Commemoration of the 550th Parinirvana of 1st Tatsak Rinpoche Baso Chokyi Gyaltsen at International Convention Centre (ICC) in Bodhgaya.

Bodhgaya: Sikyong Penpa Tsering attended the commemoration of the 550th Parinirvana of 1st Tatsak Rinpoche Baso Chokyi Gyaltsen, the 6th Gaden Throne Holder and younger brother of Tsongkhapa Lobzang Drakpa’s disciple Kedrubje Gelek Pelzang, at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Bodhgaya on 29 December 2023.

The event was also attended by Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche as Chief Guest, along with Gaden Tri Rinpoche, Jangtse Chojhe Rinpoche, Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche, Jonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche, and other venerable lamas and Khenpos. Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Deputy Speaker Dolam Tsering Teykhang, Security Kalon Dolam Gyari, Kasur Jetsun Pema, Standing Committee Members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, and dignitaries from the Government of India, including Smt. Rinchen Lhamo, a member of the National Commission for Minorities, and Shri Ravi Thakur, a Member of the Legislative Assembly from Himachal Pradesh, attended the commemoration.

During the occasion, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration delivered a speech to pay his respects to Baso Chokyi Gyaltsen while commending the current 13th Kundeling Rinpoche Jetsun Tenzin Choekyi Gyaltsen Pal Sangpo for his immense contributions to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan Buddhism amidst the ongoing challenges to it.

Baso Chökyi Gyaltsen, a direct disciple of Tsongkhapa, was born in Latod and was ordained at a very young age. He soon came under the tutelage of Yongdzin Khedrub. He later received ear-whispered teachings (oral transmissions) from various prominent lamas of that time, including Tsongkhapa and his chief disciples. It was the first Dalai Lama, Je Gendün Drupa, who prophesied that Baso Chöjé was unlike others in all the qualities of scripture and realisation and that it would be excellent if he were invited to the Ganden throne in his stead. Baso Chöjé, throughout his later life, performed vast deeds in the religious and secular spheres and conferred countless empowerments, transmissions, and instructions to vast devotees and followers.

Apart from the religious domain, the successive Kundeling Rinpoches have also played essential roles in the political spectrum. The 8th and 10th Kundeling Tatsak Choktrul Rinpoches have shouldered responsibilities as the regents during the absence or early ages of Dalai Lamas. Similarly, Kundeling Rinpoches have also assumed charge as spiritual advisor of several rulers of China and Mongols.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressing the gathering.

Dignitaries and guests on dais during the commemoration of the 550th Parinirvana of 1st Tatsak Rinpoche Baso Chokyi Gyaltsen.