To some, he was just a disgraceful wayward monk who had broken every monastic vow. Some even thought he was a fake tulku. To others, he was a living Buddha who used his love poems to guide the common men and women towards enlightenment. Who was Tsangyang Gyatso?
A member of the Monpa tribe, Tsangyang Gyatso was born in the town of Tawang in 1683. At the age of 13, he was identified as the reincarnation of the 5th Dalai Lama who passed away in 1682. Right from the start, Tsangyang Gyatso was a most reluctant Dalai Lama. Though he did not reject or deny his position as the 6th Dalai Lama, he only wore his monk’s robes during ceremonies. On most days, he would walk the streets of Lhasa, composing songs and poems while getting intoxicated in the company of women. He was said to have many lovers and when rumours reached Peking, the Chinese emperor believed he was a fake.
Nevertheless, Tsangyang Gyatso is still one of the most popular Dalai Lamas. His songs and poems have survived till this day. He was such an icon for romantic poems that instead of stealing his verses, some anonymous poets have attributed their creations to him, making him look larger than life.
