Lama Zhang

Lama Zhang (1123-1193) studied the Dharma from a young age on (his mother was an ex-nun). He was a student of Ga Lotsawa, and met Gomtsul, Gampopa’s nephew, who was in this time an important leader of the Kagyüpas.

Lama Zhang had a close relationship to the 1st Karmapa Düsum Khyenpa which lasted until the end of his life – both passed away in the same year.

During the time he spent under Gomtsul’s guidance, Zhang was responsible for protecting Lhasa from further threats of violence and destruction. Shortly after he started to build his own monastery close to Lhasa and became the most powerful ruler of Tibet at this time.

Lama Zhang was an unusual lama: he often behaved like a warlord, commanding forces in battles, at the same time, he had comletely realized Mahamudra and taught countless students. To people who went to Karmapa to complain about Lama Zhang, Dhüsum Khyenpa answered, “Those who don’t understand Lama Zhang don’t understand the Dharma.”
It is said that Lama Zhang and the 1st Karmapa considered each other equals. The only one who could tame Lama Zhang was Karmapa.