Dharamshala: The leadership and staff of the Central Tibetan Administration held a prayer service on the afternoon of 29 September 2025 to mourn the passing of Kyabje Gaden Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Tenzin, the 104th throne holder of the Ganden Tripa. Rinpoche, who passed away on the morning of 26 September at his residence in Sera Je Monastery, Bylakuppe (India), at the age of 90, had served as the Ganden Tripa—an exalted position regarded as the head of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism—from 24 June 2017 to November 2024.

Brief Biography of the Late Kyabje Gaden Trisur Rinpoche

Born in 1935 in Lhatse (Ch: Lazi), Tibet, Kyabje Jetsun Lobsang Tenzin Palsangpo was ordained as a monk by Khenchen Tenzin Gyatso at the age of ten. He began his monastic education at Lhatse Chöde Monastery before entering the Tsangpa Khamtsen of Sera Je Monastery in Lhasa, where he immersed himself in the rigorous study of Buddhist philosophy, including Abhidharma, Madhyamaka, Vinaya, and the Perfection of Wisdom. At sixteen, he formally joined Sera Je Monastery’s scholastic community, engaging deeply in memorisation, debate, and philosophical inquiry.

In 1960, following the illegal Chinese occupation of Tibet, Rinpoche fled into exile and joined the Buxa Chogar Tosam Tardo Ling. Despite the hardships of refugee life—especially in the Buxa refugee camp, known for its harsh conditions—Rinpoche continued his studies with unwavering dedication under renowned tutors such as Jetsun Lobsang Wangchuk, the former Abbot of Sera Je, and Zong Rinpoche. After Buxa Chogar was repurposed into a monastic school, Rinpoche served as teacher until Sera Monastery was re-established in Bylakuppe. There, in 1978, he earned the esteemed Geshe Lharampa degree—the highest scholastic achievement in the Gelug tradition.

In accordance with the assignment given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Rinpoche prepared a curriculum for the newly established tantric monastery, Gyume Tantric College. After a few years, His Holiness appointed him Abbot of Gyume Tantric Monastery.

In 2010, Rinpoche was appointed Jangtse Choje, positioning him second in line for the Ganden Tripa, the spiritual head of the Gelug tradition. On 24 June 2017, he was enthroned as the 104th Ganden Tripa, succeeding the legacy of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school, and served in this role until November 2024.

Throughout his life, Rinpoche was revered as a profound scholar, an inspiring teacher, and a compassionate leader. He traveled extensively, sharing the Dharma across India, North America, Europe, and beyond.

On the morning of 26 September 2025, Rinpoche passed away peacefully at his residence in Sera Je Monastery, Bylakuppe, India, leaving behind a profound legacy for the Gelug tradition and the wider Buddhist community. Rinpoche’s passing was deeply mourned by monks, practitioners, and institutions around the world, including an official condolence from the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.