The Centrality of the Practice in the Geluk during the 20th Century
Particularly in the early days of exile, a number of claims were made about the centrality of the practice of Dorje Shugden in Geluk practice, in particular, that the deity was the main protector of the Geluk. This claim seems to be strongly linked to a doctrine connected with the 19th and 20th century charismatic…
Letter from Kensur Sonam Gyaltsen
An Open Letter to Gelug Monasteries & Sangha regarding Dorje Shugden Gyudmed Monastery (Lower Tantric College) Kensur Sonam Gyaltsen’s Letter to Tibetan Buddhists and Tibetan Government-in-exile Dear all Gurus and monks, Regarding the letter sent December 30, 2010, and received on January 13, 2011. The content of this letter asked me to give up the…
The Geluk Exam – 2011
The Gelug Exam is widely known as the final stage of Buddhist studies within the monastic community especially in terms of Sutra studies. A monk must pass his monastery’s local exam where one must participate in all the related subjects like the Vinaya class (either 1st year or 2nd year) in order to be a…
History of Various Gelugpa Monasteries
1. Ganden Monastery In 1409, Tsongkhapa instituted the Great Prayer Festival (sMon-lam chen-mo) at the Lhasa Jokang Temple (Lha-sa Jo-khang, Jokhang). Afterwards, his disciples, concerned about the effect of constant travel on their teacher’s health, offered to build him a monastery at any site of his choice. Tsongkhapa accepted and chose Drogri Mountain (‘Brog ri-bo-che), approximately…
“An Unbelievable Expert on All Subjects…”
Sermey Jetsun Khen Rinpoche Losang Tharchin on Pabonka Rinpoche Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche Dechen Nyingpo and his classmate, Gyelrong Sharpa Choje—known as Jangsem Choje Lobsang Nyima—went together very often to debate when they were at their monastery. Indeed, both of them became Geshes. Later Jangsem Choje Lobsang Nyima entered Gyu Me Tantric College and became a…