The Dalai Lama appointed him as the 104th Ganden Tripa on June 24, 2017. He held the position until stepping down in 2024. Sera Jey Monastery issued a statement confirming his passing and noting his service as Lama Ozed, Abbot of Gyudmed Tantric Monastery, and Gaden Jangtse Abbot since 2010, appointed by the Dalai Lama.

Born in Tibet in 1935, he became a novice monk at age 10 under Khenchen Tenzin Gyatso at Gaden Wogmin-ling Monastery. At 16, he joined Sera Jey Monastery, receiving education in Buddhist sutra and tantra. At 23, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, senior tutor to the Dalai Lama, gave him full ordination.

After China’s occupation of Tibet in 1959, he fled to India, continuing studies under Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Wangchuk and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. In 1970, he moved to Bylakuppe, South India, to help rebuild Sera Jey Monastery in exile. He recalled the escape from Tibet, stating monks left without possessions, fleeing due to fears of Chinese bombing, as shared with Jamyang Buddhist Center London.

Throughout his career, he held monastic leadership roles and received teachings from the Dalai Lama and other lamas. In November 2024, the Dalai Lama appointed Sharpa Choeje Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Dorjee Pelsangpo as the 105th Ganden Tripa after his request to step down.

The Ganden Tripa position, a seven-year elected role, requires scholarly merit, spiritual practice, and administrative experience. The first Ganden Tripa was Je Tsongkhapa (1357–1419), founder of Ganden Monastery and the Gelug school, followed by Dharma Rinchen Gyaltsab Je (1364–1432) and Gelek Pelzang Khedrub Je (1385–1438).

Sera Jey Monastery’s community, including the Abbot, former Abbots, Tulkus, Disciplinarian, Chant Master, Geshes, and monks, offered prayers and respect for his legacy.


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