The Four Dharmas of Gampopa by Thrangu Rinpoche Geshe Lharampa

The Four Dharmas of Gampopa by Thrangu Rinpoche Geshe Lharampa. Gampopa Sönam Rinchen was born in Nyal, Eastern Tibet, in 1079 and died in 1153. He formulated his Dharma lessons around four teachings:

• Grant your blessing so that my mind may turn towards the Dharma
• Grant your blessing so that Dharma may progress along the path
• Grant your blessing so that the path may clarify confusion
• Grant your blessing so that confusion may dawn as wisdom

Thrangu Rinpoche Geshe Lharampa unfolds the teachings and describes their historical context in this book about Tibetan Buddhism. Download the book here (47 pages/121Kb):

The Four Dharmas of Gampopa

 

Who was Thrangu Rinpoche Geshe Lharampa?

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, Geshe Lharampa, is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist master, scholar, and teacher affiliated with the Kagyu lineage, one of the primary schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He is especially known for his comprehensive and accessible teachings on complex Buddhist texts.

Here are some key points about Thrangu Rinpoche:

1. Birth: Thrangu Rinpoche was born in 1933 in Tibet.
2. Early Life: At the age of seven, he was recognized as the ninth reincarnation of the Thrangu Tulku, meaning he is considered a reincarnated teacher or “lama.” This title indicates that he is the ninth in a lineage of important spiritual teachers.
3. Education: Thrangu Rinpoche received full ordination at the age of 23 from the 16th Karmapa. He was awarded the Khenchen degree after completing his studies in Buddhist philosophy, which is equivalent to a Doctorate in Divinity.
4. Teachings: He has traveled extensively around the world, teaching and establishing Buddhist centers in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.
5. Role after Chinese Invasion: After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in the 1950s, Thrangu Rinpoche fled to India. He played a crucial role in preserving the teachings of the Kagyu lineage and later helped in the re-establishment of the Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, the primary seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage outside Tibet.
6. Writings: He is also an author and has written extensively on various topics related to Tibetan Buddhism, making complex topics accessible to Western students.
7. Monastic Seats: He established the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery in Nepal and the Vajra Vidya Retreat Center in Crestone, Colorado, among others.

Thrangu Rinpoche’s teachings and writings are highly respected and have been instrumental in spreading the dharma (Buddhist teachings) to the West and other parts of the world.