Abstract
These letters were purchased and are now conserved in a private collection in France. The means of the initial acquisition is unknown. The recipient(s) of the letters are currently unidentified, and their connection with the Thirteenth Dalai Lama is undetermined. We are happy to receive any information concerning these letters.
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TRADITION
Geluk
INCARNATION LINE
Dalai Lama
HISTORICAL PERIOD
19th Century
20th Century
TEACHERS
TRANSLATORS
Tib Shelf
INSTITUTIONS
STUDENTS
The Fifth Reting Rinpoche, Tubten Jampel Yeshe Tenpai Gyeltsen
The Ninth Panchen Lama, Tubten Chokyi Nyima
The Ninth Dorje Drak Rigdzin, Tubten Chowang Nyamnyi Dorje
The Sixteenth Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpai Dorje
The Second Jamgon Kongtrul, Khyentse Ozer
The Eleventh Tongkhor, Lobzang Jigme Tsultrim Gyatso
Eleventh Day, Ninth Month, Water Pig Year
LETTER ONE:
These days, [I hope] your Mount Meru like body, which is produced as a result of the glorious and outstanding training of the past, is well and that the series of great benevolent waves of your four virtuous actions are continuously beautiful.
Note that from Chabtru Khenpo,[1] who recently arrived in Lhasa on the 21st day of the 11th Tibetan lunar month of the Water Dog Year (1922), I have received, as offerings for advice, good khataks (offering scarfs) made of Mongolian silk, five zho of rin and tur,[2] one handkerchief [made of] a type of fine cloth, and a manaho snuff box with a lid and case.[3]
On my side, my conditioned body is not tainted by any harm and is in a state of temporary comfort. I am continuously and happily, with the highest intentions, conducting religious and temporal matters for the benefit of beings and the doctrine, like that of the supreme one’s[4] life.
In the future, too, please be sure to take good care of your health, which is the source of all the auspicious goodness and prosperity, and run [the country] as before to generate waves of benefit for the doctrine and all beings. Moreover, [please] continue to accumulate auspicious merit.
Together with this letter, I enclose a blessed protective object,[5] a sealed pair of handprints, and three handmade, blessed circles of earth.[6]
Sent on the auspicious 11th day of the 9th month of the Water Pig Year (1923).
LETTER TWO:
These days, [I hope] your body is as stable as conch, which comes from the glorious ocean of virtuous actions, and that you are enjoying the wealth, which competes with the gardens of heavenly paradise.
Note that from Chabtru Khenpo,[7] who recently arrived in Lhasa on the 21st day of the 11th Tibetan lunar month of the Water Dog Year (1922), I have received, as offerings for advice, good khataks (offering scarfs) made of Mongolian silk, and five zho of rin and tur, one handkerchief [made of] a type of fine cloth, and a manaho snuff box with a lid and case.
On my side, the conditioned constitution [of my body] is steady, and I endeavour to carry out virtuous actions to spread religious and temporal matters.
In the future too, please spread happiness in accordance with local conditions. Moreover, like the good actions of the past, [please] continue to accumulate auspicious merit.
Together with this letter, I enclose a blessed protective object, a sealed pair of handprints, and three handmade, blessed circles of earth.
Sent on the auspicious 11th day of the 9th month of the Water Pig Year (1923).
COLOPHON
None
NOTES
[1] byab[s] khrus mkhan po
[2] Zho is a measurement of currency. rin and mthur
[3] Ma na ho is a type of precious stone.
[4] Supreme one could be one of three things: the Manchu emperor, Russian royalty, or previous incarnations of the Dalai Lama. Given that the first two no longer existed in 1922, it is most likely that he was referring to his previous incarnations
[5] For example, an amulet or protective thread
[6] Dried soil. It is blessed with mantras and considered auspicious (many ingest it).
[7] byabs khrus mkhan po
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ta la'i bla ma 13 thub bstan rgya mtsho. 1923. Private Collection. London: Tib Shelf W002
Published: May 2021