 Dearest Friends
@ CAS,
Our precious Root
Teacher, the 100th Ganden Trisur Rinpoche, blessed our
island state with His holy presence in His 5 visits: twice
in His official capacity and thrice privately.
One can never imagine a
simpler, humbler but holier presence, all of which embedded
in unmistakable wisdom and very touching compassion.
It will be a steep challenge
for anyone to remember any instance of Rinpoche looking
annoyed, frustrated, raising His voice or any such worldly
aspects. In short, Trisur Rinpoche has consistently maintained
perfect stability, equipoise, tactile kindness and so
much absolute peace and loving presence ... sparking universal
recognition and veneration of how PERFECT
indeed this Ganden Tripa manifested Himself !!
____________
The
100th Ganden Trisur Rinpoche is extraordinary in being the first
Ganden Tripa to have visited Thailand, Myanmar, Singapore,
Japan, Mexico, Nepal** and the United States**, bringing
the Buddha's impeccable Teachings to the inconceivably "fortunate
disciples", transforming them forever.
[
**The latter 2 countries to the best of CAS's understanding
!! ]
The 100th
Ganden Trisur is probably, too, the only Gelugpa Head to
have served out His full 7 years as the Ganden Tripa ( Official
Head ) and another full 7 years as the Ganden Trisur ( Official
Head Emeritus ). In the universe where Tibetan Buddhism lives,
the 100th Ganden Trisur is the prophesied Tsongkhapa incarnated
in human guise during Tibet's darkest period.
____________
From CAS's
Archives, we share with all Trisur Rinpoche's teachings in
2000 in Singapore, excerpted from His month-long teaching on Gampopa's
"Jewel Ornament of Liberation".
[ CAS's Archives:
http://www.casotac.
Much interviewed and highlighted
by the media, Rinpoche remains the solid anchor from which streams
holiness and blessings .... we share here, the full-page
report from Singapore's widest circulated Chinese daily.
As the Dalai Lama's seniormost
spiritual deputy, the 100th Ganden Trisur has offered and exchanged
transmissions with almost every Tibetan Lineal Heads alive today**.
Enlightenment, of course, never knows darkness in death or noise in
clinging existence. One should rejoice that Trisur Rinpoche's
emanations and inconceivable activities never end till samsara
ends and thrives in the countless holy assemblies and oceans
of nectar-like teachings of the Buddha transmitted through every
lineage.
[ ** The 100th Ganden
Trisur Rinpoche deputised the Dalai Lama and bestowed initiations
and teachings in the Dalai Lama's place in 2000 at Bodhigaya,
to half a million Buddhists from all over the world and all the
major lineage heads. ]
Infinite rejoicings at our
dearest Friends @ CAS's contact with Trisur Rinpoche ---"Namo Amituofo !!"
bb & all beings @
CAS ..... serving Rinpoche always.
____________
Excerpt of Statement
from the Tibetan Government In-Exile
Dharamshala:
The Central Tibetan Administration
expressed its heartfelt condolences over the demise of His Eminence**
Lobsang Nyima Pal Sangpo, the 100th holder of Ganden Tripa.
( bb's
note: The Tibetan Government In-Exile's official designation of
"His Holiness" applies only to the Dalai Lama as the supreme spiritual
leader of Tibet while "His Eminence" applies to the Ganden Tripa (
Gelugpa Head ), the Sakya Trizin ( Sakya Head ), the Kagyu Head
and the Nyingma Head ).
His Eminence Lobsang Nyima - who ascended to the highest position in the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism in 1994 - .... ( His Eminence ) passed away ........ on the 14th day of seventh Tibetan lunar month; 14 September. He was 79. As a mark of respect,
the officials of the administration observed an hour-long prayer
session at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, following which the departments
and the offices remained close.
Expressing condolences on behalf of the CTA, the department of religion and culture and Buddhist followers in general, Kalon Ven Tsering Phuntsok described the Ganden Trisur as "one of the most accomplished masters of Tibetan Buddhism, who has offered great service to the spiritual and temporal heritage of Tibet." ____________ HH the
100th Ganden Tri Rinpoche - speaks on
[ Principal of Drepung Loseling School ] Introduction At the outset, develop the proper
motivation to listen to the Buddha's teachings, preferably,
in tune with Bodhicitta, the aspiration to attain Buddhahood
so that one could be of ultimate benefit to all sentient beings.
In this regard, the great Indian
philosopher, Nagarjuna, has said that for those who want to
cultivate the highest aim for oneself and others, there is no
other way but through the cultivation of Universal Compassion,
Bodhicitta and the cultivation of the unmistaken view of Emptiness.
He said that these three are the indispensable causes for attaining
Buddhahood for oneself and others. While describing these, Nagarjuna
characterizes these three indispensable causes by saying that
amongst them, Universal Compassion is the indispensable cause
for advancement to Bodhicitta. Universal Compassion does not
know of any discrimination towards sentient beings. In the Bodhisattva Charya Vatara
by Shantideva, it is said that once we have developed or once
we have exerted to the point of developing Bodhicitta, from
that point onwards, one has become a completely transformed
being. One has become a being worthy of respect, not just by
humans but also by celestial beings. All over samsara, one has
excelled over all sentient beings in terms of one's spiritual
achievements, spiritual developments. ____________ HH
the 100th Ganden Tri Rinpoche's first visit to Tibetan
Lama sets forth learning of foreign languages ¨C the
Dharma spreads forth a thousand miles Quoted
in full from Lianhe Zaobao ¨C the largest circulated Chinese
daily in Article
by Zhang Gelin [ Translated
by Kunga Nyima from the Chinese His
Holiness the 100th Ganden Tripa and the Tibetan Buddhist education
system
The Cultural Revolution more than 30 years ago caused
the Snow Lion to shake off snow flakes on its body, stalk out
of its snowy reign, fling open the door to the western world
the teachings of Lord Buddha.
However, much as the Lion's roar has awakened the western
realms, how, though, is it going to enter into the world of
the common people, enlightening them?
The key is in learning English.
True. In the history of the Gelugpa
Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, it is rare indeed for its Throne-Holders
to endorse or even encourage its monks' efforts to master a
foreign language. The present official Head of the Gelugpa Tradition
is just such a rare being.
During the interview, His Holiness said, "Although
the society has changed extremely rapidly, Buddhism has still
a practical role to play. Nowadays, outside of
As a result, with the permission and even encouragement
from Tibet's overall leader, the Dalai Lama, the Ganden Tripa,
whilst holding the post of the Abbot of the Tantric College
of Lower Lhasa and the Abbot of Namgyal Monastery [ the Dalai
Lama's own personal monastery ], in addition to improving the
monks' sutric and tantric education syllabus, the Ganden Tripa
also introduced the so-called 'modern'subjects of English, Mathematics
amongst others with the help of both local and western instructors.
This becomes an important facilitator for the western seekers
of the Buddha's teachings.
The Ganden Tripa's introduction of these never-before
changes to the Tibetan Buddhist education system exerts a significant
degree of impact upon the generally-perceived veiled arena surrounding
Tibetan Buddhism ¨C it is now poised and has adapted itself
to the value of its own preservation. The
100th Holder of the Throne of Tzongkhapa the
Supreme Spiritual Head of the Gelugpa Tradition His
Holiness the 100th Ganden Tripa's name is Lobsang Nyima. His
Holiness is aged 72. Since
5 years ago, He has inherited the exalted position of Tzongkhapa,
the Founder of the Gelugpa Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. [
Tzongkhapa Himself being the first Ganden Tripa ] This
is the first time, the Ganden Tripa is in Worthy
of note is that although the present Ganden Tripa is not selected
on the basis of his being the reincarnation of a high lama,
due to the belief of a prophecy by Tzongkhapa that the 100th
incumbent of His spiritual throne will be that of His own emanation,
the present Ganden Tripa is greatly revered by all His followers
and casted upon His identity, an unfathomable mystery. The
Ganden Tripa feels that education is very important, believing
that this is the essential key to the preservation of Tibetan
culture. His Holiness said that the Tibetan monks should go
deep into the inner meanings of the scriptures to discover their
own "inner "After
fleeing to Pacifier
of man-eating tigers and wild elephants
Compassionate gaze, loving smile, unshakable meditative
posture, His Holiness is just like the gentle, warm old grandfather.
Probably also from such compassion, it is said that while
helping in the construction of the Tantric College of Lower
Lhasa in south India, the ravenous tigers and trampling elephants
are tamed at the sight of His Holiness.
Of course, being the perfect Buddhist practitioner that
a Ganden Tripa is, such 'miraculous' events are simply carelessly
brushed aside. His Holiness, in fact, always carries Himself
in a most humble manner, never allowing Himself to become the
center of any discussion.
Touching upon the subject of His escape from
His Holiness is born in 1928 in a small village in
In 1959, at the age of 31, the Ganden
Tripa, following the 14th Dalai Lama, fled to India
where He received His Geshe degree [ equivalent to Doctorate
in Buddhist philosophy ], entered the Tantric College of Lower
Lhasa to pursue intensive study of Buddhist tantras, worked
all the way from the lower hierarchy of monkhood up to become
the Abbot many years later.
In 1984, He became the Jangtse Choje, the next-in-line
to the Ganden Tripa.
11 years later, in 1995, He formally became the supreme
spiritual leader and the Official Head of the Gelugpa Tradition
of Tibetan Buddhism ¨C His Holiness the Ganden Tripa.
While acting as the Abbot of the Tantric College of Lower
Lhasa, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama appointed
Him to also become the Abbot of His own personal monastery in
Dharamsala, the prestigious Namgyal Monastery. The Ganden Tripa
held this position for a full 6 years.
Commenting on His relationship with the Dalai Lama, the
Ganden Tripa said, "We enjoyed an extremely close relationship.
He [ the Dalai Lama ] is a completely dedicated leader who exerts
every effort for the well-being of the Tibetan people. Recollecting
these years, what makes me truly satisfied is that I have never
let down the Dalai Lama's expectations.¡" Love
to 'work for Lord Buddha'
For the past 10 years, His Holiness has lived in south
India's Drepung Monastery. The Ganden Tripa wakes up at 6 every
morning to start teaching over 2000 monks for the next 5 hours
or more, attend to administrative duties, study the scriptures,
compose Buddhist commentaries, formally recognise and enthrone
reincarnated high Tibetan teachers as well as to attend to other
countless spiritual responsibilities.
The Ganden Tripa has also been to the United States of
America, Mexico and Japan to teach.
Although the attendant said that owing to slight high
blood pressure and diabetes, the Ganden Tripa gets tired easily,
His Holiness interjected, "Not tired. I like working for
Lord Buddha."
Speaking on His personal spiritual cultivation, the Ganden
Tripa said, "I cannot perform miracles. I cannot fly or
disappear into the earth. I only try to remember my religious
aspirations and precepts. I try to apply them in my daily life." What
is a Ganden Tripa ??
Although
a Ganden Tripa need not necessarily be a tulku or the reincarnation
of a high lama, a Ganden Tripa is accorded protocol only privileged
to that for a Dalai Lama or a Panchen Lama: the 'royal' parasol,
the eight auspiscious symbols above which He walks over, the
precious incense vases and the like.
This underscores a significant point in Tibetan Buddhism.
With its reverence for reincarnated high lamas, Tibetan Buddhism
also holds in high esteem, lamas who practise hard and attain
realization in the present life.
In Tibetan, 'Ganden' here refers to the entire
Gelugpa Tradition [ not to be confused with Ganden Monastery
who also carries the same name ]. 'Tripa'
means the 'Throne-holder'
The precious lineage of the Ganden Tripas can be traced
from 581 years ago to the founder of the Gelugpa tradition,
Tzongkhapa [ the first Ganden Tripa and the Main Teacher of
the first Dalai Lama ]. This holy line survives right up to
the imposition of Chinese influence in Tibet ¨C the reign of
the 97th Ganden Tripa [ Ling Rinpoche who is also
the Main Teacher of the present Dalai Lama ] The
route to becoming a Ganden Tripa is not as fascinating or exciting
an account as that of the discovery of a reincarnated lama.
A
top Buddhist philosophy graduate from any of the three great
Gelugpa Monasteries of Drepung, Sera or Ganden, known as Geshe
Lharampa, [ translated as 'Spiritual Friend' ] may choose to
enrol in either the Tantric College of Lower Lhasa [ 'Gyumey'
] or the Tantric College of Upper Lhasa [ 'Gyuto' ] - the only
two main Gelugpa tantric colleges that specialise in transmitting
of the tantric teachings. From
here, the monk may get promoted to become the Disciplinarian
or 'Gegu' in Tibetan. A
year later, the monk may again get promoted to become the Assistant
Abbot or 'Lama Umdze' in Tibetan. Three
years later, the monk may then rise to become the Abbot or 'Khenpo'
in Tibetan. Another
three years later, the monk may retire to become the Abbot Emeritus
or 'Khensur' in Tibetan. [
the translator's note: each stage of 'promotion' is not necessarily
automatic and the span of years dividing each 'promotion' is
not definite ] The
Abbots Emeriti from both the Tantric Colleges of Lower and Upper
Lhasa respectively possess the possibility of further promotion.
The Abbot Emeritus from the Tantric College of Upper Lhasa [
'Gyuto Khensur' in Tibetan ] will occupy
the next higher position of 'Sharpa Choje' while the Abbot Emeritus
from the Tantric College of Lower Lhasa [ 'Gyudmed Khensur'
in Tibetan ] will occupy the next higher position of 'Jangtse
Choje'. The
'Sharpa Choje' and 'Jangtse Choje' are literally known as the
'Lords of Dharma' of the Gelugpa Tradtion. These two 'Lords
of Dharma' take alternate turns to occupy the highest position
in Gelugpa - the Ganden Tripa.
All
the Ganden Tripas hold their post for a full 7 years.
A retired Ganden Tripa, known as a 'Ganden Trisur', is,
by now, of highly advanced age.
For the ordinary monk, a direct and uninterrupted elevation
to the position of Ganden Tripa takes a modest estimate of at
least fifty years. Indeed, most of the eligible candidates pass
away to the 'Pure Realms' long before then.
A living Ganden Tripa is a supreme spiritual head. A
reincarnated Ganden Tripa is a so-called 'living Buddha' or
'tulku' in Tibetan. Therefore,
only a Ganden Tripa can be uniquely addressed as 'Tri Rinpoche'.
The
Ganden Tripa is in The
web-site for HH the Ganden Tri Rinpoche¡¯s programme in http://www.geocitie |
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