The eight-year-old boy, Jampel Gyatso, has been recognized as the 10th reincarnation of the highest ranking lama and head of Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia.
Jampel Gyatso, the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa and His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India on March 8, 2023. Photo by Tenzin Choejor via dalailama.com
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has recognized an eight-year-old US-born Mongolian boy as the 10th reincarnation of Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa, the highest ranking lama and head of Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia, Yahoo News reports.
As BuddhistDoor notes, the boy, Jampel Gyatso, was recognized by His Holiness in a ceremony in Dharamsala, India, March 8, 2023. His recognition as the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa continues “a lineage of rebirths that dates to 1635 CE with the birth of Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar, the First Jebtsundamba Khutughtu.”
Since the passing of the boy’s predecessor, Dorjee Chang Jampel Namdrol Choekyi Gyaltsen, on March 1, 2012, the seat for the 10th reincarnation of Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa has been unoccupied.
Jampel Gyatso will undertake a lengthy period of study and practice before beginning most of his duties as a spiritual leader.
“We have the reincarnation of Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche of Mongolia with us today,” the Dalai Lama is reported to have told a crowd of 600 at the March 8 ceremony.
“His predecessors had a close association with the Krishnacharya lineage of Chakrasamvara. One of them established a monastery in Mongolia dedicated to its practice. So, his being here today is quite auspicious,” he said.
