Remembering the 13th Tsona Gontse Rinpoche (1967-2014)
This page is meant to commemorate the tremendously beneficial activities of His Eminence the 13th Tsona Gontse Rinpoche. Though Rinpoche is no longer physically with us may this page serve to commemorate his great deeds. May it help inspire each of those who were touched by his compassion, courage and wisdom to maintain his vision for all bei
ngs and especially for the people of Monyul (the land of the Monpa people). Jetsun Tenzin Jamphel Wangchuk, the 13th Tsona Gontse Rinpoche, was born in the land of Monyul ("the land of the Mon people") in Arunachal Pradesh, India. He was recognized at an early age by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama as the 13th incarnation of the great scholar and adept Tsonawa Sherab Sangpo. He then began his traditional monastic education at Drepung Loseling Monastery, near Mungod, India. Upon completing his studies he received the degree of Geshe Lharampa (Doctorate of Advanced Buddhist Philosophy). After he obtained his degree, he became the president of the Buddhist Culture Association of Himalaya. As president, he worked to develop strong relationships between the various cultures and religions of India. In addition, he devoted his life and activities to developing the religion and the culture of the land of Mon. He established numerous monasteries, centers of education, stupas and cottage industries on Monyul. He served as Minister of State, Industry, Textile and Handicrafts and as the Cabinet Minister of Tourism. He was also the Chairman of Advisory Council for Tourism Development (ACTD), and held the position of Chairman of the Hydropower Development Corporation, (APHPDC). He received several national and international awards for his tireless efforts in social work. He had the privilege of attending the millennium UN World Peace Summit at the United Nations Assembly Hall as the first ever Buddhist representative from the entire Himalayn region. He founded the Sherab Sangpo Society which was dedicated to the teachings the Buddhadharma to the people of India and especially those people of the Indian Himalayas. Understanding the interdependent relationship between the fragile physical and cultural environment of his Himalayan region, he was a staunch defender of protecting Monyul from unskillful rapid development that would compromise the future of his homeland. The 13th Tsona Gontse Rinpoche effortlessly combined his activities as a spiritual master and social worker in his dedication to benefitting all sentient beings, the people of India and especially the people of his home region of Monyul. Tragically, Tsona Gontse Rinpoche passed away suddenly on May 16th, 2014. The loss of this great master, teacher and activist goes beyond words and has left many people deeply saddened. May Rinpoche return to us quickly and may we develop the wisdom and courage to carry on his work for Monyul.
