Light of Enlightenment: The Story of His Holiness Gedun Drupa (vegetarian), the First Dalai Lama, Part 2 of 2

At the age of 50 years, during His meditation retreat, Gedun Drupa was deeply troubled by the sectarian conflict unfolding in the region. Overcome with sadness, He turned to His Master in prayer. Suddenly, Beloved Master Tsongkhapa appeared to Him in a vision, bringing clarity and easing His inner turmoil.

In 1447, Gedun Drub founded Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, establishing it as a key outpost for Gelug teachings in a region then predominantly controlled by Sakya and Kagyu monasteries. Despite attempts to obstruct the founding of the new monastery, likely due to disapproval of the Gelug school’s growing influence in the region, Gedun Drub went on to establish three religious colleges, divided into 26 houses, at Tashi Lhunpo.

His Holiness Gedun Drupa was widely referred to as the “Perfector of the Monkhood” and “Panchen Gedun Drupa,” where “Panchen” means “Great Scholar.” He was also honored with the title of “Tamchey Khyenpa,” “the Omniscient One,” by the influential Jonangpa master Bodong Chokley Namgyal, an epithet later associated with all Dalai Lama incarnations. Renowned for integrating study and practice, He authored over eight substantial works, offering profound insights into the Buddha’s teachings and philosophy, as well as clarifying the path to liberation.

In 1474, at the age of 84, His Holiness Gedun Drupa embarked on a final teaching tour, traveling on foot to Narthang Monastery. After returning to Tashi Lhunpo, He passed away while meditating, described as entering Parinirvana “in a blaze of glory,” signifying His attainment of Buddhahood. In His honor, Tashi Lhunpo Monastery erected a silver stupa adorned with jewels to enshrine His remains, which can still be viewed today.

One of our Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association members (all vegans), Nian-Qing, shared her inner vision about the first Dalai Lama. “[…] In 2011, many years after having received initiation, I once again saw Master during Quan Yin meditation. She initially appeared in the form of this photo, then transformed into the first Dalai Lama, once again reminding me, ‘Master is the first Dalai Lama.’ Supreme Master Ching Hai was not only Master Tsongkhapa of the Tibetan region, but also the disciple of Tsongkhapa, the first Dalai Lama, ‘Gedun Drupa.’ Both the Master and the Disciple are manifestations of Master’s physical incarnations, working together to make significant contributions to the development of the Gelug of Tibetan Buddhism!”