Power of the Gaden Tripas

[harrynephew]

This question is probably the most intriguing and need-to-know questions which has been running in circles in my mind for the very loooooooooooooongest time. I have been searching high and low, here and there for an answer but to no avail.

What power does the Gaden Tripas hold? What do they do in relations to Gelugpa monasteries? How influential are they now?

I heard that all abbots of Gaden, Drepung and Sera are now hand-picked by HHDL. So what is there for a Gaden Tripa to do?

Wikipedia has only the following to say:

Ganden Tripa
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Ganden Tripa
Tibetan name
Tibetan    ??
[show]Transcriptions

The Ganden Tripa or Gaden Tripa (tib. dGa’-ldan Khri-pa) ("Holder of the Ganden Throne") is the title of the spiritual leader of the Gelug (Dge-lugs) school of Tibetan Buddhism, the school which controlled central Tibet from the mid-17th century until 1950s. He is identical with the respective abbot of Ganden Monastery. The present head of the Gelugpa order is Thubten Nyima Lungtok Tenzin Norbu,[1] the 102nd Ganden Tripa and not, as is often misunderstood, the Dalai Lama.[2]

The Ganden Tripa is an appointed office, not a reincarnation lineage. It is awarded on the basis of competitive examination. Since the position is held for only a 7-year term,[3] there have been many more Ganden Tripas than Dalai Lamas to date (102 as against 14).

Either Tsongkapa (Tsong-ka-pa) (1357–1419), who founded the Gelug sect, or his successor, Gyaltsab Je (Rgyal-tshab-rje), may be considered to have been the first Ganden Tripa. (After Tsongkhapa's passing, his teachings were held and kept by Gyaltsab Je and Khedrub Je who were the next abbots of Ganden monastery. The lineage has been held by the Ganden Tripas–the throne-holders of Ganden Monastery.)

In January 2003, the Government of Tibet in Exile announced the nomination of the 101st Ganden Tripa. An excerpt from that press release gives his background:

    The 101st Ganden Tripa, the Venerable Khensur Lungri Namgyel Rinpoche was born in 1927 in Kham (eastern Tibet). Ordained at eight years old, after fifty years of meditative practices and studies he was elevated by H.H. the Dalai-lama as successively abbot of Gyutö Tantric College (in 1983), and as abbot of Ganden Shartse Monastic University (in 1992). In 1986 he was the special envoy of H.H. the Dalai-lama to the ecumenical meetings of Assisi in Italy convened by H.H. the Pope John Paul II. He is a French national and has been living in Paris, France for more than 20 years. He transmits the Buddhist teachings of his lineage in a Dharma Center, Thar Deu Ling[4] which he founded in 1980.[5]

The 100th Ganden Tripa, Venerable Lobsang Nyima Rinpoche,[6] retired and lived at Ganden Monastery with his Labrang (office staff) until his death in 2008.[7]

======================================================================

Could someone enlighten me on this? I think it's very important to know!

[Positive Change]

The Ganden Tripas
The Throneholders of Ganden

Je Tsongkhapa, a mainfestation of Manjusri, and founder of the Gelugpa Order established Ganden monastery in 1409.

After Je Tsongkhapa's death in 1419 the supreme head of the Gelugpa Order was designated to be the Throneholder of Ganden, the elected head of Ganden monastery. This position is also referred to as the Ganden Tripa, Ganden Trichen, or Tri Rinpoche.

The first few Ganden Tripas were direct students of Je Tsongkhapa and later many, but not all, of the Ganden Tripas were Rinpoches.

Since the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, the new Ganden Monastery has been relocated to Mundgod, Karnataka State in India.

Since 1959 H.H. the Dalai Lama has played a greater role in determining the acting Ganden Tripa.

Details of the, to date, 102 Ganden Tripas are shown in the schematic table below which indicates their life span, time as Ganden Tripa, as well as a link to further biographical information.

TENURE                                                                        NAME and LIFESPAN
1st Tripa (1409 - 1419)            Tsongkhapa, Lobsang Dragpa (1357 - 1419)
2nd Tripa (1419 - 1431)            Gyeltsap Dharma Rinchen (1364 - 1432)
3rd Tripa (1431 - 1438)            Khedrub Geleg Pelsang (1385 - 1438)
4th Tripa (1438 - 1450)            Shalu Lochen Legpa Gyeltshen (1375 - 1450)
5th Tripa (1450 - 1463)            Lodrö Chökyong (1389 - 1463)
6th Tripa (1463 - 1473)            Baso Chökyi Gyaltsen (1402 - 1473)
7th Tripa (1473 - 1479)            Lodrö Tenpa (1402 - 1476)
8th Tripa (1480 - 1489)            Mönlam Legpe Lodrö (1414 - 1491)   
9th Tripa (1490 - 1492)            Lobsang Nyima (1439 - 1492)
10th Tripa (1493 - 1498)            Yeshe Sangpo (1415 - 1498)
11th Tripa (1500 - 1511)            Lobsang Dragpa (1429 - 1511)
12th Tripa (1511 - 1516)            Jamyang Legpe Lodrö (1450 - 1530)
13th Tripa (1516 - 1521)            Chökyi Shenyen (Dharmamitra) (1453 - 1540)   
14th Tripa (1522 - 1528)            Rinchen Öser (1453 - 1540)
15th Tripa (1529 - 1535)            Penchen Sönam Dragpa (1478 - 1554)
16th Tripa (1534 - 1539)            Chökyong Gyatsho (1473 - 1539)
17th Tripa (1539 - 1546)            Dorje Sangpo (1491 - 1554)
18th Tripa (1546 - 1548)            Gyeltshen Sangpo (1497 - 1548)
19th Tripa (1548 - 1552)            Ngawang Chödrag (1501 - 1552)
20th Tripa (1552 - 1559)            Chödrag Sangpo (1493 - 1559)
21th Tripa (1559 - 1565)            Geleg Pelsang (1505 - 1567)
22th Tripa (1565 - 1568)            Gendün Tenpa Dargye (1493 - 1568)
23th Tripa (1568 - 1575)            Tsheten Gyatsho (1520 - 1576)
24th Tripa (1575 - 1582)            Champa Gyatsho (1516 - 1590)
25th Tripa (1582 - 1589)            Peljor Gyatsho (1526 - 1599)
26th Tripa (1589 - 1596)            Damchö Pelbar (1523 - 1599)
27th Tripa (1596 - 1602)            Sanggye Rinchen (1540 - 1612)
28th Tripa (1603 - 1607)            Gendün Gyeltshen (1532 - 1607)
29th Tripa (1608 - 1614)            Shenyen Dragpa (1545 - 1615)
30th Tripa (1615 - 1618)            Lodrö Gyatsho (1546 - 1618)
31th Tripa (1618 - 1620)            Damchö Pelsang (1546 - 1620)
32th Tripa (1620 - 1623)            Tshülthrim Chöphel (1561 - 1623)
33th Tripa (1623 - 1623)            Dragpa Gyatsho (1555 - 1627)
34th Tripa (1627 - 1629)            Ngawang Chökyi Gyeltshen (1575 - 1629)
35th Tripa (1629 - 1637)            Könchog Chöphel (1573 - 1646)
36th Tripa (1638 - 1638)            Tendzin Legshe ( - 1664)   
37th Tripa (1638 - 1642)            Gendün Rinchen Gyeltshen (1571 - 1642)
38th Tripa (1643 - 1647)            Tenpa Gyeltshen (? - 1647)
39th Tripa (1648 - 1654)            Könchog Chösang (1586 - 1673)
40th Tripa (1655 - 1661)            Pelden Gyeltshen (1601 - 1674)
41th Tripa (1662 - 1667)            Lobsang Gyeltshen (1600 - 1672)
42th Tripa (1668 - 1675)            Lobsang Dönyö (1602 - 1678)   
43th Tripa (1675 - 1681)            Champa Trashi (1618 - 1684)
44th Tripa (1682 - 1685)            Ngawang Lodrö Gyatsho (1635 - 1688)
45th Tripa (1685 - 1692)            Tshülthrim Dargye (1632 - 1701)
46th Tripa (1692 - 1695)            Ngawang Pelsang (1629 - 1695)
47th Tripa (1699 - 1701)            Lobsang Chöphel (1650 - 1710)
48th Tripa (1702 - 1708)            Döndrub Gyatsho (1655 - 1727)
49th Tripa (1708 - 1714)            Lobsang Dargye (1662 - 1723)
50th Tripa (1714 - 1721)            Gendün Phüntshog (1648 - 1724)
51th Tripa (1721 - 1728)            Pelden Dragpa (? - 1729)   
52th Tripa (1728 - 1732)            Ngawang Tshephel (1668 - 1734)
53th Tripa (1732 - 1738)            Gyeltshen Sengge (1678 - 1756)
54th Tripa (1739 - 1746)            Ngawang Chogden (1677 - 1751)
55th Tripa (1746 - 1750)            Ngawang Namkha Sangpo (1690 - 1750)
56th Tripa (1750 - 1757)            Lobsang Drime (1683 - ?)
57th Tripa (1757 - 1764)            Samten Phüntshog (1703 - 1770)
58th Tripa (1764 - 1770)            Chakyung Ngawang Chödrag (1707 - 1778)
59th Tripa (1771 - 1772)            Chusang Ngawang Chödrag (1710 - 1772)
60th Tripa (1772 - 1777)            Lobsang Tenpa (1725 - 1782)
61th Tripa (1777 - 1786)            Ngawang Tshülthrim (1721 - 1791)
62th Tripa (1785 - 1792)            Lobsang Mönlam (1729 - 1798)
63th Tripa (1792 - 1794)            Lobsang Khechog (1736 - 1794)
64th Tripa (1794 - 1800)            Lobsang Trashi (1739 - 1801)
65th Tripa (1801 - 1807)            Gendün Tshülthrim (1744 - 1807)
66th Tripa (1807 - 1813)            Ngawang Nyendrag (1746 - 1824)
67th Tripa (1814 - 1814)            Jamyang Mönlam (1750 - 1814)
68th Tripa (1815 - 1816)            Lobsang Geleg (1757 - 1816)
69th Tripa (1816 - 1822)            Changchub Chöphel (1756 - 1838)
70th Tripa (1822 - 1828)            Ngawang Chöphel (1760 - 1839)
71th Tripa (1828 - 1830)            Yeshe Thardo (1756 - 1830)
72th Tripa (1831 - 1837)            Jampel Tshülthrim (1750 - 1850)
73th Tripa (1837 - 1843)            Ngawang Jampel Tshülthrim Gyatsho (1792 - 1855)
74th Tripa (1843 - 1847)            Lobsang Lhündrub (1782 - 1847)
75th Tripa (1850 - 1853)            Ngawang Lungtog Yönten Gyatsho (1811 - 1853)
76th Tripa (1853 - 1869)            Lobsang Khyenrab Wangchug (1797 - 1872)
77th Tripa (1859 - 1861)            Tshülthrim Dargye (mid 19th cent.)
78th Tripa (1861 - 1867)            Jamyang Damchö (mid 19th cent.)
79th Tripa (1867 - 1870)            Lobsang Chinpa (mid 19th cent.)
80th Tripa (1870 - 1876)            Dragpa Döndrub (mid 19th cent.)
81th Tripa (1876 - 1880)            Ngawang Norbu (1807 - 1882)
82th Tripa (1880 - 1886)            Yeshe Chöphel (mid 19th cent.)
83th Tripa (1886 - 1890)            Changchub Namkha ( mid 19th cent.)
84th Tripa (1890 - 1896)            Lobsang Tshültrim ( mid 19th cent.)   
85th Tripa (1896 - 1899)            Lobsang Tshülthrim Pelden (1836 - 1899)
86th Tripa (1901 - 1907)            Lobsang Gyeltshen (1840 - 1910)
87th Tripa (1907 - 1913)            Ngawang Lobsang Tenpe Gyeltshen (1844 - 1919)   
88th Tripa (1913 - 1918)            Khyenrab Yönten Gyatsho (1837 - 1919)   
89th Tripa (1918 - 1920)            Lobsang Sanggye Nyengrak Gyatso (1850 - 1920)
90th Tripa (1921 - 1927)            Champa Chödrak (1876 - 1937)
91th Tripa (1927 - 1932)            Lobsang Gyeltsen (1852 - 1932)
92th Tripa (1933 - 1933)            Thubten Nyinje (1853 - 1933)
93th Tripa (1933 - 1939)            Yeshe Wangden (1862 - 1943)
94th Tripa (1940 - 1946)            Lhündrub Tsöndrü (1869 - 1949)
95th Tripa (1947 - 1953)            Tashi Tongtün (1881 - 1957)
96th Tripa (1954 - 1958)            Thubten Künga (1891 - 1964)   
97th Tripa (1959 - 1965)            Thubten Lungtog Tendzin Thrinle (1903 - 1983)
98th Tripa (1984 - 1989)            Jampäl Shenpen (1919 - 1989)   
99th Tripa (?-1994 )            Yeshe Dönden (1915 - 1995)   
100th Tripa (1995 - 2003)         Lobsang Nyima (1928- 2008)   
101th Tripa (2003 - 2009)         Lungrig Namgyel (1927 - ?)   
102th Tripa (2009 - 2012)         Thubten Nyima Lungtog Tendzin Norbu (1939 - ?)   

A tribute to 101th Gandan Tripa Jetsun Lungrig Namgyal: http://dorjeshugden.com/wp/?p=12350

Further Information

The Gelug lineage was the last tradition to be formed within Tibetan Buddhism. It emerged as the pre-eminent Buddhist school in Tibet since the end of the 16th century. Lama Je Tsongkhapa is the founder of the Gelug tradition.

Lama Je Tsongkhapa was born in Tibet during a degenerating age in Buddhism (end of 14th and beginning of the 15th century) – discipline of the monks was weak and there was a general misunderstanding of the Dharma. Lama Tsongkhapa took on a revolutionary role and restored the Dharma to its original purity, with specific emphasis on monastic discipline whereupon he corrected prevalent monks’ behavior of pursuing power and riches.

Lama Tsongkhapa brought about an impactful reformation in Buddhism at that time. He promoted strict monastic discipline as the ideal basis for religious education and practice, and established monastic universities which offered strong education and spiritual training to monks. His reformation was very meaningful and was very quickly and widely accepted by people at all levels. Of the major monasteries in Tibet, Ganden Monastery (further divided into the two colleges of Ganden Shartse and Jangtse, and recently Shar Ganden) was founded by Lama Tsongkhapa himself in 1409.

The Gelug tradition advocates a solid grounding of academic study and celibate monastic discipline. Lama Tsongkhapa established sound scholarship as a prerequisite for constructive meditation; hence, the teachings of both Sutra and Tantra are subject to rigorous analysis through the medium of dialectical debate. At that time, the Gelug lineage was spreading far and wide, reaching not only Tibetan communities but also to neighboring regions, and has been flourishing ever since.

The Ganden Tripa is the Throne Holder to the seat of Lama Je Tsongkhapa and is the Spiritual Head of the Gelug order. The role of the Ganden Tripa is to continue the propigation of the pure teachings of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni, as well as promoting Tibetan Buddhism- especially the lineage of Lama Je Tsongkhapa, all over the world.

[Positive Change]

What I have highlighted in RED in my post earlier is an unusual occurrence whereby a Ganden Tripa passes away before his tenure.

7th Tripa (1473 - 1479)            Lodrö Tenpa (1402 - 1476)

What happens when such a void happens? Who takes over? is there a 2nd in "command"? So far it seems to have only happened once but upon closer research, the dates of his death above were actually wrong. So in actual fact I believe that the next Ganden Tripa is elected and takes over somewhat immediately!

Short Biography of the 7th Ganden Tripa, Lodrö Tenpa

The Seventh Ganden Tripa, Trichen Lodro Tenpa (dga' ldan khri pa 07 khri chen blo gros brtan pa) was born at Shangdron Khang in Tsang (gtsang gi shangs mgron khang) in 1402, the water-horse year of the seventh sexagenary cycle. He was given the primary monastic vows (rab byung) at a young age in Nae-Nying (gnas rnying).

Lodro Tenpa became a disciple of Tsongkhapa Lobzang Drakpa (rje tsong kha pa blo bzang grags pa, 1357-1419) and Gyeltsabje Darma Rinchen (rgyal tshab dar ma rin chen, 1364-1432) and received various teachings on both sutra and tantra from them. Lodro Tenpa became a great scholar in the teachings of Maitreya, which became central works in the Geluk monastic curriculum.

Lodro Tenpa served as the teacher at Sangpu Khupe Dratsang (gsang phu khu spe grwa tshang) for few years. He then travelled to E-Dag (e dwags) and founded Dakpo Dratsang (dwags po grwa tshang) that became one of the main monasteries for educational center in the region of Southern Tibet in the mid-fifteenth century. Shortly after Tsongkhapa’s completion of his masterpiece, the Lamrim Chenmo (lam rim chen mo), Lodro Tenpa paid a visit to Tsongkhapa, who gave him a copy of the text and exhorted him to establish a monastery in the southern region of Tibet where the teachings contained in the text would be taught, studied, and put into practice. Lodro Tenpa gathered a number of his students and established a community with monastic environment, and, then gradually a proper monastery called Dakpo Shedrubling. The monastery was also called Lamrim Dratsang because of its connection with the Lamrim Chenmo.

Lodro Tenpa then travelled to Southern E-Dag and Yarto (yar stod) and so forth and gave teachings as in response to the requests of his followers. He composed commentarial texts on all the five treatises of Maitriya except the Abhisamay?la?k?ra. He also composed texts on logic and other topics.

Lodro Tenpa had a number of disciples including Yabzang Chennga Dorje Rinchen (g.ya' bzang spyan lnga rdo rje rin chen, d.u.), Dakpo Lodro Taye (dwags po blo gros mtha' yas, d.u.), Drakpa Taye (grags pa mtha' yas, d.u.), and Ngawang Drakpa (nga dbang grags pa).

Lodro Tenpa appointed Ngawang Drakpa to serve as the education master of Dakpo Dratsang and subsequently travelled to Lhasa and joined Ganden Jangtse Monastery (dga' ldan byang rtse grwa tshang). At the age of seventy-two Lodro Tenpa was enthroned to abbatial seat as the Seventh Ganden Tripa in 1473, and serving for about six years, until 1478. During his tenure he gave many comprehensive teachings on the topics of both sutra and tantra. Finally at the age of seventy-seven, in 1478, the earth-dog year of the eighth sexagenary cycle in 1478, Trichen Lodro Tenpa passed into nirvana.

[Big Uncle]

Dear Harry Nephew,

In answer to your question, I believe that the role of the Gaden Tripa is a figurehead of the lineage and also a spiritual representative of Lama Tsongkhapa on earth. By right, the Gaden Tripa should have a say on the Dorje Shugden  ban and I believe they have the right to abolish it too since the Gaden Tri Rinpoche is the undisputed head of the Gelug lineage. However, like many Lamas, they have tremendous deep respect for the Dalai Lama.

Anyway, here's another explanation on the Gaden Tripa that I stumbled upon while surfing ( http://www.loselingmonastery.org/news.php?id=13 )

Gaden Tripa Supreme Spiritual Head of the Gelugpa Buddhist Tradition
A new head of the Geluk lineage of Tibetan Buddhism has taken over the position. On October 26, 2009, the 102nd Gaden Tripa Thubten Nyima Lungtok Tenzin Norbu had his Sarjel (first audience) with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala.

It reports that His Holiness the Dalai Lama took the opportunity to talk about the new Gaden Tripa during an event at Norbulingka Institute in Dharamsala to mark the release of a set of his biographies.

The Gaden Tripa is the supreme spiritual head of the Gelugpa Buddhist tradition worldwide. This position stretches back in an unbroken lineage to Lama Tsongkhapa, who founded Gaden Monastery in 1409. Lama Tsongkhapa had many students, his two main disciples being Gyaltsab Je (1364-1431) and Khedrub Je (1385-1438). After Lama Tsongkhapa’s passing, his teachings were held and passed on by Gyaltsab Je, who became the first Gaden Tripa, the throne-holder of Gaden and Lama Tsongkhapa’s representative on earth. After Gyaltsab Je’s administration, the position of Gaden Tripa was then passed to Khedrub Je, who then passed on this prestigious position in an unbroken lineage to the 102nd throne holder today.

This highly esteemed position as Gaden Throne-holder is attained through a vigorous selection process which requires years of extensive training and service in the highest ranking positions in the monastic institution as Lama Umze, disciplinarian and abbot to one of the tantric colleges: Gyume or Gyuto. This system, which is based on a monk’s academic accomplishment, tenacity in Dharma learning, teaching and practice, and service to the monasteries, ensures that anybody can ascend to the throne as Gaden Tripa. The act of passing the throne from one generation to the other reflects the spirit of equality in Buddhism: even a normal farm boy can work his way up to being the highest lama of the Gelugpa school.
 
In the History of Gaden Tripa, they are not only supreme spiritual head of Gelugpa but they were tutors and spiritual advisers to young Dalai Lamas and regents of Dalai Lamas during his absence. Thus successive Gaden Tripa had great contribution in Tibetan history on political and spiritual field. Some occasion in history, Gaden Tripas had responsibility to find reincarnation of Dalai Lamas. The current Gaden Tripa, 102nd Gaden Tripa, His Eminence the Thupten Nyima Lungtok Tenzin Norbu has taken over the position a new head of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism on October 26, 2009, in Dharamsala. His Holiness the Dalai Lama took the opportunity to talk about the new Gaden Tripa during an event at Norbulingka Institute in Dharamsala to mark the release of a set of his biographies and official ceremony of new Gaden Tripa.
 
To mark and honor this special occasion of His Eminence the 102nd Gaden Tripa, Setrul Rizong Rinpoche of Himalayan region of India for having attained the highest seat in the Gelugpa School of Tibetan Buddhism, the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association in collaboration with all Buddhist organizations in the Himalayan regions is organizing a function at Mavlankar Hall Constitution Club, Rafi Marg New Delhi on December 24th, 2009.

[Zach]

They ( Gaden Tripa's) have no actual power or Influence on the Gelug Institution because the Dalai lama holds all the power, Very sad. 

[Vajraprotector]

Ganden Tripa is literally translated as "The Throne-Holder of the Ganden or Gelugpa Tradition". Lama sHimself is sometimes considered to be the first Ganden Tripa. The spiritual authority of the Ganden Tripas, hence, stemmed from the Founder of the Gelugpa Tradition itself.

The line of the Ganden Tripas passed down through a lineage of distinguished scholar-saints. The Dalai Lama lineage commences from Gendun Drup, the first Dalai Lama, who was a young student of Lama Tsongkhapa. Lama Tsongkhapa predicted that the young Gendun Drup will greatly benefit His Teachings and all sentient beings. Subsequently, the 5th Dalai Lama obtained political support and became the political head of Tibet. Nevertheless, all the Gaden Tripas are still the official spiritual Heads of the Gelugpa tradition.

Ganden Tripas are sometimes the Teachers of both the Dalai and Panchen Lamas. In the absence of or during the minority of a Dalai Lama, Ganden Tripas are sometimes requested to act as Regents of Tibet, fulfilling both the spiritual and political role of a King of Dharma. For example, the late Ling Rinpoche – the 97th Ganden Tri Rinpoche - has acted both as a Regent in the 14th Dalai Lama's minority and as the Dalai Lama's Root Guru.

Out of respect for the Dalai Lama's political authority, Heads of other traditions in Tibet will usually obtain official recognition from a Dalai Lama or His Regent before actual assumption of their role. HH the present Sakya Trizin obtained teachings and official recognition as the Throne-Holder of the Sakya Tradition from HH the 14th Dalai Lama at the advice of the then Ganden Tri Rinpoche, Ling Rinpoche, while in Tibet.

[dsiluvu]

Out of respect for the Dalai Lama's political authority, Heads of other traditions in Tibet will usually obtain official recognition from a Dalai Lama or His Regent before actual assumption of their role. HH the present Sakya Trizin obtained teachings and official recognition as the Throne-Holder of the Sakya Tradition from HH the 14th Dalai Lama at the advice of the then Ganden Tri Rinpoche, Ling Rinpoche, while in Tibet.

So what will happened when His Holiness is no longer around? Who will then be giving this official recognition??? Below is a previous post I bring forth to this page as I am curious to know how the 103rd shall fair if His Holiness is gone and the BAN is still going on. It is obvious that any Gaden Tripa that is recognised from here on will be aligned with the BAN. So isn't this still very political and it does not seem like the Gaden Tripa has much authority in this respect. Unless the Gelugpa schools like Gaden, Sera and Drepung bend together and well they could possibly also lift the BAN and decide to break away entirely from this... could they do that when His Holiness?

From a previous post: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/forum/index.php?topic=966.0
New Gaden Tripa
« on: October 20, 2010, 07:49:08 PM » By Tk
The 102nd Gaden Tripa Rizong Rinpoche has practiced Dorje Shugden but of course with the ban, he has to fall in line with Dalai Lama's policy. He hails from Drepung Loseling Monastery.

Here Gaden Tripa is pictured welcoming Dalai Lama  to Drepung Loseling Institute in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 16th, 2010.

The Gaden Tripas are the heads of Gelug School of Buddhism but have no power as everything must be approved by the Dalai Lama.

it is not the case with other sects of Tibetan Buddhism who will not tolerate any interference from Dalai Lama within their own schools.

Sakyas, Kagyus, Nyingmas all have their respective heads that make decisions within their own Schools of Buddhism and they do not consult Dalai Lama nor would tolerate any interference from him.

Gelug is the only school completely dominated by Dalai Lama's control.

Hence many broke away and formed their own Monasteries. 

[harrynephew]

Out of respect for the Dalai Lama's political authority, Heads of other traditions in Tibet will usually obtain official recognition from a Dalai Lama or His Regent before actual assumption of their role. HH the present Sakya Trizin obtained teachings and official recognition as the Throne-Holder of the Sakya Tradition from HH the 14th Dalai Lama at the advice of the then Ganden Tri Rinpoche, Ling Rinpoche, while in Tibet.

So what will happened when His Holiness is no longer around? Who will then be giving this official recognition??? Below is a previous post I bring forth to this page as I am curious to know how the 103rd shall fair if His Holiness is gone and the BAN is still going on. It is obvious that any Gaden Tripa that is recognised from here on will be aligned with the BAN. So isn't this still very political and it does not seem like the Gaden Tripa has much authority in this respect. Unless the Gelugpa schools like Gaden, Sera and Drepung bend together and well they could possibly also lift the BAN and decide to break away entirely from this... could they do that when His Holiness?

From a previous post: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/forum/index.php?topic=966.0
New Gaden Tripa
« on: October 20, 2010, 07:49:08 PM » By Tk
The 102nd Gaden Tripa Rizong Rinpoche has practiced Dorje Shugden but of course with the ban, he has to fall in line with Dalai Lama's policy. He hails from Drepung Loseling Monastery.

Here Gaden Tripa is pictured welcoming Dalai Lama  to Drepung Loseling Institute in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 16th, 2010.

The Gaden Tripas are the heads of Gelug School of Buddhism but have no power as everything must be approved by the Dalai Lama.

it is not the case with other sects of Tibetan Buddhism who will not tolerate any interference from Dalai Lama within their own schools.

Sakyas, Kagyus, Nyingmas all have their respective heads that make decisions within their own Schools of Buddhism and they do not consult Dalai Lama nor would tolerate any interference from him.

Gelug is the only school completely dominated by Dalai Lama's control.

Hence many broke away and formed their own Monasteries. 

Until today, this question to clarify still remains unanswered. Do we want our lineage and teachings to go down the drain through the hands of the CTA who has proven themselves over many times that they could not handle this situation?

As students, followers and disciples of the Gaden tradition, is it within our means and jurisdiction to have the power of administration be handed back to the Gaden Tripas as it was intended by our Father Je Tsongkhapa himself? In the past I would say the Gelugpas look forward to the TGIE for much help as we're reestablishing the entire settlement in a different country and were deemed to their jurisdiction. Now that it's evident that it will not be beneficial for the growth and expansion (possibly very visible domination of power) How can we help the Gaden Tripas regain their power and stature?

The previous Gaden Tripa Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal put a stand on all Shugden issues by not attending HHDL's talks and events, I think HH 101 Gaden Trisur sent a strong signal there. What else can we do today to make this possible?

[Ensapa]

For now, due to much misconception and misinformation being spread around, many people think that the Dalai Lama is the head of the Gelugpas. This is not true as the Dalai Lama is the secular head of Tibet as well and he is responsible for making state decisions and the welfare of the Tibetans in general. The head of the Gelugs are the Ganden Tripas, always have been and always will be. The Ganden Tripa is the only one in the whole of Tibet that the Dalai Lama will refer to if he forgets anything when HHDL teaches, if i am not mistaken. Of course, the CTA downplays the role of the Ganden Tripa and promotes HHDL because it would be easier to 'work' for their cause as the Dalai Lama is their mascot of sorts.