Lobzang Palden Yeshe

Lobsang Palden Yeshi (Wyl. blo bzang ... .... ..... ), the Third Panchen Lama (1738-1780) was born in Tashitse in the Shang district of Tsang. According to legend there were many auspicious signs at his birth and by the age of two he was chanting Tsongkhapa's mantra.

He was installed as abbot of Tashilhunpo Monastery at the age of seven and was already conferring initiations at that time. He was recognised and received his novice ordination from the Seventh Dalai Lama who also oversaw his education.

After the passing of his teacher he recognised, in 1761, and in 1765, ordained, the Eigth Dalai Lama and continued to give him teachings until 1779 when the Manchu Emperor invited the Panchen Lama to China for the celebrations of the Emperor's seventieth birthday.

He gave the Emperor many teachings and in recognition the Emperor appointed him his spiritual preceptor.

Palden Yeshi contracted smallpox and passed away in 1780 in the Gelugpa Monastery in Beijing.