Tantra Study

With the education reforms of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama, all Geshe Tsogrampas and Geshe Lharampas must continue their education at either Gyume Lower Tantric College (rGyud-smad Grva-tshang) or Gyuto Upper Tantric College (rGyud-stod Grva-tshang). Which one they joined depended on their place of origin. At the tantric colleges, they are called Geshe Karampa (dGe-bshes bKa’-ram-pa). They must study there for a minimum of one year. There are no formal classes as at Jangtse. Monks study privately with individual teachers. Those at Gyume study the tantra textbooks written by rGyu Sherab Sengge (rGyud Shes-rab seng-ge) (1383-1445). Those at Gyuto follow the tantra textbooks written by Gyuchen Kunga Dondrub (rGyud-chen Kun-dga’ don-grub) (1419-1486).

Only two candidates each year at each tantric college are permitted to present the tantra formal exam (sngags dam-bca’), after which they receive the degree Geshe Ngagrampa (dGe-bshes sNgags-ram-pa). Thus, many Geshe Karampas stay on at the tantric colleges for many years. Before receiving their Ngagrampa degree from the tantric college, however, they may elect to return to Jangtse. There, they must present a tantra formal debate, after which they receive a Geshe Ngagrampa degree from Jangtse. Even if they receive the Rabjampa degree from the tantric college before returning to Jangtse, they must still present the tantra formal exam at Jangtse and receive a Jangtse Ngagrampa degree.

[See: Gelug Monasteries: Gyume and Gyuto]

Although Kyerimpas have not become sutra Geshes, qualified ones may study tantra privately with individual teachers at Jangtse. They follow the Gyume textbooks. Upon successful completion of their studies and presentation of a tantra formal debate, they too receive the Jangtse Geshe Ngagrampa degree.

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