Description
Tsongkhapa (Lobsang) (Kumbum (Tsongkha), 1357–1419) or Je Rinpoche is the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. His name means "the man from the onion valley," and his name as a monk was Lobsang Drakpa. He was trained in the Kadam school. The two most important characteristics of the Gelug tradition are the unity of sutra and tantra and the emphasis on vinaya (moral code or discipline). Tsongkhapa was born in 1357 in Amdo (northeast Tibet). The Kumbum monastery was built there. From the age of three, he was trained by Rolpey Dorje, the fourth Karmapa, who gave him the name Kunga Nyingpo. At the age of seven, he made his vows to Chojey Dhondup Rinchen, who gave him the name Lobsang Drakpa. His training was extensive, including the Six Yogas of Naropa, the Kalachakra, and concluded with the Mahamudra. Tsongkhapa traveled extensively throughout the country, studying with over 100 teachers from all existing traditions, including Dzogchen, and holding long retreats. During his travels, he frequently taught and eventually became a teacher. Tsongkhapa founded the Ganden Monastery in 1409, making him the first Ganden Tripa (1409-1419). Here, he taught his own teachings. These teachings, later called Gelug, were based on a combination of the existing schools (Kadampa, Kagyüpa, and Sakyapa). Tsongkhapa wrote numerous treatises, and when he died in 1419, he left behind 18 collections of writings covering hundreds of topics. These writings constitute the most important source of study (besides the Buddha's teachings) within the Gelug tradition. He had many disciples, including Gyaltsab Dharma Rinchen (1364-1431) and Gendün Drub (1391-1474), who later became the first Dalai Lama.
Tsong Kapa
