Kongtrül

Kongtrül refers to Jamgon Kongtrül Lodrö Thaye, a highly influential Tibetan Buddhist master of the 19th century. He was a key figure in the Riwo Sarma (New Translation) school of Tibetan Buddhism and a co-founder of the Rimé (non-sectarian) movement. Born in 1813 in the region of Kongpo, he received teachings from many of the leading lamas of his time, transcending sectarian divides.

Kongtrül was a prolific scholar, writer, and tertön (a discoverer of revealed treasures). His most significant contribution is the Five Great Treasuries, a vast collection of texts encompassing diverse Buddhist teachings, philosophy, medicine, and arts. These treasures served to preserve and disseminate the knowledge of various Tibetan Buddhist lineages. He also played a crucial role in reviving and systematizing the teachings of the newly formed Kagyu lineage.

The Rimé movement, which Kongtrül co-initiated with figures like Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and Chokgyur Lingpa, aimed to promote harmony and mutual respect among the different schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It emphasized the study and practice of teachings from all lineages, rather than adhering to a single tradition. Kongtrül's teachings and writings continue to be studied and practiced by Buddhists worldwide, and his legacy remains central to understanding the development of Tibetan Buddhism in the modern era. He passed away in 1899.