Second Dalai Lama

Gendun Gyatso (1475–1542) was a Tibetan Buddhist teacher later recognized as the second Dalai Lama. He expanded the Gelug tradition and helped establish the institution’s links with Mongol rulers.

Gendun Drub: A Tibetan Buddhist teacher who founded Tashilhunpo Monastery and was later recognized as the first Dalai Lama. He was retrospectively named Gendun Gyatso’s predecessor in the Dalai Lama lineage.
Tashilhunpo Monastery: A major Gelug monastery founded by Gendun Drub in Shigatse, Tibet, in 1447. Its founding connects the first and second Dalai Lamas through an early Gelug institution.
Dalai Lama: A title held by the leading spiritual figure of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism since the sixteenth century. Gendun Gyatso was included in this lineage only after the title arose.
Reincarnation in Tibetan Buddhism: The belief that realized Tibetan Buddhist teachers may return in successive lives to continue their religious work. It explains the later recognition of Gendun Gyatso as Gendun Drub’s rebirth.
Sonam Gyatso: The Tibetan Buddhist leader who received the title Dalai Lama from Altan Khan in 1578. His title was later applied retrospectively to Gendun Gyatso and Gendun Drub.
Drepung Monastery: A large Gelug monastery founded near Lhasa in 1416 by Jamyang Chöjé Tashi Palden. Gendun Gyatso became abbot there, strengthening his standing among Gelug monasteries.
Tibetan Buddhist tulku: A recognized reincarnation of a deceased Tibetan Buddhist teacher who continues that teacher’s religious lineage. The later identification of Gendun Gyatso as Gendun Drub’s rebirth exemplifies this institution.
Bodhisattva: A being who seeks awakening for the benefit of all sentient beings in Mahayana Buddhism. Dalai Lamas are traditionally regarded as manifestations of the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara.
Altan Khan: A Mongol ruler whose alliance with Sonam Gyatso helped establish the Dalai Lama title. His later relationship with the lineage shows how Mongol patronage shaped its status.
Chökhorgyel Monastery: A monastery near Lhamo La-tso in southern Tibet, associated with Gendun Gyatso. Gendun Gyatso founded this monastery, linking his career with a site later important to Dalai Lama succession.

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