H.H. 9th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa
Reincarnation of Jetsun Tāranātha & Jonang Lineage Head (1997–2012)
Jetsun Dhampa Jampal Namdrol represents a bridge between the teachings of the Jonang tradition and the wider Mongolian Buddhist community. Historically, the Jebtsundamba Khutughtu lineage has been closely associated with the Jonang school, particularly through its emphasis on the Kalachakra Tantra and the philosophical view of zhentong (emptiness of other).
As the 9th Jebtsundamba, Jampal Namdrol upheld the spiritual legacy of the Jonang teachings, emphasizing the integration of meditative practices with compassionate action. His role as a reincarnated spiritual leader not only sustained the religious traditions of Mongolia but also maintained the doctrinal positions of the Jonang school within the broader Gelug framework.
In the Jonang view, Jetsun Dhampa’s life and work represent the historical connection of diverse Buddhist traditions, representing the transmission of the Kalachakra teachings. His legacy continues to inspire practitioners to study Shentong Madhyamaka while dedicating themselves to the ultimate aim of enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
Appointed head of the Jonang tradition in exile by the 14th Dalai Lama.
9th Bogd Gegeen, maintaining the lineage bridge founded by Zanabazar.
Preserved Shentong Madhyamaka and Kālacakra Six Yogas transmission.
An Unbroken Lineage of Realization & Philosophy
The Jonang tradition holds a singular place in Tibetan Buddhism, uniquely safeguarding the definitive Other-Emptiness (Shentong) view of primordial Buddha-nature and the complete completion-stage yogas of the Kalachakra Tantra.
Once assumed extinct following 17th-century political suppression in Central Tibet, the lineage persevered through resilient monastic sanctuaries in Amdo and Kham. Today, it flourishes once again in exile at Sanjauli, Shimla, and across international communities.
Chronicles of the Jonang Lineage
A historical trajectory spanning from the early Indian mahasiddhas through Tibetan golden summits, preservation in eastern retreats, to modern revival.
Establishment in Jomonang Valley
Kunpang Tukje Tsondru (1243–1313) brings together seventeen Dro lineage transmissions of the Kālacakra Tantra and founds the Jonang hermitage in Tsang.
Dolpopa & the Great Kumbum
Kunkhyen Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen builds the Great Stupa of Jomonang (1330–1333) and authors 'Mountain Doctrine' (Ri chos nges don rgya mtsho), formulating the Shentong Madhyamaka view.
Jetsun Tāranātha
The scholar and historian establishes Takten Damcho Ling Monastery (1615), writes definitive guides on the Six-fold Vajrayoga, and compiles the 'History of Buddhism in India'.
Suppression & Amdo Transmission
Following conversion of Central Tibetan monasteries by the Ganden Phodrang government, the lineage is preserved continuously at Dzamthang, Ngawa, and Golok in Amdo.
Exile Re-establishment in Shimla
Lama Jinpa Gyatso establishes the Shimla monastery. In 1990, the 14th Dalai Lama designates it Main Jonang Takten Phuntsok Choeling and appoints the 9th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa as head of the tradition in 1997.
Indian Sources and Tibetan Exegesis
Canonical transmission from Nalanda and Vikramashila preserved through the woodblock archives of Jomonang, Takten Damcho Ling, and Dzamthang.
The Jonang curriculum integrates the Kālacakra Tantra, Indian commentaries (Vimalaprabhā), and Tibetan epistemology. Maintained continuously in Tsang and Amdo, these root texts and commentaries form the basis of contemporary monastic education in Shimla.
Indian Root Shastras
- Kālacakra Laghutantra & Vimalaprabhā Kalki Puṇḍarīka (Toh 1347)
- Ratnagotravibhāga (Uttaratantra) Maitreya / Āryāsaṅga
- Pramāṇavārttika (Valid Cognition) Dharmakīrti
Tibetan Exegetical Treatises
- Mountain Doctrine (Ri chos nges don) Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen
- Essence of Other-Emptiness Jetsun Tāranātha
- Dialectical Epistemology (Bsdus grwa) Bamda Gelek Gyatso
Kālacakra: Subtle Physiology and Completion Stage
The Kālacakra Tantra forms the core practice of the Jonang school. Through the Six-fold Vajrayoga (Sbyor drug), practitioners direct subtle channels (nāḍī), winds (prāṇa), and drops (bindu) to realize immutable bliss (akṣara) and empty form (śūnyatābimba).
Resident Sangha and Student Body
Main Jonang Takten Phuntsok Choeling in Shimla provides room, board, healthcare, and monastic education for approximately 120 resident monks and staff members:
Tradition Documentation
Direct access to philosophical tenets, meditation manuals, curriculum, and historical records.
Monastery & Community →
History in Sanjauli, Shimla: succession of lineage abbots, resident sangha, and student demographics from the Himalayan borderlands.
Shentong Philosophy →
The Three Turnings of the Dharma Wheel, Tathāgatagarbha sutras, and the Madhyamaka distinction between Rangtong and Shentong.
Kālacakra Tantra →
The Dro lineage completion stage: preliminary accumulations, three isolations, and the Six-fold Vajrayoga (Sbyor drug).
18-Year Curriculum →
Progressive study of Tibetan grammar, Buddhist epistemology (Pramāṇa), the Five Great Treatises, and monastic ritual arts.
Lineage Transmission and Textual Preservation
Main Jonang Takten Phuntsok Choeling maintains lineage transmissions through resident lineage holders, structured multi-year retreats, liturgical cycles, and an eighteen-year curriculum in Buddhist philosophy.
Support the Tradition
Monastic Sustenance
Provide daily meals, clothing, and living supplies for the refugee monks. Your support directly sustains those dedicating their lives to study.
Make a Gift Healthcare & Medicine
The cost of reliable medical care places a daily burden upon the monastery. Help supply necessary medicine for elderly and ailing practitioners.
Make a Gift Building Upkeep
Contribute to the continuous repair of dilapidated monastic buildings. This ensures a safe, warm shelter for the community to live and pray in.
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