by Khenpo Tashi
Khenpo Kunzang Palden is a bright scholar of the 19th Century. He is a close student and biographer of the Great Mipham Rinpoche and Patrul Rinpoche. He is a lineage holder of the Longchen Nyingtik teachings.
Foremost of his writing is the Commentary on the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, written by Shantideva. This commentary is now studied in the Shedra of Namdroling Monastery, and most shedras. He also wrote several commentaries and writings.
Khenpo Kunpal (short for Kun-zang Pal-den) is known to be very hardworking. One story tells us that at the break of dawn, Khenpo Kunpal would come out of his room to study. Using the fresh sunlight, he would read and read.
He would read while walking and following the sun’s rays. At nightfall, Khenpo Kunpal would find himself at the top of the hill. Because throughout the day, he would follow the rays of the setting sun, with its last afternoon rays shining on top of the hill.
At night, he would be in his room. No electric light? No problem. Khenpo would use the burning embers of coal or the glowing tip of an incense stick to continue reading and studying.
Such is the determination of Khenpo Kunpal to study the Buddhadharma.
To read his extensive biography, visit Treasury of Lives.