A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity: The Inspiring Journey of a Tibetan Lama Studying at Tsinghua University

Yajiang (Sichuan). The Senge Monastery in Yajiang County, Sichuan Province, is a historic Buddhist monastery built in 1275. Situated forever facing the towering and majestic Five Peaks Mountain, this monastery is associated with a special spiritual tradition. According to legend, Lama Kalsang Choedrak attained the realisation of Buddhahood while meditating in a cave on the Five Peaks Mountain, after which he was given the title ‘Five Peaks Lama’, and his series of reincarnations came to be honoured as the ‘Five Peaks Rinpoche’.

Embracing the Buddha’s teaching that ‘all Buddhahood is the very nature of mind’, the current Rinpoche, Choeki Drakpa, remains devoted to meditative practice, taking his master Kalsang Choedrak as his ideal. Alongside this, he has been striving to add a new dimension to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan Buddhism.

At present, the Five Peaks Rinpoche is pursuing postgraduate studies at China’s prestigious Tsinghua University. His years of academic record and reflection have become both the essence of his wisdom and a hope for the future. His scholarly journey has become akin to a radiant lamp, illuminating the path ahead for many monks engaged in the pursuit of knowledge.

In the direction of developing and innovating Tibetan Buddhism through modern means, the Five Peaks Rinpoche has, while continuing the essence of tradition, boldly undertaken new experiments. He has broadened and clarified the path of continuity, developing a consciousness system compatible with a socialist society, resolutely determined that the ancient tradition shall forever endure along with the passage of time.