Taranatha
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Taranatha (1575-1634) was a Lama of the Jonang school of Tibetan Buddhism. He is widely considered its most remarkable scholar and exponent.
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[edit] Early life
Taranatha was born in Drong, Tibet, supposedly on the birthday of Padmasambhava. His original name was Kun-dga'-snin-po, which means Anandagarbha. His exceptional qualities are said to have been recognized by others at a young age, as is often the case with great masters. He studied under such masters as Je Draktopa, Yeshe Wangpo, Kunga Tashi and Jampa Lhundrup, although his primary teacher was an Indian, Buddhagupta.
Taranatha was recognized by Khenchen Lungrik Gyatso as the rebirth of Krishnacarya and the Khenchen's own teacher, Jetsun Kunga Drolchok.
[edit] Works
Taranatha was a prolific writer and a renowned scholar. His best known work is the 143-folio History of Buddhism in India (dpal dus kyi 'khor lo'i chos bskor gyi byung khungs nyer mkho) of 1608, which has been published in English. His other major work, The Golden Rosary, Origins of the Tantra of the Bodhisattva Tara of 1604 has also been translated into English. In 1614 Taranatha founded the important Jonangpa center Puntsokling Monastery, in the Tsangpo Valley about 200 miles west of Lhasa. After the take-over by the Gelug in 1642, it became known as Ganden Puntsokling.
[edit] Later Life
Probably not long after 1614, Taranatha went to Mongolia, where he reportedly founded several monasteries. He passed away probably in Urga, Mongolia. His rebirth became known as Zanabazar, the First Bogd Gegen, or Jetsun Dampa of Mongolia. His current reincarnation is known as Khalkha Jetsun Dampa.
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