Dharamshala: On October 17, 2024, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, and members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile celebrated the 600th birth anniversary of the first Gyaltsab Drung, Goshri Paljor Dhondup, at Densa Palchen Chosling in Ravangla, South Sikkim.Also in attendance were Kyabje Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche, Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche, Khen Lodoe Dhonyoe Rinpoche, Tulkus Shri M. N. Sherpa (Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly), Madam Sarda Tamang, former MLA Shri Aditya Golay, and Shri Prabhakar Golay, royal parents of Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan, along with other high-ranking officials from the Sikkim government and devotees from around the globe.

In his address at this significant occasion, the Speaker emphasized the importance of honoring the virtues and accomplishments of the twelve successive Gyaltsab Rinpoches, highlighting their tremendous contributions to Buddhist teachings and their impact on the Tibetan people and the Karma Kagyu lineage. Goshri Paljor Dhondup, the first Gyaltsab Rinpoche, was born in 1424 (Wood Dragon year of the 7th sixty-year cycle) in Nyebo Yakteng, Tibet. Recognized at age five by the 6th Karmapa as the reincarnation of Kharchen Pal-Gyi Wangchuk (brother of Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal, a direct disciple of Guru Padmasambhava) and Repa Shiwa Ö (heart disciple of Jetsun Milarepa), he was enthroned at fourteen as the holder of both spiritual and temporal authority at Garchen Zamling Gyen. He received full ordination from the 6th Karmapa and studied extensively, becoming a master of the complete teachings.

As the Speaker continued sharing insights about the first Gyaltsab Rinpoche, he shed light on the legacy of the 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche, who was enthroned by the 16th Karmapa. Following the Chinese occupation of Tibet, he entered exile in India via Bhutan, supported by the Indian central and state governments. The Karmapa and his spiritual son resided together in Sikkim. During an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, a simple ceremony of hair-cutting and name-giving was performed.

Beginning his studies at age seven, the 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche received numerous empowerments and transmissions from various non-sectarian scholars and accomplished masters, focusing on Madhyamaka, Prajnaparamita, Vinaya, and Abhidharma, particularly under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Following the final testament of the 16th Karmapa, the clear wisdom vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the pure visions of the Gyaltsab himself, he undertook responsibilities alongside Jamgon Tai Situ Rinpoche. They conducted the hair-cutting and name-giving ceremony for the young reincarnation of the 17th Karmapa and his enthronement ceremony, presenting ceremonial scarves sent by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as auspicious gifts.

After the Gyalwang Karmapa arrived in exile in India, he received numerous instructions from 16th Karmapa, and dedicated himself to the dharma and the welfare of sentient beings. He has reconstructed the seats of previous masters, established new practice centres, and newly constructed Palchen Chöling in Ralang, benefiting all beings. He has also traveled extensively, both internationally and to Tibet, to promote dharma activities. In summary, by adhering to the profound instructions of both previous and current Karmapas and valuing the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Gyaltsab Rinpoche has provided exceptional service to the teachings and sentient beings, taking on significant responsibilities in the religious and political spheres of Tibetan life.