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Time of India
12 hours ago
- Time of India
From Gedun Drupa to Tenzin Gyatso: The 14th Dalai Lama and his 13 predecessors
As the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso , approaches his 90th birthday on July 6, 2025, he holds the distinction of being the longest-living Dalai Lama in Tibetan history. According to tradition, the process of identifying his reincarnation will be overseen by the Gaden Phodrang Trust. Historically, each of the preceding 13 Dalai Lamas was born either in the same year their predecessor passed away or the year after. These spiritual leaders were typically recognized at an early age—usually between two and three years old—as the reincarnated embodiments of their predecessors. Below is a detailed overview of the lives and discoveries of the first 13 Dalai Lamas, as recounted through Tibetan Buddhist customs. While some enjoyed long lives filled with spiritual achievement, others passed away in their youth. Gedun Drupa: The First Dalai Lama (1391–1474) Gedun Drupa, originally named Pema Dorjee, entered the world in 1391 in Gyurmey Rupa, a small area near Sakya in Tibet's Tsang region. His parents, Gonpo Dorjee and Jomo Namkha Kyi, were part of a nomadic tribe. He began his early education in Tibetan script under the tutelage of Gya-Ton Tsenda Pa-La. At 14, he was ordained as a novice monk by Khenchen Drupa Sherab, the abbot of Narthang Monastery, who gave him the religious name Gedun Drupa. He received full monastic ordination in 1411. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scientists: Tinnitus? When tinnitus won't go away, do this (Watch) Hearing Magazine Undo In 1416, deeply inspired by the revered Tsongkhapa—the founder of the Gelugpa school—Gedun Drupa became his devoted disciple. Tsongkhapa acknowledged his dedication by symbolically gifting him a new monk's robe, foreshadowing Gedun Drupa's future role in spreading Buddhism across Tibet. Gedun Drupa went on to establish the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse in 1447, which would become a major center of learning for the Gelugpa sect. A scholar of remarkable intellect and discipline, Gedun Drupa authored over eight extensive texts that delved into the teachings and philosophy of the Buddha. He died peacefully in 1474 at the age of 84, while meditating at Tashi Lhunpo. Gedun Gyatso: The Second Dalai Lama (1475–1542) Born in 1475 in Tanag Sekme near Shigatse, Gedun Gyatso was the child of Kunga Gyaltso and Machik Kunga Pemo, a farming family. His father, a practitioner from the Nyingmapa tradition, reportedly had dreams and visions pointing to his son's spiritual destiny. As a toddler, the boy claimed his name was Pema Dorjee and expressed a desire to reside in Tashi Lhunpo Monastery—the same name and wish as the First Dalai Lama. Recognized as Gedun Drupa's reincarnation at age 11, he was enthroned at Tashi Lhunpo and given his monastic name by Panchen Lungrig Gyatso. He undertook advanced studies at both Tashi Lhunpo and Drepung Monasteries. In 1517, he assumed the abbacy of Drepung and in 1525, that of Sera Monastery . He also revived the Monlam Chenmo, or Great Prayer Festival. Gedun Gyatso passed away in 1542 at the age of 67. Sonam Gyatso: The Third Dalai Lama (1543–1588) Sonam Gyatso was born in 1543 in Tolung, near Lhasa, into a prosperous family. After the tragic loss of earlier children, his parents tried to protect him by feeding him goat's milk, and gave him the name Ranu Sicho Pelzang—"prosperous one saved by goat's milk." Recognized at three years old as the reincarnation of the Second Dalai Lama, he was taken to Drepung Monastery, where he renounced worldly life and received his new name. He later accepted full ordination and became the abbot of both Drepung and Sera Monasteries. In 1574, he founded Phende Lekshe Ling, now known as Namgyal Monastery—the personal monastery of the Dalai Lamas. He was the first to receive the title "Dalai Lama" (meaning Ocean of Wisdom ) from the Mongol King Altan Khan, whom he, in turn, named 'Brahma, King of Religion.' Sonam Gyatso expanded Tibetan Buddhism into Mongolia and established Kumbum and Lithang Monasteries. He passed away while teaching in Mongolia in 1588. Yonten Gyatso: The Fourth Dalai Lama (1589–1617) Yonten Gyatso was born in Mongolia in 1589, the grandson of Altan Khan. His birth was accompanied by prophetic signs and approval from the Gaden Monastery's abbot. However, his family initially refused to send him to Tibet. He studied under Tibetan monks in Mongolia before finally arriving in Tibet at age 12 in 1601. At 26, he received full ordination from the Fourth Panchen Lama and became abbot of Drepung and later Sera Monastery. His life was short, and he died in 1617 at the age of 27. Lobsang Gyatso: The Fifth Dalai Lama (1617–1682) Lobsang Gyatso was born in Lhoka in 1617. As a child, he recognized belongings of the previous Dalai Lama and was secretly acknowledged by Sonam Choephel due to political instability. Eventually, he was ordained and named Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso. In 1642, backed by Gushir Khan of the Qoshot Mongols , he was installed as both Tibet's religious and temporal leader. He initiated the construction of the iconic Potala Palace in 1645. He visited the Chinese Emperor Sunzhi in Peking in 1649, where they exchanged formal honors. The Fifth Dalai Lama's tenure brought political unity and spiritual reform. He died in 1682 before the Potala Palace was completed and advised that his death be kept secret until construction was finished. Tsangyang Gyatso: The Sixth Dalai Lama (1683–1706) Born in 1683 in Tawang (now Arunachal Pradesh), Tsangyang Gyatso was secretly identified due to the Fifth Dalai Lama's undisclosed death. The Desi Sangye Gyatso managed this deception for 15 years while construction of the Potala Palace continued. Tsangyang Gyatso took novice vows in 1697 but renounced monastic life soon after. Known for his poetic brilliance and unorthodox lifestyle, he lived freely, composing lyrical verses and frequenting taverns. In 1706, he was summoned to China but died en route under mysterious circumstances. Kelsang Gyatso: The Seventh Dalai Lama (1708–1757) Kelsang Gyatso was born in Lithang in 1708. The child displayed spiritual traits from a young age and was ordained at Kumbum Monastery. He was enthroned in Lhasa in 1720 and fully ordained in 1726. An accomplished scholar in both sutra and tantra, he reorganized the Tibetan administration by forming the Kashag (council of ministers) in 1751, eliminating the role of Desi. He built the Norling Kalsang Phodrang and founded the Tse-School. He passed away in 1757. Jamphel Gyatso: The Eighth Dalai Lama (1758–1804) Born in 1758 in Lhari Gang, Jamphel Gyatso was recognized for various auspicious signs. He was enthroned in Lhasa at the Potala Palace and received novice ordination at age seven, followed by full ordination in 1777. He contributed to Tibetan architecture by constructing the Norbulingka summer palace. He passed away in 1804 at the age of 47. Lungtok Gyatso: The Ninth Dalai Lama (1805–1815) Lungtok Gyatso was born in 1805 in Kham and was enthroned in Lhasa in 1810. Despite his early promise, he tragically died in 1815 at only nine years of age. Tsultrim Gyatso: The Tenth Dalai Lama (1816–1837) Born in Lithang in 1816, Tsultrim Gyatso was recognized and enthroned in 1822. He was educated at Drepung Monastery and fully ordained in 1835. He restored the Potala Palace but suffered from chronic illness and died in 1837. Khedrup Gyatso: The Eleventh Dalai Lama (1838–1856) Khedrup Gyatso was born in 1838 in Minyak. Recognized and ordained by the Panchen Lama, he assumed leadership as a teenager. Unfortunately, he died unexpectedly in 1856 in the Potala Palace. Trinley Gyatso: The Twelfth Dalai Lama (1856–1875) Born near Lhasa in 1856, Trinley Gyatso was recognized and brought to the Potala Palace in 1858. He assumed full duties by 1873 but died just two years later, at the age of 20. Thupten Gyatso: The Thirteenth Dalai Lama (1876–1933) Thupten Gyatso was born in 1876 in Dagpo. He was recognized in 1877 and fully ordained in 1895. A forward-thinking leader, he strengthened Tibet's sovereignty amidst threats from British and Chinese forces. He introduced paper currency, postal services, schools, and medical institutes. During his exile in India, he was exposed to modern ideas and later restructured Tibet's military and civil institutions. He died in 1933 before fulfilling his dream of fully modernizing Tibet. From humble nomads to royal bloodlines, each Dalai Lama carried the torch of compassion, knowledge, and leadership. Their lives remain testaments to a legacy that intertwines spiritual wisdom with temporal governance—a tradition poised to continue with the next reincarnation.
News18
a day ago
- News18
'Ocean, Big Sea': What Does The Word 'Dalai' In Dalai Lama Mean?
Last Updated: The title "Dalai Lama" is a combination of the Sino-Mongolian word dalai meaning "big sea" and the Tibetan word bla-ma meaning "guru, teacher" The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, will turn 90 this week. While he has ended speculation on whether he will have a successor or not after his death by reaffirming his succession plan, this is set to escalate tensions with China that has rejected it. China has said any future heir must receive its seal of approval, adding a new chapter to Tibetan Buddhism's decades-long struggle with the Chinese ruling Communist Party. WHAT DOES THE DALAI LAMA MEAN? While the Dalai Lama is the face of Buddhism to many people across the world, he is actually the head of just one tradition within Tibetan Buddhism known as the Gelug school. According to the website of the Namgyal Monastery, the Dalai Lama is a high lama in the Gelug or 'Yellow Hat" school of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Tsongkhapa (1357-1419). The title 'Dalai Lama" is a combination of the Sino-Mongolian word dalai meaning 'big sea" and the Tibetan word bla-ma meaning 'guru, teacher", suggesting breadth and depth of wisdom. Britannica states that it became the title for the leader of the Gelukpa order in the beginning, with the third Dalai Lama who reached an agreement for mutual respect and support with Mongol chief Altan Khan, who bestowed on him that title. Tibetans believe the Dalai Lama to be the manifestation of Avalokiteśvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, and the 'one who hears the cries of the world". Avalokiteśvara is prayed to across Asia, and is known as Chenrezig in Tibet, Guanyin in China, and Kannon or Kanzeon in Japan. The line of Dalai Lamas began as a lineage of spiritual teachers, with the fifth Dalai Lama assuming political authority over Tibet. The Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit organisation, was founded by the Office of the Dalai Lama in 2015. The statement made by the 14th Dalai Lama, who is also called Lhama Thondup, on May 21, was released by his office four days ahead of his birthday on July 6. A 5.57-minute video of his speech in Tibetan was also released. 'I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has the sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation. No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," the statement said. Earlier, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism had maintained that Tibet's most sacred tradition could be wound up, or his successor could be a woman or someone born outside China. China, however, has rejected the Nobel Peace laureate's succession plan. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama, the second-high priest of Tibetan Buddhism, has to go through the centuries-old tradition of the 'Golden Urn' law procedure started by the 18th century Qing dynasty. 'The Dalai Lama's reincarnation must follow the principles of domestic recognition, the 'Golden Urn' process, and approval by the central government, in line with religious traditions and laws," she told a media briefing in Beijing while responding to the Dalai Lama's announcement. The week-long celebrations to mark the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday commenced at Tsuglagkhang, the main temple at McLeodganj near Dharamshala, on June 30. The occasion is significant, as the Dalai Lama had said in 2011 that at the age of 90, he will decide whether the institution will continue or not. (With PTI inputs)
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
Meet the 13 reincarnations before the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, who turns 90 this July 6 is so far the longest living of all the Dalai Lamas. His reincarnation will be identified by the Gaden Phodrang Trust. The previous 13 Dalai Lamas all took birth either in the year that their predecessor died, or a year later. They were mostly recognised as the Dalai Lama's reincarnation when they were two or three years old. Here are brief profiles of the previous 13 Dalai Lamas, and how they were found, according to Tibetan Buddhist tradition. A few of them died at a young age. Born in 1391 in Gyurmey Rupa, near Sakya in the Tsang region of central Tibet to Gonpo Dorjee and Jomo Namkha Kyi, a nomadic family, his given name was Pema Dorjee. He died in 1474, at the age of 84, while in meditation at Tashi Lhunpo monastery. Gedun became the disciple of the Great Tsongkhapa, an influential Tibetan Buddhist monk, philosopher, and tantric yogi whose efforts led to the formation of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1416. Gedun's loyalty and devotion to Tsongkhapa earned him the title of Principal Disciple. Tsongkhapa handed Gedun a new set of robes as a sign to spread Buddhist teachings all over Tibet. In 1447, Gedun founded the Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Shigatse, one of the biggest monastic universities of the Gelug school. (There are four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism – Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug.) The 2nd Dalai Lama, Gedun Gyatso (1475–1542) He was born in 1475 in Tanag Sekme, near Shigatse in the Tsang region of central Tibet to Kunga Gyaltso and Machik Kunga Pemo, a farming family. When he was able to speak, he told his parents that his name was Pema Dorjee (the given name of the First Dalai Lama), and that he would live in Tashi Lhunpo monastery. In 1525, he became the abbot of Sera monastery, and died at the age of 67 in 1542. The 3rd Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso (1543-1588) He was born in 1543 in Tolung, near Lhasa, to Namgyal Drakpa and Pelzom Bhuti, a rich family. His parents' other children had died, and to ward off any misfortune they fed him the milk of a white goat, and named him Ranu Sicho Pelzang – 'the prosperous one saved by goat's milk'. When he was three years old, the then ruler of Tibet, Sonam Dakpa Gyaltsen, recognised him as the reincarnation of the Second Dalai Lama. He was later given the name of Sonam Gyatso. In 1588, he died while teaching in Mongolia. The 4th Dalai Lama, Yonten Gyatso (1589-1617) He was born in 1589 in Mongolia to the Chokar tribal chieftain Tsultrim Choeje, who was the grandson of Altan Khan and his second wife PhaKhen Nula. In 1617, at the age of 27, he died at Drepung monastery. With predictions from state oracles and auspicious signs at his birth, the abbot of Gaden monastery recognised him as the reincarnation of the Third Dalai Lama, and he was given the name of Yonten Gyatso. The 5th Dalai Lama, Lobsang Gyatso (1617-1682) He was born in 1617 in Lhoka Chingwar Taktse, south of Lhasa, to Dudul Rabten and Kunga Lhanzi. Sonam Choephel, the chief attendant of the Fourth Dalai Lama, paid a visit to the Chong-Gya boy after hearing of his exceptional abilities and showed him articles belonging to the previous Dalai Lama. The boy at once said those belonged to him. Sonam Choephel kept the discovery of the Fifth Dalai Lama a secret because of the turbulent political situation at the time. When things settled down, the Fifth Dalai Lama was taken to Drepung monastery, where he was ordained into monkhood by the Third Panchen Lama, Lobsang Chogyal, and was given the name Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso. He decreed the construction of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, but died in 1682 at the age of 65, before the palace could be completed. The 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso (1682-1706) He was born in 1682 in the region of Mon Tawang in present-day Arunachal Pradesh to Tashi Tenzin and Tsewang Lhamo. In order to complete the Potala Palace, the wishes of the Fifth Dalai Lama were carried out, and his death was kept a secret for 15 years. People were told that the Great Fifth Dalai Lama was continuing his long retreat. On important occasions the Dalai Lama's ceremonial gown was placed on the throne. However, when Mongol princes insisted on having an audience with the Dalai Lama, an old monk called Depa Deyrab of Namgyal Monastery, who resembled the Dalai Lama, was hired to pose in his place. He wore a hat and eyeshadow to conceal the fact that he lacked the Dalai Lama's piercing eyes. In 1697, the 14-yr-old Tsangyang Gyatso was enthroned as the Sixth Dalai Lama. In 1706, he was invited to China, but he died on the way. The 7th Dalai Lama, Kelsang Gyatso (1708–1757) It is believed that Tsangyang Gyatso predicted his own rebirth at Lithang in Kham when he wrote this song: 'White crane, lend me your wings, I go no farther than Lithang, And thence, return again.' The boy who would be the Seventh Dalai Lama was born in 1708 to Sonam Dargya and Lobsang Chotso in Lithang. Monks at the Thupten Jampaling Monastery, which was founded by the Third Dalai Lama, were astonished by the wonders of the child, and also the state oracles of Lithang that predicted that the newborn child would be the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. Due to the turbulent political situation prevailing at the time, he was not taken to Lhasa but to Kumbum monastery, where he was ordained. In 1720, he was enthroned in Potala Palace. In 1751, when he was 43 years old, the Dalai Lama constituted the Kashag or Council of Ministers, a practice that the Central Tibetan Administration follows even today, and became the spiritual and political leader of Tibet. He died in 1757. The 8th Dalai Lama, Jamphel Gyatso (1758-1804) He was born in 1758 at Thobgyal, Lhari Gang, in the Tsang region of southwestern Tibet. His father, Sonam Dhargye, and mother, Phuntsok Wangmo, were originally from Kham, and traced their ancestry to Dhrala Tsegyal, one of the legendary heroes of the Gesar epic. As soon as he was conceived, the Lhari Gang area was blessed with a bumper harvest, with each stalk of barley bearing three, four, and five ears, which was unprecedented. As his mother and a relative had their supper in the garden, a huge rainbow appeared, and its one end touched the mother – an extremely auspicious omen that is associated with the birth of a holy being. After his birth, Jamphel was often observed looking heavenward with a smile on his face, and attempting to sit in a meditative lotus posture. As the infant Jamphel began to speak, he said – 'I will go to Lhasa at the age of three.' He was eventually recognised as the Eighth Dalai Lama. He died in 1804 at the age of 47. The 9th Dalai Lama, Lungtok Gyatso (1805-1815) He was born in 1805 in Dan Chokhor, a small village in Kham, to Tenzin Choekyong and Dhondup Dolma. He was recognised as the Dalai Lama's reincarnation in 1807, and enthroned at the Potala Palace in 1810. However, he died in 1815 at the very young age of 9. The 10th Dalai Lama, Tsultrim Gyatso (1816–1837) He was born in 1816 in Lithang in Kham to Lobsang Dakpa and Namgyal Bhuti. He was recognised in 1822, and was enthroned in the Potala Palace the same year. He constantly battled ill health, and died in 1837. The 11th Dalai Lama, Khedrup Gyatso (1838-1856) He was born in 1838 at Gathar in Kham Minyak to Tsetan Dhondup and Yungdrung Bhuti. He was recognised in 1841, and was enthroned in Potala Palace the following year. He died in 1856 in Potala Palace. The 12th Dalai Lama, Trinley Gyatso (1856–1875) He was born in 1856 in Lhoka, a place near Lhasa, to Phuntsok Tsewang and Tsering Yudon. In 1858, he was escorted to Lhasa where he was given the name Thypten Gyatso. In 1873, he took on full responsibility as both spiritual and political leader of Tibet but died in 1875 at the age of 20 in Potala Palace. The 13th Dalai Lama, Thupten Gyatso (1876-1933) He was born in the Fire Mouse year of 1876 at Langdun in Dagpo, central Thakpo Tibet, to Kunga Rinchen and Lobsang Dolma, a peasant couple. In 1877, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama following predictions from the State Oracle Nechung and other auspicious signs at his birthplace. In 1879, he was enthroned at the Potala Palace. In 1914, he strengthened Tibet's military force by organizing special training for the Tibetan army. In 1917, he established the Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astrology Institute) in Lhasa to preserve the unique traditional Tibetan medical and astrological systems. In 1923, he established the Police Headquarters in Lhasa for the security and welfare of the Tibetan people. In the same year, he established the first English school of Tibet in Gyaltse. He died in 1933 at the age of 58.
