuo Kano, the colophon to the sūtra in the Tabo version of the Tibetan canon states that both Sanskrit and Chinese were used by the translators, and that while it refers to Tong Ācārya as an Indian paṇḍit (''rgya gar gyi mkhan po''), in other versions of versions of the canon he is called a Chinese translator (''rgya'i lo tsA ba''). The translation team on the sūtra included also [[Dharmatāśīla]] and [[Śākyaprabha]].)
Trengpo Tertön Sherab Özer + (Trengpo Tertön Sherab Özer was a prominent … Trengpo Tertön Sherab Özer was a prominent Nyingma treasure-revealer. Initially trained as a geshe in both Sakya and Geluk traditions, he became the disciple and heir of DriKung Rinchen Puntsok in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions. He played an important role in the development of the Nyingma tradition in central and southern Tibet, establishing Pelri Tekchen Ling Monastery in Chonggye, the first major Nyingma monastery in the region.rst major Nyingma monastery in the region.)
Ganden Tripa Lodrö Tenpa + (Trichen Lodro Tenpa, a disciple of Tsongkh … Trichen Lodro Tenpa, a disciple of Tsongkhapa and of his principal disciple Gyeltsab Darma Rinchen, was an outstanding scholar who specialized on the treatises of Maitreya, on which he composed a number of works. He founded the Dakpo Sherubling Monastery in mid-fifteenth century, and served as the Seventh Ganden Tripa from 1473 to 1478.he Seventh Ganden Tripa from 1473 to 1478.)
Khatok Rigdzin Tsewang Norbu + (Tsewang Norbu later received the entire Jo … Tsewang Norbu later received the entire Jonangpa tradition's teachings from Drubchen Kunzang Wangpo (grub chen kun bzang dbang po, seventeenth century), and he is credited with bringing about a renaissance of the teachings, particularly of the Jonang zhentong, or “other emptiness” view (gzhan stong). Tsewang Norbu had first attempted to meet with Kunzang Wangpo in 1726, while en route to Nepal, but was unable to do so. When he returned to Tibet the following year, the two met, and Tsewang Norbu received the extensive transmission at the hermitage Genden Khacho (dga' ldan mkha' chos) in Tsang, which was named Rulak Drepung (ru lag 'bras spung) prior to its forced conversion to Geluk. Tsewang Norbu transmitted the Jonang teachings to many Kagyu and Nyingma lamas, most importantly to the Eighth Tai Situ, Chokyi Gyeltsen (ta'i si tu 08 chos kyi 'byung gnas, c.1699-1774), with whom he spent time at the Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu in 1748. Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu in 1748.)
Tsonawa Sherap Zangpo + (Tsonawa Sherab Zangpo was an important ear … Tsonawa Sherab Zangpo was an important early Tibetan Vinaya scholar as well as a lineage holder of the Lamrim tradition. Two of his Vinaya texts are considered the most complete and lucid works on the Vinaya written in Tibet and are still studied in all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. He is the first incarnation in the line of Mon Tsona Tulkus.carnation in the line of Mon Tsona Tulkus.)
Tsongkhapa + (Tsongkhapa Lobzang Drakpa was one of the m … Tsongkhapa Lobzang Drakpa was one of the most influential Tibetan Buddhist scholars of the last millennium. Born in Amdo, he travelled to U-Tsang in his youth, never to return to his homeland. In U-Tsang he studied with numerous teachers of all traditions and engaged in many retreats resulting in his development of a fresh interpretation of Nāgārjuna's Madhyamaka view and a reinvigoration of the monastic Vinaya. Widely regarded as an emanation of Mañjuśrī, Tsongkhapa composed eighteen volumes of works of which the majority dealt with tantric subjects. He was the founder of Ganden Monastery, which became the central monastery of the Geluk tradition that was founded on his teachings and writings.was founded on his teachings and writings.)
Thu'u bkwan blo bzang chos kyi nyi ma + (Tukwan Lobzang Chokyi Nyima was a prolific … Tukwan Lobzang Chokyi Nyima was a prolific author, composing works in subject as diverse as biographies, dramas, astrology, doxography, tantras, poetic works, correspondences and official documents, and so forth. Originally there were about five hundred titles collected into fifteen volumes that were preserved in traditional wooden blocks in Gonlung Jampa Ling out of which ten volumes are currently preserved in the Nationalities Publishing House (mi rigs dpe bskrun khang) in Beijing.One of the best known of his compositions is his religious history, The Crystal Mirror: An Excellent Exposition That Shows the Sources and Assertions of All Tenet Systems (grub mtha' thams cad kyi khung dang 'dod tshul ston pa legs bshad shel gyi me long). This important work was completed in 1802, shortly before Tukwan passed away. In it he surveys the Buddhist traditions of India, Tibet, Mongolia, and China, including Bon, which he compares to Chinese Chan. The work is well-regarded for the relative impartiality of its presentation, combining the insults to Bon, Jonang and Nyingma one would expected in a work of its time with sympathetic descriptions of what the author found admirable in the non-Geluk traditions. In contrast to one of his famous teachers, Sumpa Khenpo, the Third Tukwan, looking more towards Beijing than to Lhasa as a base of support, was known for his ecumenical outlook. All three Tukwan incarnations, as well as the first two Changkya incarnations, were known as protectors of the Nyingma in Amdo.nown as protectors of the Nyingma in Amdo.)
Wangpabzhun + (Wangpabzhun (wang phab zhwun) is the Tibet … Wangpabzhun (wang phab zhwun) is the Tibetanized version of the name of a man who collaborated on the translation of the ''Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra'' (D119) from the Chinese. His Tibetan colleagues in the task were Gewai Lodro (dge ba'i blos gros) and Gyatso De (rgya mtsho'i sde), who presumably were Tibetan. They likely worked from the earliest Chinese version (T374), translated around 421–432 by the central Indian monk Dharmakṣema (385-433) in the northern kingdom of Beiliang 北涼. No details of his life are known, and no other translations of his appear to be extant. Based on what is known of his collaborators, he most likely lived during the eleventh century.The ''Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra'', a refashioning of the similarly-named Pāli sutta, is narrative of the final days of the Buddha according to Mahāyāna doctrine. It is one of the earliest and most important sources for the doctrine of tathāgatagarbha, or buddha-nature. Two other translations of the ''Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra'' were made it Tibet. The first of these (D120, corresponding to T376) was done in the early ninth century by Jinamitra, Jñānagarbha, and Devacandra. The second (D121) was made in the eleventh century by Kamalagupta and Rinchen Zangpo (rin chen bzang po, 958–1055).chen Zangpo (rin chen bzang po, 958–1055).)
Yakton Sangye Pal + (Yakton Sanggye Pel (g.yag ston sangs rgyas … Yakton Sanggye Pel (g.yag ston sangs rgyas dpal, 1348-1414) was a great master of the Sakya tradition and the first in the line of men known as the Six Great Ornaments of Tibet. He was born in Trang ('phrang). His father's name was Tsetang Chenpo Changchub Rinchen (rtse thang chen po byang chub rin chen). ''The Blue Annals'' also suggests the name by which Sanggye Pel is known came from an attendant called Yak Yu (g.yag yu) who took care of him when he was a boy.His early education took place at Sangpu Monastery (gsang phu) monastery, where he studied Buton's (bu ston, 1285-1379) commentary on the Prajñāpāramitā and was praised for his skill in memorization. His root teacher was Kunga Pel (kun dga' dpal, 1285-1379), the tenth abbot of Jonang Monastery (jo nang dgon). Sanggye Pel became a prominent teacher in U and Tsang, renowned for his teachings on Prajñāpāramitā. Among the Six Ornaments of Tibet, who were known for their different strengths in teaching, he is known for masterful teachings on the Sutras. Sanggye Pel's main disciple and eventual successor at Sakya was the renowned scholar Rongton Sheja Kunrik (rong ston shes bya kun rig, 1367-1449). Sanggye Pel primarily taught Rongton the Prajñāpāramitā scriptures and treatises on logic and epistemology. Sanggye Pel's prominent students also included Zhonnu Lodro (gzhon nu blo gros, 1349-1412), Konchok Gyeltsen (dkon mchog rgyal mtshan, 1388-1469), Zhonnu Gyelchok (gzhon nu rgyal mchog, d.u.), Sherab Sengge (shes rab seng ge, 1383-1445), and Kunga Gyeltsen (kun dga' rgyal mtshan, 1382-1446).eltsen (kun dga' rgyal mtshan, 1382-1446).)
Yeshe De + (Yeshe De (ye shes sde) was born into the N … Yeshe De (ye shes sde) was born into the Nanam clan (sna nam) and became one of the three foremost translators of the imperial era. He is counted among the twenty-five disciples of Padmasambhava.As a young monk his scholarship earned him the title of 'bande' (teacher). He was perhaps the most prolific Tibetan translator in history, with hundreds of translations. Scholar Sherab Rhaldi lists 347 translations in collaboration with fifteen Indian paṇḍitas. [He] is also credited with translating the Nyingma tantras.He is said to have taught the Abhidharma to Lhalung Pelgyi Dorje (lha lung dal gyi rdo rje). According to Nyingma legend, he was a master of the Vajrakīlaya tantra, and is said to have realized the illusory nature of phenomena and cut the cord of mind-made karmic conditioning, which left him free to soar in the sky like a bird.t him free to soar in the sky like a bird.)
Jonang Chöje Yönten Gyatso + (Yonten Gyatso (yon tan rgya mtsho) was bor … Yonten Gyatso (yon tan rgya mtsho) was born in 1260 in a family that practiced the Nyingma tradition in the Dok (mdog) region of Tsang. He first studied at Dar Monastery (mdar dgon), where he became an expert in Abhidharma and epistemology.He visited various other places and received teachings from many masters of tantra. At Sakya Monastery (sa skya dgon) he became a disciple and the main assistant teacher for the Sakya master Sharpa Jamyang Chenpo Rinchen Gyeltsen (shar pa 'jam dbyangs chen po rin chen rgyal mtshan, d.u.), who served as the Tenth Sakya Tridzin (sa skya khri 'dzin) for eighteen years beginning in 1287. From Jamyang Chenpo he received many teachings such as the Tantra Trilogy of Hevajra and the related oral instructions, and the Mahāyāna treatises of the Pramāṇavārttika, Abhisamayālaṃkāra, and Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra.From Jamyang Chenpo's elder brother, the Kālacakra expert Dukorwa Yeshe Rinchen (dus 'khor ba ye shes rin chen, 1248-1294), Yonten Gyatso received teachings such as the Kālacakra Tantra, the Hevajra Tantra, and the Abhisamayālaṃkāra. He was also required to go as Yeshe Rinchen's attendent to the imperial court of Kubilai Khan in China.e imperial court of Kubilai Khan in China.)
Zhangtön Sönam Drakpa + (Zhangton Gyawo, who was one of Dolpopa’s f … Zhangton Gyawo, who was one of Dolpopa’s fourteen major disciples, studied widely in different traditions as a young man. Then he spent almost thirty years with Dolpopa, receiving all the great master’s teachings. For the last fifteen years of his life Zhangton taught the massive Vimalaprabhā commentary on the Kālacakra Tantra every year.entary on the Kālacakra Tantra every year.)
Zhuchen Tsultrim Rinchen + (Zhuchen Tsultrim Rinchen was a master of T … Zhuchen Tsultrim Rinchen was a master of Tibetan literary and visual arts and among the most preeminent Sakya scholars during the eighteenth century. He was a central figure in the Tibetan Buddhist cultural efflorescence that took place in the Derge region of Kham, serving as chief editor for several large publishing projects at the Derge Printing House, including new woodblock editions of the Sakya Kambum, the Tengyur, and Longchenpa's Seven Treasuries, projects for which he earned the epithet "Great Editor." He was active in the construction and renovation of temples, for which he often wrote inventories, and was a sought-after artist and oversaw a number of projects to design and execute the murals and sculptures for temples and monasteries. Zhuchen was also a master of tantric rituals. His collected works were published by the Derge Printing House in ten volumes.y the Derge Printing House in ten volumes.)
Śākya Chokden + (Śākya Chokden was one of the most importan … Śākya Chokden was one of the most important thinkers of the Sakya tradition. His teachers were Rongtön Sheja Kunrik, Dönyo Pelwa and Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo. A thinker who accepted both the rangtong and zhentong, or "self-empty" and "other empty" views of Madhyamaka, Śākya Chokden's seat was at Serdokchen Monastery near Shigatse in Tsang. Influential and controversial in his own day, his writings fell out of favor over time and many were banned in the seventeenth century.ny were banned in the seventeenth century.)
Śākyaśrībhadra + (Śākyaśrībhadra was a Kashmiri paṇḍita who … Śākyaśrībhadra was a Kashmiri paṇḍita who was invited to Tibet by Tropu Lotsāwa Rinchen Sengge. He arrived in 1204, at the age of either fifty-nine or seventy-eight, and remained for ten years, leaving in 1214. Active primarily in Tsang, his significance to Tibetan Buddhism is characterized by his initiating four important lineages of teaching: to Sakya Paṇḍita he taught exoteric philosophy; pith instructions to Tropu Lotsāwa; tantra to Chel Lotsāwa; and Vinaya to Tsang Sowa Sonam Dze. He is also credited with initiating the "upper" ordination platform of Tibetan Buddhism, followed by all traditions save Nyingma and Geluk. Śākyaśrībhadra was the last abbot of Nālandā Monastery, which was sacked by Muslim invaders in 1192.ich was sacked by Muslim invaders in 1192.)

Chone Drakpa Shedrup + (Chone Drakpa Shedrub was a Geluk scholar a … Chone Drakpa Shedrub was a Geluk scholar and yogi famous for his knowledge of sutra and tantra, who stood out even among the most learned scholars of his time. Educated at Sera and based at Chone, where he did most of his teaching, he authored many commentaries on sutra and tantra, which are collected in eleven volumes.ra, which are collected in eleven volumes.)

First Drukchen Drogön Tsangpa Gyare + (Also see [https://www.bhutanstudies.org.bt … Also see [https://www.bhutanstudies.org.bt/publicationFiles/Monograph/Tsangpa%20Gyare%20book%2014.1.22.pdf The Three Oldest Biographies of Tsangpa Gyare book (2022)].Tsangpa Gyare Yeshe Dorje (1161-1211) is considered the founder of the Drukpa Kagyu tradition, named after the Druk Monastery, one of three monasteries he established, the most famous being Ralung, which he founded in 1180. A member of the Gya clan that would continue to control Ralung until the seventeenth century, he was the most important disciple of Lingrepa, a student of Pakmodrupa. He is counted as the first in the line of Drukchen incarnations, although the second Drukchen would not be born until a few centuries after his death, when the Gya family line ended. As an author Tsangpa Gyare is best known for his spontaneous songs of realization, rich with spiritual advice. He discovered treasure texts written by Tipupa for Rechungpa, The Six Cycles of Equal Taste, still an important teaching of the Drukpa Kagyu today.ortant teaching of the Drukpa Kagyu today.)
Tropu Lotsāwa Jampai Pal + (Among Tibetans of his day, Tropu Lotsāwa w … Among Tibetans of his day, Tropu Lotsāwa was most famous for building an eighty-cubit-high image of the future Buddha Maitreya, consecrated by Śākyaśrī in 1212. He was one of the significant figures in the early Tropu Kagyu, responsible for bringing the very important Indian Buddhist teachers Mitrayogin, Buddhaśrī, and Śākyaśrī to Tibet. Many of his translations, but only a few of his writings, are available today. few of his writings, are available today.)
Bamda Thubten Gelek + (Bamda Gelek, whose given name was Tubten G … Bamda Gelek, whose given name was Tubten Gelek Gyatso, was one of the greatest scholar-practitioners of the Jonang tradition. Based largely at Dzamtang, he was considered the reincarnation of various masters, including the Indian saint Candrakīrti, the siddha Nāropa, and two famous early Jonang lamas, Tāranātha and Kunga Drolchok. Because of his strong interest in the Geluk tradition, some thought him to also be an incarnation of the great Geluk scholar Jamyang Zhepa. His intellectual prowess and strong devotion to the deity Mañjuśrī, his tutelary deity, led others to surmise that he might be an emanation of the deity himself.ight be an emanation of the deity himself.)
Buddhaguhya + (Buddhaguhya was an eighth-century Indian t … Buddhaguhya was an eighth-century Indian tantric master who is believed to have resided at Mount Kailash and composed numerous commentaries, treatises, and liturgies of broad scope, ranging from the Kriyā tantras to the Guhyagarbha Tantra of the Mahāyoga class. Guhyagarbha Tantra of the Mahāyoga class.)
Butön Rinchen Drup + (Butön Rinchen Drup, a Sakya lama raised in … Butön Rinchen Drup, a Sakya lama raised in a Nyingma family, was the eleventh abbot of Zhalu Monastery, from 1320 to 1356. Some enumerations list him as the first abbot, as he significantly expanded the institution. He was an important teacher of the Prajñāpāramitā, and a key lineage holder of the Guhyasamāja and Kālacakra tantras as transmitted in the Geluk tradition, and the Kālacakra, Hevajra and Sampuṭa tantras as transmitted in the Sakya tradition. He is generally credited as the creator of the Tibetan Buddhist canon, the Kangyur and Tengyur, and his History of Buddhism is still widely read. In addition to his Sakya training he also studied in the Kadam and Kagyu traditions.studied in the Kadam and Kagyu traditions.)
Bötrul Dongak Tenpai Nyima + (Bötrul Dongak Tenpai Nyima was a Nyingma t … Bötrul Dongak Tenpai Nyima was a Nyingma teacher based primarily at Dzogchen and Gegong Monasteries in Kham. A holder of the scholastic tradition begun by Mipam Gyatso, he also taught for several years at Drigung. He was considered by some to be a reincarnation of Patrul Rinpoche. to be a reincarnation of Patrul Rinpoche.)
Dorje Sherab + (Chennga Dorje Sherab (spyan snga rdo rje s … Chennga Dorje Sherab (spyan snga rdo rje shes rab) was a disciple of both Jikten Gonpo Rinchen Pel ('jig rten mgon po rin chen dpal, 1143-1217), the founder of Drigung Til Monastery ('bri gung mthil), and one of his main disciples, Won Sherab Jungne (dbon shes rab 'byung gnas, 1187-1241). Details about his life are not currently available. Some sources mention an extensive biography but it appears to have been lost.He wrote two extensive commentaries on Won Sherab Jungne's compilation of Jikten Gonpo's teachings, known as The Single Intention (dgongs gcig). These commentaries are titled The Lamp of Illuminated Wisdom (snang mdzad ye shes sgron ma) and O Gema ('od ge ma). Together they are known as the Dorshema (rdor she ma), a contraction of the name Dorje Sherab. Author: Evan Yerburgh, translator and member of Esukhia.erburgh, translator and member of Esukhia.)
Chenga Lodrö Gyaltsen + (Chennga Lodro Gyeltsen, one of the princip … Chennga Lodro Gyeltsen, one of the principal students of Khedrubje, was an early Geluk scholar-adept. He was educated in the classical scholastic curriculum and gained a reputation as a learned scholar at an early age. After his ordination, he received special instructions from Tsongkhapa's close disciple Tokden Jampel Gyatso. He served as abbot of two monasteries for a few years, but spent most of his adult life as a hermit. Although he wrote on a variety of topics, Lodro Gyeltsen is renowned for his extensive writings on Lojong, or Mind-Training, and Lamrim, or the Stages of the Path.ng, and Lamrim, or the Stages of the Path.)
Chim Namkha Drakpa + (Chim Namkha Drak (mchims nam mkha' grags) … Chim Namkha Drak (mchims nam mkha' grags) was born in Mondoi Kau (smon 'gro'i kha'u) in Upper Nyang (myang stod), in U, in 1210, the iron-horse year of the fourteenth sexagenary cycle. He was of the Chim (mchims) clan. His parents were named Dargon (dar mgon) and Lhemen (lhas sman); his father's family claimed descent from Chim Dorje Drelching (mchims rdor rje sprel chung), a minister to the Tibetan king, Tri Songdeutsen (khri srong lde'u btsan, 742-797).He took novice vows and later full monastic ordinations by a lama named Pelden Dromoche (dpal ldan gro mo che), who was possibly the same person as the fourth abbot of Nartang Monastery (snar thang dgon), Droton Dutsi Drakpa (gro ston bdud rtsi grags pa, 1153-1232), one of his main teachers.He studied the texts of the Kadam tradition with several masters, including the fifth abbot of Nartang, Zhangton Chokyi Lama (zhang ston chos kyi bla ma, 1184-1241); the sixth abbot of Nartang, Sanggye Gompa Sengge Kyab (sangs rgyas sgom pa seng ge skyabs, 1179-1250); Chim Loten Nyamme (mchims blo brtan mnyam med, d.u.); Geshe Tashi Gangpa (dge bshes bkra shis sgang pa, d.u.); Drubtob Maṇi Hūṃbar (grub thob ma Ni hUM 'bar, d.u.). Tashi Gangpa transmitted the Avalokiteśvara teachings passed from Jangsem Dawa Gyeltsen (byang sems zla ba rgyal mtshan, d.u).sen (byang sems zla ba rgyal mtshan, d.u).)
Dondrup Rinchen + (Choje Dondrub Rinchen was a Kadam master f … Choje Dondrub Rinchen was a Kadam master from Amdo who, after studying in central Tibet, established Shadrung and Jakhyung monasteries. He was Tsongkhapa's first teacher, the man who gave him his novice vows as well as the ordination name of Lobzang Drakpa, and he remained a major source of guidance and inspiration throughout the latter's life. inspiration throughout the latter's life.)
Chogyur Lingpa + (Chokgyur Lingpa was one of the most prolif … Chokgyur Lingpa was one of the most prolific treasure revealers of the nineteenth century. Based in Kham, he was a close collaborator with Jamgon Kongtrul and Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, with whom he revealed treasure and opened sacred sites. Among his best-known revelations are the Barche Kunsel, the Zabpa Kor Dun, and the Lamrim Yeshe Nyingpo, for which Jamgon Kongtrul wrote a famous commentary. Chokgyur Lingpa also revealed an enumeration of great sites in Khams that had a significant impact on the sacred geography of the region. He established two monastic centers, Tsike and Netan, seats of the Tsike and Neten lines of his reincarnation.sike and Neten lines of his reincarnation.)
Chokle Namgyal + (Chokle Namgyel (phyogs las rnam rgyal), wh … Chokle Namgyel (phyogs las rnam rgyal), who is also known by the name Chokyi Gyelpo (chos kyi rgyal po), was born in the western region of Ngari (mnga' ris) in 1306. As a young child he received teachings from several Tibetan masters and studied Sanskrit with the Indian or Nepalese paṇḍita Umapati (u ma pa ti). In 1313, when he was eight years old, he traveled to the central Tibetan region of Tsang and began the study of Madhyamaka philosophy with the expert scholar Tsangnakpa (gtsang nag pa) and other teachers. He also studied epistemology, the literature of the vehicle of perfections, abhidharma, the monastic code, and tantric subjects at different monasteries for some years.In 1325 Chokle Namgyel studied at the great monastery of Sakya (sa skya) and also at Drakram (brag ram dgon). At this point he was a strong advocate of the rangtong (rang stong) view. He then visited many monasteries in central Tibet and Tsang for further studies and during this trip received the nickname Chokle Namgyel, “Victorious in All Directions” because of his consummate skill in debate. He returned to Sakya, where he was again victorious in debate, and also traveled to several other places in central Tibet and Tsang, including Zhalu Monastery (zhwa lu) Monastery. There he received teachings from the great master Buton Rinchen Drub (bu ston rin chen grub)Buton Rinchen Drub (bu ston rin chen grub))
Sera Jetsun Chokyi Gyaltsen + (Chokyi Gyeltsen was the twelfth abbot of Sera Monastery. He studied in Tashilhunpo and Sera and served as disciplinarian of Tashilhunpo. His collected works are in seven volumes.)
Chone Drakpa Shedrup +
Dilgo Khyentse Tashi Paljor + (Dilgo Khyentse Tashi Peljor was one of the … Dilgo Khyentse Tashi Peljor was one of the most prominent Nyingma lamas of the twentieth century, widely known also in the West. The mind reincarnation of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, his seat was Shechen Monastery, which he reestablished in Boudhanath, Nepal, in 1980. After fleeing the Communist takeover of Tibet, Dilgo Khyentse settled in Bhutan. A prolific author and treasure-revealer, his compositions are collected in twenty-five volumes. Although he received novice vows at age ten, he never fully ordained, living the life of a householder with wife and children.e of a householder with wife and children.)
Gyal Khenpo Drakpa Gyaltsen + (Drakpa Gyeltsen served as the twenty-third … Drakpa Gyeltsen served as the twenty-third throne holder of Labrang Monastery, from 1801 to 1804, and briefly for a second time some years later. While studying at Gomang in Lhasa he served as the abbot of Chokhor Gyel. A student of the Second Jamyang Zhepa, who identified him as the reincarnation of a student of the First Jamyang Zhepa, he organized the search and enthronement of the Third Jamyang Zhepa.d enthronement of the Third Jamyang Zhepa.)
Drokmi Lotsāwa + (Drokmi Lotsāwa Śākya Yeshe ('brog mi lo ts … Drokmi Lotsāwa Śākya Yeshe ('brog mi lo tsA ba shAkya ye shes) was a member of the Ban (ban) branch of the Drokmi ('brog mi) clan. Little is known about his early life, but his year of birth is given as 992. He traveled to India and Nepal, learned Sanskrit, and then studied grammar, epistemology, writing, astrology, and tantra. In Tibet and Nepal, he translated nearly seventy tantric texts with South Asian Buddhist masters such as Gayādhara, Prajñendraruci, also known as Viravajra, the Ceylonese yogini Candramāla, Ratnavajra, Ratnaśrīimitra and possibly Prajñāgupta as well.His two most important teachers were Gayadhāra and Prajñendraruci under whom he studied the Lamdre (''lam 'bras'') teachings, and the ''Hevajra Tantra'' together with its explanatory tantras, the ''Vajrapanjara'' and ''Samputa'', collectively known as the ''Kyedor Gyusum'' (''kye rdor rgyud gsum'').In Tibet he is said to have taught Sanskrit to Marpa Chokyi Lodro (mar pa chos kyi blo gros, 1002/1012-1097). He stayed at the Mugulung cave complex (mu gu lung) with his students and his consort Lhachamchik (lha lcam gcig), also known as Dzeden Wochak (mdzes ldan 'od chags), a princess of Lhatse (lha rtse).d chags), a princess of Lhatse (lha rtse).)
Drotön Dudtsi Drak + (Droton Dutsi Drakpa (gro ston bdud rtsi gr … Droton Dutsi Drakpa (gro ston bdud rtsi grags) was born into a family of the Dro (gro) clan at a place called Chugolam (chu dgo lam) in Tsang, in 1153, the water-bird year of the thirteenth sexagenary cycle.He was granted novice vows by Zhonnu Sengge (gzhon nu seng ge, d.u), presumably at Nartang Monastery (snar thang dgon). He received the complete teachings of the Kadam tradition from Doton Sherab Drakpa (rdo ston shes rab grags pa, 1127-1185), the second abbot of Nartang, and his disciple, Zhangtsun Dorje Ozer (zhang btsun rdo rje ‘od zer, 1122-1194), the monastery's third abbot.He also received the instructions of Lamrim (''lam rim'') from Chumikpa Sherab Drak (chu mig pa shes rab grags pa, d.u.) apparently using a text composed by the First Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa (karma pa 01 dus gsum mkhyen pa, 1110-1193). Thereafter the Nartang Lamrim instructions consisted of two transmission lineages, one stemming from Sharawa Yonden Drak (sha ra ba yon tan grags, 1070-1141), the teacher of the founder of Nartang, Tumton Lodro Drakpa (gtum ston blo gros grags pa, 1106-1166), and the other stemming from the Karmapa.He received extensive teachings from Sanggye Wondon (sangs rgyas dbon ston, d.u) as well.Three times he went to Reting Monastery (rwa sgreng) to distribute alms.In 1185 he succeeded Zhangtsun Dorje Ozer as abbot of Nartang, serving as the fourth throne holder for about thirty-nine years, until his death in 1232.hirty-nine years, until his death in 1232.)
Dudjom Lingpa + (Dudjom Lingpa was a prolific treasure reve … Dudjom Lingpa was a prolific treasure revealer based in Golok, Amdo. His eight sons were all religious teachers in their own right, establishing and important Dudjom family line of teaching transmission. His incarnation was Dudjom Jikdrel Yeshe Dorje, one of the most important Nyingma lamas of the twentieth century.nt Nyingma lamas of the twentieth century.)
'dul 'dzin grags pa rgyal mtshan + (Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen was one of the principle disciples of Tsongkhapa and Gyeltsab Je. He was famed for his writing on the Vinaya, some of which are included in traditional Geluk monastic education.)
Dölpopa Sherab Gyaltsen + (Dölpopa Sherab Gyaltsen was one of the mos … Dölpopa Sherab Gyaltsen was one of the most influential Buddhist masters in Tibetan history. He first became an important scholar of the Sakya tradition, but then moved to Jonang Monastery. There he became the fourth holder of the monastic seat and constructed a monumental stupa. Dölpopa’s ideas, specifically his famous formulation of the zhentong view and his interpretations of Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna doctrine, have elicited controversy for nearly seven hundred years.ontroversy for nearly seven hundred years.)
Sherab Jungne + (Eldest of the children, six sons and one d … Eldest of the children, six sons and one daughter, of Sanggye Pel (sangs rgyas dpal) and his wife Choden (chos ldan), Sherab Jungne (shes rab 'byung gnas) would be called Won (dbon), which means ‘nephew,' because he was a relative of Jikten Gonpo Rinchen Pel ('jig rten mgon po rin chen dpal, 1143-1217). He was born in 1187. He was not called ‘nephew' because he was a nephew in the strict sense of the world, although he was certainly a scion of the same Kyura (skyu ra) family.As a child, he demonstrated outstanding ability not only in reading and writing, but also in conjuring the hail-stopping magic of his ancestors. He excelled at singing and dancing. Despite his childhood dreams of becoming a wandering yogi, when a famous teacher named Ngepuwa (ngad phu ba) arrived in the region he took monastic vows from him after obtaining the consent of his father. Ngepuwa gave him the ordination name Lha Rinchen Gyelpo (lha rin chen rgyal po) when he was ordained at age seventeen. Ngepuwa recognized the young man's potential but unfortunately died soon afterward when Sherab Jungne was twenty.In the next year, in 1207, Sherab Jungne left his home in Kham for U-Tsang with a large group of three hundred people on their way to see Ngepuwa's teacher Jikten Gonpo, who was over sixty years old at the time.For his first three years at Drigung Til ('bris gung mthil) he served as a household priest for one named Gompa (sgom pa), attending every single one of the teaching sessions. Eventually he came to the attention of Jikten Gonpo, became his personal attendant, and took on other responsibilities as well. Sometimes he is called Chennga Sherab Jungne (spyan snga shes rab 'byung gnas) because of his service as Jikten Gonpo's personal attendant (spyan snga ba).onpo's personal attendant (spyan snga ba).)
Gampopa + (Gampopa Sonam Rinchen, also known as Dakpo … Gampopa Sonam Rinchen, also known as Dakpo Lhaje, is credited with founding the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Trained first as a medical doctor and then ordained as a Kadam monk, Gampopa met Milarepa when he was thirty years old, and spent much of the next decades in meditation retreat. Never renouncing his monastic vows, he combined the Indian Mahāsiddha practices brought back to Tibet by Marpa and others with the monastic order of his Kadampa teachers. He also united the Kadam teachings of Lamrim with the Mahāmudrā teachings he received from Milarepa. He founded Daklha Gampo in 1121 and trained many of the greatest Kagyu masters of all time, including the First Karmapa and Pakmodrupa.ncluding the First Karmapa and Pakmodrupa.)
Gatön Ngawang Lekpa + (Gaton Ngawang Lekpa was one of the most pr … Gaton Ngawang Lekpa was one of the most prominent Sakya lamas of the early twentieth century. He was a disciple of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and the root teacher of Dezhung Rinpoche. In addition to teaching widely in Kham, Ngawang Legpa spent fifteen years in closed retreat.gpa spent fifteen years in closed retreat.)
Gewai Lodrö + (Gewai Lodrö was the name of a Tibetan who … Gewai Lodrö was the name of a Tibetan who collaborated on the translation of several texts in the Tibetan canon. These included the ''Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra'' (D119) from the Chinese, in collaboration with Gyatso De (rgya mtsho'i sde) and a Chinese man whose name was Tibetanized as Wangpabzhun (wang phab zhun/zhwun). They likely worked from the earliest Chinese version (T374), translated around 421–432 by Dharmakṣema in the northern kingdom of Beiliang 北涼.He appears to have been a close collaborator with Atiśa Dīpaṃkara Śrījñāna (982-1055?), as he is listed as the translator of some twelve of Atiśa's compositions, and co-translator with Atiśa on around eleven other texts. He also collaborated with Jānaśrībhadra, Buddhaśānti, and others.th Jānaśrībhadra, Buddhaśānti, and others.)