The Fourth Dalai Lama, Yönten Gyatso (1589–1617), was the only Dalai Lama of Mongolian origin. He was the grandson of Altan Khan’s younger brother from the Tümed and was officially recognized as the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama in 1601, after which he was enthroned at Drepung Monastery in Lhasa. From an early age, Yönten Gyatso was intelligent and determined; within just one year he mastered the Tibetan language, became a disciple in major Gelug monasteries, studied independently, and is said to have debated and defeated learned lamas.
He played an important role in spreading the Gelug tradition throughout Tibet, at times relying on Mongol military strength to bring monasteries of the Red Sect under Gelug influence. As his reputation grew, however, he aroused the resentment of some influential Tibetan nobles. Among them, a lord remembered in history as “Zampha Khan” held a particularly prominent position. Zampha Khan stood firmly on the side of the Red Sect, exerting strong influence against the Gelug school. Though not an official king, he was a major leader in Tibet’s political and religious struggles.
From the age of twenty, the Fourth Dalai Lama became actively involved not only in religious affairs but also in matters of state. He initiated the translation of the “Golden Kanjur” into Mongolian, which spread his fame across both Tibet and Mongolia. However, in 1617, at only twenty-eight years old, he suddenly passed away at Bérewan Monastery. His death remains controversial to this day, with the most widespread belief being that he was poisoned at the instigation of Zampha Khan.
After his death, the Mongols, enraged, marched their armies to Lhasa. In response, Panchen Rinpoche secretly identified his reincarnation, who became the Fifth Dalai Lama, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Tibetan history. Later, the Fifth Dalai Lama honored Yönten Gyatso with the title “Great Blissful King of the Dharma.”
During my journey, I visited Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, where I searched for and found the statue of the Fourth Dalai Lama. Standing beside it for a photo, I reflected on the deep historical ties between Mongolia and Tibet, the spread of the Gelug tradition, the fierce political struggles of the time, and the legacy of this figure who carried Mongolia’s name high in history. It felt to me that his life is a subject Mongols should study closely. I also learned that at Drepung Monastery, located north of Lhasa, Mongols are admitted without tickets, a gesture of respect from Tibetans toward this great figure.
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