With deep sadness and reverence, we mark the passing of His Holiness Ganden Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Tenzin Palsangpo, the 104th Ganden Tripa, spiritual leader of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Rinpoche’s vast learning, profound humility, and unshakable devotion to the Dharma touched countless lives around the world. Many in our Jamyang community had the great fortune to be his students and to receive his teachings when he visited our centre.
A Life of Study and Exile
Born in Tibet in 1934, Rinpoche was ordained as a monk at the age of seven and entered the Tsangpa Khamtsen of Sera Jey Monastery in central Tibet at sixteen. He was immersed in the rigorous training of memorisation, debate, and philosophy, studying the great treatises of Abhidharma, Madhyamaka, Vinaya, and the Perfection of Wisdom.
In 1959, at the time of Tibet’s upheaval, he followed His Holiness the Dalai Lama into exile in India. Recalling those days in an interview for Mandala (FPMT) in 2018, Rinpoche described fleeing Sera Je Monastery as Chinese shelling fell around them:
“We didn’t carry anything with us; we left everything, even our tsampa, as we were fleeing out of fear of being bombed. There was no planning or packing, but when word spread about the Chinese plans to bomb the monastery that night, most of the monks made the decision to flee.”
In exile, he and fellow monks endured great hardship at the Buxa refugee camp, a former British prison site with poor sanitation and widespread illness. Yet even in those difficult conditions, study and practice continued. Despite contracting tuberculosis, Rinpoche persevered, later completing his Geshe Lharampa degree — the highest academic honour in the Gelug tradition — in 1979, after rigorous examinations attended by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and senior scholars.
Scholar, Teacher, and Leader
Following his geshe studies, he entered Gyume Tantric College, where he became master of discipline, and in 1985 he was appointed Abbot of Gyume Tantric University, serving six years. His life of scholarship and leadership reflected humble service — a commitment he expressed simply:
“I do not have in mind creating new initiatives, but rather my focus is on protecting and strengthening the systems we do have and on removing obstacles and challenges presented by our modern world.” (Mandala, FPMT, 2018)
Rinpoche was widely known as a teacher of clarity and depth, offering guidance in India and abroad, including at many FPMT centres. His kindness, steadiness, and learned presence were remembered wherever he travelled.
In 2010 he was appointed Jangtse Choeje, placing him second in line for the position of Ganden Tripa. In April 2017, His Holiness the Dalai Lama appointed him the 104th Ganden Tripa — the holder of the Ganden Throne, spiritual leader of the Gelug school, and heir to the legacy of Je Tsongkhapa. He held the position until 2024, carrying forward the responsibility of preserving Tsongkhapa’s lineage with humility and strength.
Image: Ganden Trisur Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Sera Jay Monastery – photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
Connection with Jamyang
At Jamyang Buddhist Centre, we remember with gratitude the occasions Rinpoche visited us, offering blessings and teachings. Many of our students count themselves as his disciples. For a centre dedicated to the flourishing of Je Tsongkhapa’s tradition, it was a profound joy to welcome the Ganden Tripa himself. He visited Jamyang at least 5 times before he was appointed Ganden Tri Rinpoche; He gave the initiations for the three main Gelug practices of Guhyasamaja. Vajrabhairava, Heruka Chakrasamvara and Narohacho Vajrayogini as well as explanations of sadhana and oral transmissions connected with each practice. A senior student of Jamyang from those days reflects ‘He was truly kind to us in ‘three ways’ and came at the invitation of Geshe Tashi, we were very very fortunate’
Our Resident Teacher, Geshe Tenzin Namdak, offered these words to the community upon hearing the news of Ganden Trisur’s passing;
“Trisur Rinpoche’s passing marks the end of a life of unsurpassed service to the Dharma. It is impossible to enumerate the qualities of Trisur Rinpoche, but there are particular aspects worthy of note. Rinpoche was a perfect manifestation of the monastic tradition of scholarship, not only intellectually but putting the teachings into practice. Furthermore, Rinpoche cared for the monastic community like a loving father, guiding many students with affection.
Rinpoche had a good connection with Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and with Jamyang, which is very precious. Whenever I met with him, he showed an interest in the wellbeing of the centre, so students of Jamyang should make strong prayers for Rinpoche’s swift return and for this connection to be sustained life after life.”
His Legacy
Throughout his life, Rinpoche emphasised continuity, discipline, and preservation of the Dharma amidst changing times. Reflecting on his priorities as Ganden Tripa, he said:
“These days the Dharma has spread throughout the world, benefiting many who have encountered it. My goal is to preserve the teachings of the Buddha, of Je Lama Tsongkhapa, and to see that they flourish in the world for the benefit of others.” (Mandala, FPMT, 2018)
His words speak to a life lived without personal ambition, but with unwavering dedication to the Dharma and to future generations of practitioners.
Our Prayers
The passing of such a teacher is a moment of great poignancy. We at Jamyang join disciples across the world in offering prayers for Rinpoche’s swift return, and in rejoicing at the immense benefit of his life.
May his unmistaken reincarnation swiftly appear to continue guiding us all on the path of wisdom and compassion.
We will be sharing news of community prayer and practice in due course.
