10th Dalai Lama (d. 1837)

The Illustrious, Yet Brief, Life of Tsultrim Gyatso, the 10th Dalai Lama

Ngawang Lobzang Jampel Tsultrim Gyatso, more commonly known as Tsultrim Gyatso, holds a significant place in Tibetan history as the 10th Dalai Lama. Born on March 29, 1816, in the eastern Tibetan region of Chamdo, his life, though tragically short, was marked by spiritual dedication, leadership, and a commitment to his people. He passed away on September 30, 1837, at the tender age of 21, leaving behind a legacy that saw him fully ordained in the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, a diligent student of both sutras and tantras, and a key figure in the reconstruction of the iconic Potala Palace.

Early Life and the Search for an Incarnation

Tsultrim Gyatso hailed from a humble background, born into the Drongto Norbutsang (grong stod nor bu tshang) family in Chamdo. His parents were Lobzang Nyendrak (blo bzang snyan grags) and Namgyel Butri (rnam rgyal bu khrid). The spiritual leadership of Tibet faced a critical void following the death of the 9th Dalai Lama, Lungtok Gyatso (ta la'i bla ma 09 lung rtogs rgya mtsho), in 1815. For five years, the search for his reincarnation consumed the hearts and minds of the Tibetan people.

By 1820, a field of six potential candidates for the incarnation of Lungtok Gyatso had been identified. Young Tsultrim Gyatso was ultimately chosen as the most suitable by both the revered oracle and government officials, signaling the beginning of his extraordinary journey. In 1821, he embarked on the solemn journey to Lhasa, the spiritual and political heart of Tibet. This period was not without political intrigue, as the regent, Demo Ngawang Lobzang Tubten Jigme Gyatso, passed away shortly after Tsultrim Gyatso's arrival. The Qing emperor's representatives, keen to assert their influence, then insisted on the use of the Golden Urn to formally confirm the incarnation, an act that controversially delayed his enthronement by a full year.

The Golden Urn Controversy and Enthronement

During this year-long delay, Tibetan historians recount a fascinating political maneuver: "Tibetan officials allowed the amban announced that the Urn had been used to satisfy the Emperor, despite the reality that the Urn had not been employed." This pragmatic decision, circumventing the actual use of the controversial Golden Urn while outwardly appearing to comply, highlights the complex political landscape of 19th-century Tibet. Finally, in 1822, on the eighth day of the eighth month of the water-horse year, the enthronement of Tsultrim Gyatso as the 10th Dalai Lama took place with great ceremony at the magnificent Potala Palace, a symbol of Tibetan sovereignty and spiritual grandeur.

Soon after his enthronement, the young Dalai Lama received his pre-novice ordination from the Seventh Panchen Lama, Lobzang Palden Tenpai Nyima (paN chen bla ma 04 blo bzang dpal ldan bstan pa'i nyi ma), who bestowed upon him the full spiritual name: Ngawang Lobzang Jampel Tsultrim Gyatso (ngag dbang blo bzang 'jam dpal tshul khrims rgya mtsho). The very next month, he officially became a novice monk. In a significant move for his family, his father was granted a title and the Yutok estate, an act that initiated a new noble Tibetan family line.

A Young Leader's Spiritual and Secular Endeavors

By the age of ten, in 1825, Tsultrim Gyatso was deeply immersed in his studies. With numerous tutors guiding him, he was enrolled at the esteemed Drepung Monastery, a cornerstone of the Gelug school. Here, he diligently studied both sutra and tantra, the foundational texts of Tibetan Buddhism. It is believed that his rigorous spiritual education also extended to Ganden Monastery and Sera Monastery, two other prominent monastic institutions. Indeed, for the remainder of his short life, he dedicated himself to the extensive study of Tibetan Buddhist texts.

His responsibilities extended beyond spiritual learning. In 1830, the young Dalai Lama was officially placed in charge of the Tibetan state. Demonstrating an early grasp of governance, a crucial document known as the "Iron-Tiger Report," detailing policies on agriculture and taxation, was prepared under his authority. A significant contribution to the physical landscape of Tibet was his initiative in 1831 to reconstruct parts of the Potala Palace, ensuring the preservation of this sacred and administrative landmark.

Even at a young age, Tsultrim Gyatso was keen on expanding the reach of Buddhist teachings. In 1834, he imparted profound teachings to the Fifth Kalkha and to the Mongolian King of Torgo, reflecting his role as a spiritual beacon. Furthermore, he dispatched senior monks to Mongolia with the vital mission of establishing a Kalacakra center there, underscoring his commitment to the propagation of the Dharma across Central Asia.

Illness, Unfulfilled Reforms, and Lasting Legacy

The 10th Dalai Lama harbored ambitious plans to overhaul Tibet's economic structure, a vision indicative of his forward-thinking leadership. However, fate intervened. In 1834, Lhasa experienced an epidemic breakout, and Tsultrim Gyatso fell gravely ill. Despite his deteriorating health, he received his full Gelong ordination from the Panchen Lama in his nineteenth year, completing his spiritual journey with the highest monastic vows. He endured three years of poor health before ultimately succumbing to his illness in 1837.

Despite his passing at the remarkably young age of 21, Tsultrim Gyatso was remembered for having several students hailing from both Tibet and Bhutan, a testament to his spiritual wisdom and influence even in his brief tenure. His body was reverently installed in a magnificent golden reliquary within the hallowed halls of the Potala Palace, known as "The Supreme Ornament of the Three Realms” (gser gdung khams gsum rgyan mchog), a fitting tribute to a leader who, despite a challenging and short life, left an indelible mark on Tibetan spirituality and governance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tsultrim Gyatso

Who was Tsultrim Gyatso?
Tsultrim Gyatso was the 10th Dalai Lama of Tibet, a revered spiritual and political leader in the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
When and where was he born?
He was born on March 29, 1816, in Chamdo, a region in eastern Tibet.
What was his full name?
His full spiritual name was Ngawang Lobzang Jampel Tsultrim Gyatso (ngag dbang blo bzang 'jam dpal tshul khrims rgya mtsho).
When did he become the Dalai Lama?
He was identified as the incarnation in 1820 and formally enthroned at the Potala Palace in 1822, after a year's delay due to the Golden Urn controversy.
What significant actions did he take during his life?
Despite his young age, he received full monastic ordination, extensively studied Buddhist texts, assumed leadership of the Tibetan state, prepared the "Iron-Tiger Report" on agriculture and tax policies, reconstructed parts of the Potala Palace, and worked to establish a Kalacakra center in Mongolia.
How old was he when he died?
Tsultrim Gyatso died on September 30, 1837, at the age of 21.