Zhao Erfeng
A late Qing Dynasty official and and Han Chinese bannerman, Zhao Erfeng (1845–1911) belonged to the Plain Blue Banner. First, he was an assistant amban in Tibet at Chamdo in Kham (eastern Tibet). Later, he was appointed in March 1908 under Lian Yu (1886-1972), the main amban in Lhasa. Formerly Director-General of the Sichuan-Hubei Railway and acting viceroy of Sichuan province, Zhao was a much-maligned Chinese general of the late imperial era who led military campaigns throughout Kham, earning himself the nickname "the Butcher of Kham" and "Zhao the Butcher".
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.
