Jamgon

Jamgon is a masculine given name of Tibetan origin that appears in Tibetan Buddhist communities. In transliteration from Tibetan, the spelling can vary, with Jamgon or Jamgön among the common forms. The name is used across historical and contemporary figures within Tibetan culture and is often associated with scholars, teachers, and lamas.

The most prominent bearer of the name is Jamgön Kongtrül Lodrö Thayé (1813–1899), a key Tibetan Buddhist master, teacher, and writer. Kongtrül was a central figure in 19th-century Tibetan Buddhism and a leading advocate of the Rimé, or non-sectarian, movement that sought to preserve and study multiple lineages. He traveled widely, collected teachings, and organized diverse Buddhist traditions into a coherent body of scholarship. Kongtrül is especially known for compiling the encyclopedic Treasury of Knowledge, a comprehensive reference work on Buddhist philosophy, practice, and scholarship that influenced generations of scholars and practitioners.

In modern times, the name Jamgon continues to be used by individuals within Tibetan communities, including scholars, monks, and lay practitioners. As with many Tibetan names, its usage reflects cultural and religious heritage and can be found in historical accounts as well as contemporary biographical references.