Katok Tsewang Norbu
Katok Tsewang Norbu (kaḥ thog tshe dbang nor bu) (1698-1755) - A great master of the 18th century whom E. Gene Smith has called "perhaps the most original mind ever to appear in the Tibetan tradition."
He was born in the Sangan area of Kham and studied at Katok Monastery. He traveled to Central Tibet where he met all of the great masters of his day. He was a close friend of Situ Panchen and engaged in a lively correspondence with intellectuals like the Mongol Gung Gombojab. His collected writings include historical works, copies of 8th and 9th century inscriptions, and ritual texts. He served the Tibetan government as an emissary and peace maker among the warring princes of Ladakh. He was active in the restoration of the Swayambhunath Stupa in Nepal.
Further Reading
- Richardson, H.E., 'A Tibetan Antiquarian in the Eighteenth Century' in High Peaks, Pure Earth, Serindia, 1998