Lama Tsongkhapa (1357 - 1419) was born in the Tsong Kha region of Amdo Province in eastern Tibet. He was famous for his dedication to vigorous mental and physical Dharma practice from a very young age. There are many remarkable stories about his perseverance. For instance, he completed 3,500,000 full-length prostrations, leaving an impression of his body on the floor of the temple.
Lama Tsongkhapa is the founder of the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. He wrote many learned treatises and commentaries on the classic texts such as the Lam Rim Chen Mo (The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment).
At the age of 62, very early in the morning while sitting in full lotus posture, Lama Tsongkhapa’s breathing stopped. Many disciples present witnessed light rays emanating from the body leading them to believe that he had entered the bardo (the stage between death and rebirth) as an enlightened being
|
