The Gaden Tripa is the supreme head of the Gelugpa Buddhist tradition worldwide. This position stretches back in an unbroken lineage to Lama Tsongkhapa, who founded Gaden Monastery in 1409. Lama Tsongkhapa had many students, his two main disciples being Gyaltsab Je (1364-1431) and Khedrub Je (1385-1438).

After Lama Tsongkhapa’s passing, his teachings were held and passed on by Gyaltsab Je, who became the first Gaden Tripa, the throneholder of Gaden and Lama Tsongkhapa’s representative on earth. After Gyaltsab Je’s administration, the position of Gaden Tripa was then passed to Khedrub Je, who then passed on this prestigious position in an unbroken lineage to the 101st throneholder today.

This highly esteemed position as Gaden throneholder is attained through a vigorous selection process which requires years of extensive training and service in the highest ranking positions in the monastic institution; as lead chanter (umze), disciplinarian and abbot to the tantric colleges, Gyume or Gyuto.

This system, which is based on a monk’s academic accomplishment, tenacity in Dharma learning, teaching and practice, and service to the monasteries, ensures that anybody can ascend to the throne as Gaden Tripa. The act of passing the throne from one generation to the other reflects the spirit of equality in Buddhism: even a normal farm boy can work his way up to being the highest Lama of the Gelugpa tradition.

The current Gaden Tripa is His Holiness Kyabje Rizong Rinpoche, Thubten Nyima Lungtok Tenzin Norbu, the 102nd Gaden Tripa.