10th Dalai Lama facts for kids

Tsultrim Gyatso (born March 29, 1816 – died September 30, 1837) was the 10th Dalai Lama of Tibet. He was born in Chamdo, a region in eastern Tibet. Even though he lived a short life, he became a fully ordained monk in the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. He studied many important Buddhist texts and even helped rebuild parts of the famous Potala Palace.

Finding the Next Dalai Lama

Tsultrim Gyatso was born into a simple family in Chamdo. His parents were Lobzang Nyendrak and Namgyel Butri. The 9th Dalai Lama, Lungtok Gyatso, had passed away in 1815. It took five years to find his next incarnation, or rebirth.

Tsultrim Gyatso was one of six children thought to be the next Dalai Lama. In 1820, an oracle (a person who gives advice from a spiritual source) and government officials chose him as the best candidate. He traveled to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, in 1821.

Becoming the 10th Dalai Lama

There was a short delay before Tsultrim Gyatso could officially become the Dalai Lama. This was because representatives from the Chinese emperor wanted a special "golden urn" to be used to confirm the choice. This was a traditional method used sometimes to help decide.

Finally, in 1822, Tsultrim Gyatso was officially enthroned as the 10th Dalai Lama. This special ceremony took place at the grand Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Soon after his enthronement, he received his first monk vows from the Seventh Panchen Lama. The Panchen Lama gave him the full name Ngawang Lobzang Jampel Tsultrim Gyatso. The next month, he became a novice monk. His family also received a special title and an estate, which started a new noble family line in Tibet.

His Education and Studies

When he was 10 years old, in 1825, the Dalai Lama began serious studies. He had many teachers and enrolled at Drepung Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. There, he studied both sutra (teachings of Buddha) and tantra (advanced Buddhist practices).

He likely also studied at Ganden Monastery and Sera Monastery, which are other important learning centers. He spent the rest of his life deeply studying Tibetan Buddhist texts.

Leading Tibet

In 1830, the Dalai Lama took on the important role of leading the Tibetan state. He was very interested in improving the country. For example, a report was made about farming and tax policies during his time.

In 1831, he began a big project to rebuild parts of the Potala Palace. This showed his dedication to preserving important Tibetan landmarks.

In 1834, the Dalai Lama also shared his wisdom by giving teachings to important spiritual leaders and a Mongolian king. He even sent senior monks to Mongolia to help set up a special Buddhist center there.

Later Life and Passing

The Dalai Lama wanted to make big changes to Tibet's economy, but he didn't live long enough to see his plans finished. In 1834, he became ill during a widespread sickness in Lhasa.

Even though he was sick, he received his full Gelong (highest level) ordination from the Panchen Lama when he was nineteen. He remained in poor health for three years and sadly passed away in 1837. He was only 22 years old.

Despite his young age, the 10th Dalai Lama had several students from Tibet and Bhutan. His body was placed in a beautiful golden shrine inside the Potala Palace.

See also

In Spanish: Tsultrim Gyatso para niños