In this special podcast celebrating the 600th anniversary of the enlightenment of Tsongkhapa, Professor Thurman gives an in-depth teaching on his historical importance and impact upon Buddhism, Tibet and philosophy.

Opening this week’s episode with personal reflections upon “The Year of Tsongkhapa”, Robert A.F. Thurman uses the miss-titled “Tibetan Book of The Dead” core teaching of infinite interconnected, past and future lives to frame his exploration of the life, work and teachings of Je Tsongkhapa.

This two part podcast includes a reading of the first Panchen Lama Khedrup Gelek Pelzang’s account of Tsongkhapa’s attainment of the magic body and manifestation of Manjushri during his enlightenment.

Podcast includes a discussion of the use of spiritual consorts, Karmamudra, the history of the different schools, sects and “orders” within Pre-Invasion Tibet and a recommendation of the forthcoming biography of Tsongkhapa by Thupten Jinpa by Wisdom Publications.

About Lama Tsongkhapa and “International Year of Tsongkhapa”

​Je Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357-1419) was one of the greatest scholar-practitioners in the history of Tibetan Buddhism and the founder of the Gelug tradition. While still a young man, Tsongkhapa distinguished himself through intense study, a sharp intellect and meditative accomplishment. In the last three decades of his life, Tsongkhapa dedicated himself to practice, teaching, writing and establishing monasteries. Respected by all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Lama Tsongkhapa’s deeds contributed tremendously to the revitalization of Buddhism in Tibet.

On December 30th, 2018, the 104th Ganden Tripa Lobsang Tenzin, the supreme head of the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism proclaimed that 2019 will be “International Year of Tsongkhapa.”

“I call upon all Gelukpas and well-wishers to render their support to spreading awareness of the eloquent teachings and writings of the great Master Tsongkhapa throughout the world. I encourage Geluk monasteries, centers, organizers, individuals and admirers of Master Tsongkhapa worldwide to initiate special activities throughout the year of 2019 to commemorate (the) 600th anniversary of the great master and to inspire beings to follow in his footsteps.”

Ganden Tri Rinpoche

Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Lawrence Ferlinghetti by Gary Gach.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York and Wisdom Publications.

Suggested Reading:  “The Life and Teachings of Tsongkhapa” Edited by Robert A.F. Thurman published by Wisdom Publication, 2018.

Celebrating Tsongkhapa : Sects, Orders and Consorts – Ep. 200 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded during the “The Legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa” Talk at Tse Chen Ling in San Francisco in 2019.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology