The Sixth Dalai Lama Losang Rigzin Tsangyang Gyatsho (1683-1706), whose name means “The Ocean of Melodious Songs” was a special Dalai Lama.

Born in a renowned Nyingma family and brought up at a late age in the Gelugpa tradition, Tsangyang Gyatsho proved to be an uncomfortable blend of the two traditions.  But leaving aside the unfortunate politics that surrounded his desoalte life, Tsangyang Gyatsho brought to holy Lhasa and Shol taverns some of the purest and most beautiful lyrics of all times.

Extraordinary as a lover of wine and women, melodious as a singer of love songs and above all, tragic as a natiional hero of the status of a Dalai Lama, reduced to become a heroic pawn at the hands of the Qosot Lhazang Khan, Tssangyang Gyatso became a legend within his short lifetime.  Worshipped and loved by the Tibetan people with stainlesss faith, Tsangyang Gyatsho’s songs became famous in every corner of Tibet reviving once again the fascination for simple folk poetry.

Songs of the Sixth Dalai Lama, K. Dhondup, LTWA, 1981/2003, Pocket, 118 Pages, $5.00