Collected works of sixth Rakra Rinpoche posthumously launched at LTWA

Tenzin Nyidon 

DHARAMSHALA, Dec. 19: The collected works of the sixth Rakra Rinpoche (Rakra Thubten Choedar), comprising 17 volumes, were posthumously launched at the Dharamshala-based Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA) on Wednesday. The launch, jointly organised by the Rakra Tethong family and LTWA, coincided with the observance of the late scholar’s 100th birth anniversary.

The compilation of Rakra Rinpoche’s collected works comprises 17 volumes, including biographies of the Buddha, the Tethong family lineage, biographies of Serkhong Dorje Chang and other figures, a history of Gendun Choephel, a commentary on the Ramayana, a supplement to the White Annals (Gyalrab Deb Ther Karpo), and the first and second volumes of his collected historical writings, among other works.

Geshe Lobsang Yarphel, Assistant Publications Officer at LTWA and one of the compilers of the late Rinpoche’s collected works, spoke on the significance of Rakra Rinpoche’s life and legacy. He described Rinpoche as an exceptional scholar from whose writings there is much to learn, noting that he was proficient in several languages and possessed deep knowledge of Tibetan religion and culture. Geshe Lobsang added that Rinpoche was deeply passionate whenever he spoke about Tibetan culture, whether addressing major issues or seemingly minor details.

Highlighting a distinctive feature of Rinpoche’s scholarship, Geshe Lobsang said that his writings made the complex terminology found in the Kangyur and Tengyur accessible and understandable to ordinary readers. “He served as a bridge between the old and new eras and worked tirelessly after Tibetans arrived in exile in India,” he said. Geshe Lobsang also noted that compiling the collected works posed significant challenges, as Rinpoche’s vast and advanced knowledge sometimes included terms whose meanings were difficult even for the editors to fully grasp.

Geshe Lhakdor, Director of the LTWA, spoke at the launch ceremony about the purpose and significance of publishing Rakra Rinpoche’s collected works. He also shared his personal recollections of first coming into contact with Rinpoche, describing him as a humble individual who placed great emphasis on learning. Geshe Lhakdor noted that Rinpoche was deeply passionate about scholarship and culture and worked tirelessly in these pursuits throughout his life. He added that Rinpoche’s life and dedication offer an important source of inspiration for others to follow.

Wangpo Tethong, son of Rakra Rinpoche, who was present at the launch, said he initially felt that his own abilities were insufficient to undertake the task of compiling his late father’s works. However, with the support of those who assisted in the process, he said he was ultimately able to shoulder and lift what had felt like a great burden.

Recalling his father’s life in exile, Wangpo said that Rakra Rinpoche lived as a refugee in Switzerland and would devote his evenings to writing after completing his daytime work. “This is not something that can be done without deep immersion in, and joy for, Tibetan culture,” he said, adding that his father’s work was driven by more than political ideology or motivation alone. “He was someone who could immerse himself completely and carry out his work with dedication.”

Tenzin Namgyal Tethong, a nephew of Rakra Rinpoche, said that Rinpoche’s entire life was closely intertwined with Tibetan history. He noted that Rinpoche devoted great attention to Tibetan culture and left behind an extensive body of written work, which he described as a ‘valuable treasure.’ While acknowledging that generations change with time, he emphasised the continued importance of engaging with Rinpoche’s writings.

“Since Rinpoche’s writings are deeply connected to our own Tibetan lived history, they can be of great benefit if we study them carefully,” he said. He further noted that among the many Tibetan scholars from the time of the 13th Dalai Lama to the present, it is rare to find someone who wrote from such a wide range of experiences and perspectives. “This makes his work of immense value and significance for Tibet as a whole.”