# 1st Dalai Lama

> Dalai Lama of Tibet (1391-1474)

**Wikidata**: [Q25260](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25260)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Dalai_Lama)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/1st-dalai-lama

## Summary
The 1st Dalai Lama, Gendun Drup, was a Tibetan spiritual leader and politician who served as the Dalai Lama from 1391 to 1474. He is best known for his role as the spiritual and temporal ruler of Tibet, establishing the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and founding the Tashilhunpo Monastery in 1447, which remains a central institution in Tibetan Buddhism today.

## Biography
- Born: 1391 (exact location not specified)
- Nationality: Tibetan
- Education: Trained in Buddhist philosophy and monastic traditions
- Known for: Establishing the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and founding Tashilhunpo Monastery
- Employer(s): Tashilhunpo Monastery (founder)
- Field(s): Buddhism, political leadership

## Contributions
- **Tashilhunpo Monastery**: Founded in 1447 in Shigatse, Tibet, serving as a key center for Buddhist education and monastic life.
- **Gelug Tradition**: Established the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, which became one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
- **Spiritual Leadership**: Served as the Dalai Lama, guiding Tibetan Buddhism and its political affairs for over 80 years.

## FAQs
- **What was the 1st Dalai Lama's primary role?**
  The 1st Dalai Lama served as both a spiritual leader and the temporal ruler of Tibet, overseeing religious and political matters.

- **Where did the 1st Dalai Lama establish a major monastery?**
  He founded Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, Tibet, in 1447, which remains a significant institution in Tibetan Buddhism.

- **Which Buddhist tradition did the 1st Dalai Lama establish?**
  He established the Gelug tradition, one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

## Why They Matter
The 1st Dalai Lama's establishment of the Gelug tradition and Tashilhunpo Monastery laid the foundation for Tibetan Buddhism's development. His leadership shaped the religious and political landscape of Tibet for centuries, influencing the identity and practices of Tibetan Buddhists. Without his contributions, the Gelug tradition and Tashilhunpo Monastery would not exist, altering the course of Tibetan religious history.

## Notable For
- Founder of Tashilhunpo Monastery (1447)
- Established the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism
- Served as the Dalai Lama for over 80 years (1391–1474)

## Body
### Early Life and Spiritual Training
Gendun Drup was born in 1391, though his exact birthplace is not recorded. He received extensive training in Buddhist philosophy and monastic traditions, preparing him for his future role as a spiritual leader.

### Leadership and Institutional Foundations
In 1447, Gendun Drup founded Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, Tibet. This monastery became a central institution for Buddhist education and monastic life, serving as a hub for the Gelug tradition.

### Establishment of the Gelug Tradition
Gendun Drup established the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, which became one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. His leadership ensured the Gelug tradition's growth and influence in Tibetan religious and cultural life.

### Political and Spiritual Governance
As the Dalai Lama, Gendun Drup served as both a spiritual leader and the temporal ruler of Tibet. His governance spanned over 80 years, during which he oversaw religious and political affairs, shaping Tibet's identity and practices.

### Legacy
The 1st Dalai Lama's contributions to Tibetan Buddhism are enduring. Tashilhunpo Monastery remains a vital institution, and the Gelug tradition continues to be a significant influence in Tibetan religious and cultural life. His leadership laid the groundwork for the Dalai Lama's role as both a spiritual and political figure in Tibet.

## References

1. Genealogics
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Open Library
5. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
6. Trove
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. Buddhist Digital Archives
10. CERL Thesaurus
11. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File