Kelsang Gyatso
Kelsang Gyatso: The 11th Panchen Lama of Tibetan Buddhism
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Kelsang Gyatso was born in 1932 as the 11th incarnation of the Panchen Lamas, a lineage of high-ranking lamas in the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. He is also known by his title, Panchen Rinpoche, and is often referred to simply as Kelsang.
Birth and Death Dates
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Kelsang Gyatso was born on 1932 in Tibet. He passed away in 1989 at the age of 57 in China.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: Tibetan
Profession: Buddhist monk, lama, and politician
Early Life and Background
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Kelsang Gyatso was recognized as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama by the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. At a young age, he began his monastic education in Tibet, studying Buddhist scriptures and philosophy under the guidance of experienced lamas.
Major Accomplishments
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Recognition as the 11th Panchen Lama: Kelsang Gyatso was officially recognized by the Chinese government as the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama in 1959.
Resistance to Chinese Rule: In the early 1960s, he refused to cooperate with the Chinese government's attempts to control Tibetan Buddhism and integrate it into Chinese culture.
Influence on Tibetan Buddhist Education: He played a significant role in promoting traditional education within Tibetan monasteries.Notable Works or Actions
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Writings and Teachings: Kelsang Gyatso wrote extensively on Buddhist philosophy, particularly the concept of compassion. His teachings focused on cultivating inner peace and understanding.
* Leadership Roles: He served as a leader within the Tibetan Buddhist community, helping to maintain traditional practices and resist Chinese influence.
Impact and Legacy
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Kelsang Gyatso's life and work had a profound impact on Tibetan Buddhism and its relationship with China. His refusal to cooperate with the Chinese government set an example for other Tibetans who sought to preserve their cultural identity.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Kelsang Gyatso is remembered as a symbol of resistance against Chinese rule in Tibet. His quotes and writings continue to inspire Tibetan Buddhists worldwide, reminding them of the importance of compassion and tradition.
Quotes by Kelsang Gyatso
Although we want to be happy all the time we do not know how to do this, and we are always destroying our own happiness by developing anger, negative views and negative intentions. We are always trying to escape from problems, even in our dreams, but we do not know how to liberate ourself from suffering and problems. Because we do not understand the real nature of things, we are always creating our own suffering and problems by performing inappropriate or non-virtuous actions.
Los problemas solo aparecen cuando no reaccionamos de manera constructiva ante las dificultades. Por consiguiente, si queremos solucionar nuestros problemas, debemos aprender a transformar nuestra mente.
If we want to be truly happy and free from suffering, we must learn how to control our mind.
We will discover through our own experience that this precious mind of love is the real wish-granting jewel, because it fulfills the pure wishes of both ourself and all living beings.
Happiness and suffering are feelings - parts of our mind - and so their main causes are not to be found outside the mind. If we really want to be truly happy and free from suffering, we must improve our understanding of the mind.
Due to mistakenly believing that outer problems are their own problems, most people seek ultimate refuge in the wrong objects. As a result, their suffering and problems never end.
To meditate is to familiarise our mind constantly and thoroughly with a virtuous object.
Some people believe I am the third Buddha, but this is people's choice. From me, never. I have never pretended I am special.
Every living being has the potential to become a Buddha: someone who has completely purified his or her mind of all faults and limitations and has brought all good qualities to perfection.