Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso
Undoubtedly one of the most important figures in Tibetan history, Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso (the fifth Dalai Lama, 1617-1682) seized Central Tibet and establishing the central temporal and spiritual authority of the Dalai Lamas and the Ganden Podrang government in Lhasa with the military support of the Khoshut Mongols. He also initiated the construction of the magnificent Potala Palace. Though he was the Great Fifth hierarch of the Gélukpa tradition, he was also a highly regarded tertön having countless visions of Guru Rinpoché and being a prominent supporter of the Mindrol Ling monastery.
Since the early 8th century, Tibetans and Himalayan people have treasured "Namtars" as written or spoken narratives that demonstrate the realization of the Buddhist path by exceptional practitioners. These namtars, or spiritual biographies, serve as inspirational guides on the path to enlightenment.
Today, Namtars Foundation aims to record, preserve, and freely offer the world a written and electronic treasury of the oral wisdom of Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhism.
