An international scholar’s conference on Buddhism and foundation of Gelukpa tradition in the Russian Federation and Mongolia concluded on December 20 at Drepung Gomang Monastic University in Karnataka.

The conference was chaired by Geshe Lobzang Gyaltsan, Abbot of Drepung Loseling, the biggest monastic university located in Mondgod, South Karnataka.

More than 1000 Buddhist monks hailing from different parts of the country such as Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh participated. Heads of the Buddhist of Russia and Mongolia also addressed the conference. 

Nawang Tsering Shakspo, a historian from Ladakh presented a paper on the state of Buddhism in Ladakh, Russian Federation and Mongolia. He particularly highlighted the religious activities carried by 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche who served as an Indian Ambassador to Mongolia for a decade. 

The conference also marked the 600 anniversary of Gyalwa Tsongkhapa, founder of Gelukpa sect in Tibetan Buddhism and Losar celebration.

Gyalwa Tsongkhapa is the founder of the Gelukpa tradition of Mahayana Buddhism in Ladakh. It is said that the tradition of Tsongkhapa was introduced in Ladakh by his own disciple Changsem Sherab Zangpo, a resident of Stakmo village, who is said to be the founder of Thiksey Gonpa in 14th Century A.D.