Annual Gelug Examination 2024.

The Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund is dedicated to upholding the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism.

The Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund (LTKTF) has had another impactful year in 2024, supporting a variety of projects aimed at preserving and spreading the teachings and traditions of Lama Tsongkhapa and Gelug lineage. Through generous contributions, LTKTF has continued to fulfill its mission of providing crucial support to teachers, scholars, and institutions.

The LTKTF is named after the Gelug lineage founder Lama Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), who emphasized a synthesis of scholarly insight, ethical discipline, and deep meditation. His approach has guided generations of monastic communities across the Tibetan plateau and beyond. By supporting these dedicated monastic institutions, the LTKTF ensures the lineage’s unbroken transmission of profound Buddhist teachings from teacher to student remains vibrant and accessible.

In 2024, the Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund disbursed a total of US$152,296.64. Each initiative reflects a commitment to preserving and advancing the teachings and traditions of Lama Tsongkhapa. These contributions ensure the flourishing of a lineage that has inspired countless practitioners and scholars worldwide.

Supporting Our Lineage Teachers | Specialized Studies for Geshes and Geshemas |
Funding Educational Research for Future Tibetan Medical Doctors | Thank you

Supporting Our Lineage Teachers

The Annual Gelug Exam, Winter Debate, & Memorization Exams

Annual Gelug Examination 2024.

Grant Offered: US$22,391 and future grant to be disbursed of US$23,500

Since 1997 this fund provides a monthly stipend to 139 of the main teachers of the Lama Tsongkhapa tradition, including current and past abbots, Umze’s and main teachers of Sera Je, Sera Mey, Tashi Lhunpo, Gaden Jangtse, Gaden Shartse, Drepung Loseling, Drepung Gomang, Gyudmed, Gyuto and Rato Monasteries. This small offering of money supports these teachers’ basic needs and allows them to focus more of their time on transmitting Dharma to their students at the monasteries. In 2024, US$10,770 was offered for this.

Furthermore, the fund covered food and travel expenses of the 594 monks from eight monasteries who undertook the annual Geluk exam and all the staff, this came to US$11,621.

One of the significant endeavors the fund supports is the annual Winter Debate, as well as assistance to the monks who successfully passed their examinations. The Winter Debate, a prestigious event that attracts the brightest scholars from the eight major Gelug monasteries, and in 2024 will be hosted Gaden Monastery in 2024, the fund will cover the travel expenses and food for 600 monks from Sera Je Monastery to attend.

A full set of robes will also be offered to 119 monks who have successfully memorized special texts (Migsel Loguk Chenpo).

The Sera Jey Monastic University for Advanced Buddhist Studies has outlined the estimated expenses for these two key programs: the Winter Debate Program 2024 involving over 600 monks and the Migsel Logyuk Scripture Memorization Examination Prize distribution to be US$23,500.

Specialized Studies for Geshes and Geshemas

Fifth Annual Grant to Geluk International Foundation

Grant offered: US$77,500 (including US$10,000 designated for four Geshemas [female geshes] pending placement)

The Geluk International Foundation has made significant progress in its Research and Training Project for specialist Geshes and Geshemas. This initiative, launched in June 2020, aims to deepen expertise in Buddhist studies within monastic communities.

The project focuses on specialization in Buddhist studies, enabling researchers to explore major subjects such as Pramana, Prajnaparamita, Madhyamaka, Abhidharma, Tantra, and Vinaya. Each researcher engages in a three-year intensive study that culminates in a thesis evaluated by an expert committee. Over the past year, researchers have contributed to the field through quarterly submission of papers on specialized topics, including Kalachakra Tantra, Valid Cognition, Mandala of Deity, Generation Stage, and Completion Stage, with feedback provided by assigned supervisors. Regular workshops on research methodology and guidance sessions have supported their progress, while quarterly monitoring ensured alignment with project objectives.

Second Research Grant to Geluk International Foundation

Oral examination of training of specialist Geshes and Geshemas Phase I, April 2024
(source Geluk Internation Foundation Facebook).

Grant offered: US$37,500 

We are pleased to report the completion of Phase I of the Research and Training Project, funded through the LTKTF. This phase included the participation of 35 research scholars: five Geshes each from the monasteries of Sera, Drepung, and Gaden branches; along with five Geshemas from various nunneries.

The scholars completed their final year by submitting research papers, which were evaluated by 21 subject matter experts appointed by the Geluk International Foundation. After a thorough review process and a final oral examination conducted under the supervision of examiners, supervisors, and abbots in April 2024, 33 scholars successfully passed and were awarded passing certificates.

The success of Phase I paves the way for Phase II, which is progressing with strong enthusiasm and dedication from all involved. This grant has significantly contributed to advancing scholarship and study within the Geluk tradition.

Funding Educational Research for Future Tibetan Medical Doctors

Grant to Men-Tsee-Khang for Nyepa-sum (Three principal energies) Research

Men-Tsee-Khang held a 3-day conference and workshop on Tibetan Medicine and Astro-science in June 2024
(source: Men-Tsee-Khang Facebook).

Grant offered: US$15,000 

From April to September 2024, significant progress was made in Tibetan medical research, focusing on various disorders and the practical applications of traditional treatments. One major area of study involved tripa disorders, particularly patients with tripa-blood and tripa-mukpo combined disorders and gallbladder cancer. These patients showed positive responses to Tibetan medicinal treatments, though research faced challenges with patient availability due to seasonal festivals.

In the study of nyes pa rlung, the research delved into its critical role in embryonic development. Rlung was analyzed for its influence on cellular organization, nutrient distribution, and energy flow during the first month of pregnancy. This work bridged traditional Tibetan medical concepts with modern embryological understanding, highlighting rlung’s function in the formation of bodily structures and the establishment of consciousness.

Another key area of focus was the baekan research, the researcher worked extensively on comparing traditional Tibetan medical texts with patient symptoms and collaborating with mentors to strengthen their research.

In June 2024, the team participated in a Tibetan medical conference in Dharamsala, discussing cancer, benign tumors, and neurological disorders. This event fostered collaboration and provided valuable insights for ongoing research.

Looking ahead, the team aims to continue patient evaluations for various disorders, refine research papers, and enhance the practical application of findings in clinical practice. These efforts underscore a commitment to advancing Tibetan medicine through diligent study and patient care.

Thank you

We express our heartfelt gratitude to all donors and supporters who made these achievements possible. Together, we continue to rejoice in the enduring legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa and the profound impact of these activities on the global Buddhist community.

We invite you to be part of this auspicious journey. Your support can help us reach even greater heights in the coming years and help preserve the wisdom and compassion of Lama Tsongkhapa for generations to come!

If you would like to support the Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund, which preserves the unbroken Tsongkhapa lineage, and cultivates the foremost scholars of tomorrow. The fund provides support to the abbots and senior teachers of the Lama Tsongkhapa tradition, supports the annual Gelugpa exam and monks and nuns to attend the annual winter debate among many other activities.