Khenpo Jamyang Sherab

Khenpo Jamyang Sherab was born in 1933 into the Gyaltso family in Tharlam village, near Tharlam Monastery in Kham, Tibet. He was the son of Jamyang Gyaltso and Kalsang Drolma. He began his Dharma path at a young age, receiving early teachings from prominent masters, including Gaton Ngawang Lekpa and Deshung Ajam Rinpoche.

Early Life and Education

At the age of seven, Khenpo Jamyang Sherab entered the Buddhist path, receiving his lay vows and Dharma name (Jamyang Sherab) from Gaton Ngawang Lekpa (1867-1941). Under the guidance of his maternal uncle, Khenpo Yeshe Nyima, he started his formal education, studying Tibetan script, prayers, and foundational Buddhist rituals. His intellectual abilities quickly became evident as he memorized key texts and received numerous empowerments and transmissions. He was dedicated to both sutra and tantra practices, studying under several esteemed teachers, such as Gaton Ngawang Lekpa, Deshung Ajam Rinpoche (1885-1952), and Deshung Tulku Kunga Tenpai Nyima (1906-1987).

After receiving full monastic ordination, he devoted himself to intensive scriptural study and meditative practice, becoming proficient in Buddhist philosophy, rituals, and empowerments, particularly within the Sakya tradition.

Teachings and Practice

Khenpo Jamyang Sherab’s training was extensive. Under the tutelage of Kyegu Khenpo Ngaga, he studied important texts such as the Abhisamayalankara, Madhyamakavatara, Bodhicharyavatara, and Abhidharmakosha. He also received teachings from various eminent Tibetan Buddhist masters, including Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910-1991), His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness Sakya Gongma Trichen, and many others.

His education also covered Buddhist logic, debate, and tantric philosophy, including advanced practices like Hevajra, White Mahakala, Avalokiteshvara, and Amitayus. A particularly significant relationship was with Ajam Rinpoche, who profoundly influenced his spiritual practice and teachings, particularly on The Lamdre, the Path with Result.

Appointment as Khenpo

In recognition of his spiritual achievements, Khenpo Jamyang Sherab was appointed as Khenpo by His Holiness Sakya Gongma Trichen. His role extended to overseeing monastic education at several key institutions, including a Sakya monastery in South India, Tharlam Monastery in Nepal, and the Tharlam Centre in Taiwan. He played a crucial part in preserving and transmitting the Sakya teachings.

Legacy

Khenpo Jamyang Sherab’s life was defined by his commitment to the Dharma, his scholarly achievements, and his role in training future generations of Buddhist scholars and practitioners. His contributions to the preservation of the Sakya tradition, both in terms of teaching and monastic education, continue to inspire countless students.

He was instrumental in the construction of several important statues at Tharlam Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal, contributing significantly to the monastery’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Khenpo Jamyang Sherab passed away in Taiwan on December 12, 2015. His legacy continues to be a source of inspiration for his students and the larger Buddhist community.

Chronological List of His Masters:

1. Gaton Ngawang Lekpa
2. Khenpo Yeshe Nyima
3. Deshung A-Jam Rinpoche
4. Lama Ngawang Samten
5. Deshung Khenpo Chöphel
6. Tharlam Lama Jamyang Tashi
7. Deshung Rinpoche Jampa Kunga Tenpi Nyima
8. Sakya Dagchen Ngawang Kunga Sönam
9. Kyegu Khenpo Ngaga
10. Tharlam Khenpo Kunga Tsering
11. Khenpo Tritsho Rinchen
12. Khenpo Sangye Tenzin
13. Khenpo Lekden
14. H.H. Sakya Gongma Trichen
15. H.H. the Dalai Lama
16. Taklung Matrul
17. Drukpa Thukse Rinpoche
18. Kalu Rinpoche
19. Dilgo Khyentse
20. Luding Khenchen Jamyang Tenpai Nyima