Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
A Pioneer of Modern Buddhism
Full Name and Common Aliases
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso (1931-2022) was a renowned Tibetan Buddhist teacher, author, and founder of the New Kadampa Tradition. His full name translates to "Ocean of Virtues" in Tibetan.
Birth and Death Dates
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso was born on June 5, 1931, in Tibet's Drephung Monastery. He passed away on March 30, 2022, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Tibetan Buddhist master, author, and spiritual leader
Early Life and Background
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso was born into a humble family in Tibet's Drephung Monastery. At the age of eight, he entered the monastery to pursue a monastic education under the guidance of his guru, Triulshik Rinpoche. Geshe Kelsang showed exceptional intellectual and spiritual potential from an early age, quickly mastering complex Buddhist scriptures and philosophical concepts.
Major Accomplishments
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's life was marked by numerous remarkable achievements:
He became a geshe (equivalent to a Ph.D.) at the age of 23, having studied for 18 years under Triulshik Rinpoche.
As a young monk, he traveled extensively throughout Tibet, teaching and spreading Buddhism to thousands of people.
After fleeing from Tibet in 1951 due to the Chinese occupation, he continued his spiritual development in India, eventually establishing the New Kadampa Tradition in the UK.Notable Works or Actions
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's literary contributions significantly impacted modern Buddhism:
He wrote numerous books on Buddhist philosophy and practice, including "Buddhism in the Present Day," "Meaningful to Behold," and "The Mirror of Dharma."
His teachings emphasized compassion, love, and kindness as essential components of the Buddhist path.
Through his writing and lectures, he introduced countless people worldwide to the principles of Mahayana Buddhism.
Impact and Legacy
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's impact on modern Buddhism is undeniable:
He founded over 1,000 meditation centers in more than 40 countries, creating a global network for spiritual growth and education.
His teachings have inspired millions of people from diverse backgrounds to adopt Buddhist principles in their daily lives.
The New Kadampa Tradition he established continues to thrive as a vibrant and inclusive community.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's influence extends far beyond his own lifetime:
His emphasis on compassion, kindness, and love has helped shape the modern Buddhist landscape.
His innovative approach to presenting Buddhism made it more accessible to a broader audience, transcending traditional cultural boundaries.
As a pioneering teacher and author, he continues to inspire new generations of spiritual seekers worldwide.
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's remarkable life serves as a testament to the enduring power of compassion, wisdom, and kindness. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to guide countless individuals on their journey toward greater understanding and inner peace.
Quotes by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
We should realize that our deadliest enemies are anger and other delusions. Since these delusions are deeply ingrained mental habits, working to overcome them is not always easy.
Painful things do not come to us from outside, but arise from within our own mind. Circumstances or other people have no power to make us feel bad; the most they can do is trigger the potentials for painful feelings that already exist within our own mind.
Today we can see many different forms of Buddhism, such as Zen and Theravada Buddhism. All these different aspects are practices of Buddha’s teachings, and all are equally precious; they are just different presentations.
Buddha’s teachings are scientific methods to solve the problems of all living beings permanently.
We should understand that our problems do not exist outside of ourself, but are part of our mind that experiences unpleasant feelings.
Faith is like pure eyes that enable us to see a pure and perfect world beyond the suffering world of samsara.
If everyone practiced cherishing others, many of the major problems of the world would be solved in a few years.
By meditating on affectionate love and wishing love for just one moment we accumulate greater merit than we would by giving food three times every day to all those who are hungry in the world.