Lama Tsongkhapa

Lama Tsongkhapa (1357 - 1419) was born in the Tsong Kha region of Amdo Province in eastern Tibet. He is the founder of the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, and is famous for his dedication to vigorous mental and physical practice. There are many remarkable stories about his perseverance. For instance, he completed 3,500,000 full-length prostrations, leaving an impression of his body on the floor of the temple.

He wrote many learned treatises and commentaries on Buddhist texts such as the Lam Rim Chen Mo (The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment).

At the age of 62, very early in the morning while sitting in full lotus posture, Lama Tsongkhapa’s breathing stopped. Many disciples present witnessed light rays emanating from his body, leading them to believe that he had entered the bardo (the stage between death and rebirth) as an enlightened being.

He taught:

"If you knew how hard it is to acquire,
Living the average life would be impossible.

If you saw its great benefits,
You would be sorry if it stayed meaningless.

If you thought about death,
You would make preparations for your future lives.

If you thought about cause and effect,
You would stop being reckless."

Relic and Source

Lama Tsongkhapa's stupa Lama Tsongkhapa's green relics Lama Tsongkhapa's relics

This small stupa was made by Lama Tsongkhapa himself. It was offered by Oser Rinpoche who is from Sera Me Monastery in South India.
The five olive green relics were offered by Wu Wen Yuen in Taiwan, in 2001.
While he was still alive, Lama Tsongkhapa offered his tooth to one of his heart disciples called Khedrup Je. The other disciples also wanted the tooth, so Lama Tsongkhapa placed it on the altar, making offerings and prayers. The tooth multiplied into nine relics, which he distributed among his followers. The large white tooth relic shown here is one of those nine relics. It was offered to Lama Zopa Rinpoche in Lhasa, Tibet, in 1987 by Wesar Rinpoche from Sera Me Monastery in South India.