A Look Into the Life and Legacy of Je Tsongkhapa

Je Tsongkhapa is the renowned founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Gelug school is one of the most influential out of the four major schools in Vajrayana Buddhism. Hence, the Precious Master is highly acclaimed as a monk and scholar. His profound understanding of Buddhist philosophy and his innovative approach to monastic discipline have had a profound impact on the development and preservation of Tibetan Buddhism.

Je Rinpoche's meticulous commentaries on classic Buddhist texts and his establishment of the Gelug monastic system have provided a solid foundation for the school's continued growth and influence. His teachings emphasize the importance of logic, reason, and meditation. Throughout his life and even after his demise, the Guru have inspired countless practitioners and scholars throughout the centuries and is regarded as one of the most significant figures in Vajrayana. 

Here, Je Rinpoche, Lobsang Drakpa, Gyaltsen, Gyalwa Tsongkhapa, and Losang Drakpa Gyaltsen, all refer to Je Tsong Khapa. Those are the names and epithets that he garnered due to his perseverance.

Je Tsongkhapa Early Life and Birth Story

Je Tsongkhapa was born to a nomadic family in the Amdo region, northeastern part of Tibet, in 1357. He was born to a Mongolian father and a Tibetan mother named Shingtsa Achö. It is believed that the Buddha and another revered Buddhist master Atisha had prophesied his birth. The latter had predicted the arrival of a great teacher who would reform and purify Buddhism in Tibet. His mother also had dreams and visions hinting at his extraordinary destiny. With such auspiciousness from his birth, a young Gyaltsen showed his divinity from an early age. People around him were clear that he was no ordinary child. 

By the age of three, Tsongkhapa had already shown a keen interest in spiritual matters. At this young age, he received his first ordination from the Fourth Karmapa, Rolpe Dorje, who also gave him the name Kunga Nyingpo. Recognizing his potential, the Karmapa instructed Tsongkhapa’s father to ensure that the child would receive a thorough education in Buddhism.

Je Tsongkhapa Started Formal Education at Seven

Je Tsongkhapa received formal education when he was seven years old. He was under the tutelage of Choje Dhondup Rinchen who bestowed him with a new name; Lobsang Drakpa. Along with Rinchen, a young Drakpa also studied under the guidance of many other prominent teachers of the time. He was particularly influenced by the teachings of the Sakya, Kadam, and Kagyu schools. In Sakya monastery, he studied monastic discipline, phenomenology, valid cognition, the Middle Way (Madhyamaka), and Guhyasamaja under lama Kazhipa Losel and Rendawa.

He then traveled extensively across Tibet, studying with more than a hundred teachers, and quickly gained a reputation for his prodigious intellect and deep understanding of Buddhist scriptures. Drakpa learnt the Mahamudra or the Great Seal from Chennga Choyi Gyelpo and medical treatises from Kechok Kyab of Drikung. Lobsang then studied the Ornaments for clear Realization ad the Perfection of Wisdom in Nyethang Dewachen. Adding into his scholarly achievements, Lobsang also studied the Six Yogas of Naropa, the Kalachakra, the Lam-Dre teachings, and Chakrasamvara, before setting out to become a Guru.

His training was rigorous, involving the study of sutras, tantras, and the entire corpus of Indian Buddhist teachings that had been transmitted to Tibet. He was prodigy who mastered logic, philosophy, and the monastic discipline at a young age. 

One of the most significant aspects of Drakpa's education was his commitment to both the sutric and tantric traditions. He believed that the study of tantra should be grounded in a solid understanding of the sutras, and he worked tirelessly to integrate these two aspects of Buddhist practice. This approach later became a hallmark of the Gelug school.

Je Tsongkhapa Founded the Gelug School

Je Tsongkhapa laid the groundwork for the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The Gelug, often referred to as the "Yellow Hat" school due to the color of the hats worn by its monks, emphasized strict adherence to the Vinaya (monastic code), rigorous scholarship, and the integration of meditation and ritual practices.

Tsong Khapa established the Ganden Monastery near Lhasa in 1409, which has  become the principal seat of the Gelug school. The monastery's founding also marked the beginning of the Great Prayer Festival (Monlam Chenmo), which he initiated as a means to promote the unity of the sangha and the welfare of all sentient beings.

The Gelug school, under his leadership, quickly grew in prominence and attracted a large following. Tsongkhapa's teachings emphasized the importance of ethical conduct, the study of scripture, and the practice of meditation. He also stressed the need for a clear understanding of emptiness (shunyata), as taught by Nagarjuna, combined with the altruistic aspiration of bodhicitta, the wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.

Je Tsongkhapa Major Works and Reforms

Je Tsongkhapa was a prolific writer and his works cover a vast range of Buddhist topics, including philosophy, meditation, and ethics. The following table mentions some of his notable works and their title translation:

Title in Wylie	English Translation
Lamrim Chenmo	The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment
Ngagrim Chenmo	The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path of Mantra
Smra ba'i blo gsal	The Essence of Eloquence
Rinchen bhuyi	The Precious Garland
Tshad ma rgya mtsho	The Ocean of Debate

 

Tsong Khapa’s teachings emphasized on the need for a balanced approach to Buddhist practice, integrating ethical conduct, philosophical understanding, and meditative concentration. He also placed great importance on the role of the teacher and the need for proper guidance on the spiritual path. His approach to Buddhism was characterized by a deep respect for the Indian Buddhist tradition and a commitment to maintaining the purity of the teachings.

Hence, the Gelung school founder is often credited with revitalizing Buddhism in Tibet during a time when the monastic discipline had weakened, and the teachings had become fragmented. His reforms were aimed at restoring the integrity of the monastic community and ensuring the proper transmission of the Buddhist teachings.

One of his most significant contributions as a Buddhist Master was the establishment of a rigorous academic curriculum in the Gelug monasteries. This curriculum, known as the Geshe program, required monks to engage in years of intensive study, debate, and meditation. The program culminated in the attainment of the Geshe degree, which became the highest academic qualification in Tibetan Buddhism.

Tsongkhapa also reformed the practice of tantra in Tibet. He emphasized the need for a solid foundation in the sutric teachings before engaging in tantric practices, and he provided clear guidelines for the ethical and psychological preparation required for tantra. His reforms ensured that tantra was practiced with the utmost respect and understanding, preventing its misuse and the potential dangers associated with incorrect practice.

Another of Tsongkhapa’s notable contributions was his emphasis on the study and practice of Madhyamaka philosophy, particularly as taught by Nagarjuna. His interpretation of Nagarjuna’s teachings on emptiness became a defining characteristic of the Gelug school, and his works on this subject are considered some of the most authoritative in Tibetan Buddhism.

The following is one of the countless notable sayings of the highly revered Je Tsong Khapa:

In the beginning, you should rely on a qualified spiritual teacher, as it is difficult to progress on the path without proper guidance.

This saying highlights the importance of finding a qualified teacher who can provide accurate guidance on the spiritual path. In the modern context, where information is abundant but often conflicting, the need for a knowledgeable and experienced teacher is crucial for navigating the complexities of Buddhist practice.

Je Tsongkhapa Demise and Legacy

Je Tsongkhapa passed away in 1419 at the age of 62. His demise was not seen as an end but rather as a transition to a higher state of being. His teachings and writings continue to be studied and practiced by Buddhists around the world, and his legacy lives on through the Gelug school, which he founded.

The annual festival of Ganden Ngamchoe, held on the 25th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, commemorates his parinirvana (passing away). During this festival, his followers light butter lamps and engage in prayers and rituals to honor his memory and continue his work.

Je Tsong Khapa’s influence on Tibetan Buddhism cannot be overstated. His reforms, teachings, and writings have shaped the course of Tibetan Buddhism for centuries, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of practitioners. Through his life and work, Tsongkhapa demonstrated the power of wisdom, compassion, and dedication to the path of enlightenment.

The Start of Dalai Lama Lineage

One of the most significant developments in Tibetan Buddhism following Je  Tsongkhapa’s demise was the emergence of the Dalai Lama lineage, which became the spiritual and political leader of Tibet. The First Dalai Lama, Gendun Drup, was a close disciple of Tsong Khapa. While the latter did not start the Dalai Lama tradition but his teachings played a key role in the propagation of the lineage. The Dalai Lama lineage has continued to uphold and spread Tsongkhapa’s teachings, with the current 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, being a prominent global advocate of Tsong Khapa’s philosophy.

Conclusion: The Timeless Impact of Je Tsongkhapa

Je Tsongkhapa's life and teachings continue to have a profound impact on Vajrayana Buddhism. His synthesis of rigorous scholarship, ethical conduct, and meditative practice set a high standard for practitioners and provided a comprehensive framework for the path to enlightenment.

The Gelug school continues to remain a vibrant and influential tradition within Tibetan Buddhism, while his teachings continue to guide and inspire practitioners worldwide. The Dalai Lama lineage, closely linked to his legacy, has further ensured the continued relevance of his teachings in the modern world.

His emphasis on the union of wisdom and compassion, and his commitment to the preservation and transmission of the Dharma have left an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape of Tibet and beyond. His life serves as a beacon of wisdom, compassion, and dedication to the path of enlightenment, offering timeless guidance for those who seek to follow in his footsteps.

The highly admired Gyaltsen's life story is a testament to the transformative power of spiritual practice while he provides a clear and comprehensive guide to peace and enlightenment through his writings, teachings, and the enduring influence of the Gelug school.

Meditation without the view of emptiness is like trying to reach the other shore without a boat.
- Je Tsongkhapa