KELSANG GYATSO Meaning and
Definition
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Kelsang Gyatso is a Tibetan Buddhist monk and spiritual teacher who is widely known as the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT). Born in 1931 in Tibet, Kelsang Gyatso was recognized as a reincarnated lama, or tulku, at a young age. He received extensive monastic education before fleeing Tibet following the Chinese invasion in 1951.
Kelsang Gyatso eventually settled in the United Kingdom in 1977, where he established the NKT. Through the NKT, he developed a distinctive approach to practicing and propagating Buddhism, blending traditional Tibetan teachings with modern presentation methods. The NKT emphasizes the practice of meditation and aims to make Buddhist teachings accessible and relevant to people in the contemporary world.
Kelsang Gyatso has authored numerous books on Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and mindfulness, which have been translated into multiple languages. His teachings focus on cultivating inner peace, wisdom, and compassion, with an emphasis on practical application in daily life. While his teachings have garnered a significant following, there has also been some controversy surrounding the NKT and Kelsang Gyatso, particularly within the broader Tibetan Buddhist community.
Overall, Kelsang Gyatso is a prominent figure in contemporary Buddhism, known for his innovative approach to teaching and spreading Buddhist principles through the New Kadampa Tradition.
Etymology of KELSANG GYATSO
The name "Kelsang Gyatso" is a traditional Tibetan name.
"Kelsang" is a Tibetan word that can be broken down into two parts: "Kel" means "good" or "virtuous", and "sang" means "clear" or "pure". So, "Kelsang" can be loosely translated as "clear and virtuous".
"Gyatso" is also a Tibetan word that means "ocean" or "vast as an ocean". In Tibetan Buddhism, it is common for spiritual leaders to take on the name "Gyatso" to represent their vast wisdom and knowledge.
Therefore, "Kelsang Gyatso" would roughly translate to "clear and virtuous ocean" or "vast and virtuous as an ocean". It is a traditional Buddhist name given to individuals who have attained a high level of spiritual realization and are considered as spiritual guides or leaders.
