MIPHAM WANGPO

THE 6TH GYALWANG DRUKPA (1654-1717)

Mipham Wangpo, the 6th Gyalwang Drukpa, was born in Lhodrak Kharchu in 1641. He was discovered by the 5th Dalai Lama and spent most of his teenage years in the Palace of the Dalai Lama in Lhasa. He was an erudite master who excelled at confounding in debating with the most learned geshes (or doctors of divinity) at the three large monastic universities of Lhasa: Ganden, Drepung, and Sera. He was officially known as the Grand Omniscient Drukchen. He was important politically during his day, and acted as a mediator during the war between Tibet and Ladakh. Thus, he was also regarded by the Dalai Lama as the Greatest Lama of Tibet.