Diki Tsering (1901 – January 12, 1981) was a Tibetan woman, best known as the mother of Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. Tibetans around the world affectionately call her “Galyu Qinmo” or “Great Mother”. In 2000, she wrote her autobiography “The Dalai Lama, My Son: A Mother’s Story.” She is also remembered for her commitment to education and aiding Tibetan refugees in India who fled the Chinese invasion. She died on January 12, 1981. Even after her death, she remained an important contemporary figure in Tibetan history.
Wiki/Biography
Diji Tsering was born in 1901 in a peasant family in Chulkha, Ambuto Dzongkha District, Tibet. Her original name was Sonam Tsomo. She got married when she was 16. In 1939, after her son Lhamo Dhondup (later Tenzin Gyatso) was recognized as the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, she moved to Lhasa in central Tibet. Her grandchildren encouraged her to write an autobiography, but since she was illiterate, her grandson Khedrup Dundup recorded and wrote her story. She is widely known for her selfless devotion to Tibetan refugees.
family
Dicky Tsering was born into a peasant family in Tibet, and his original name was Sonam Tsomo.
Diji Tsering, the great mother
husband and children
In 1917, she married Chochon Tsering. Her mother-in-law was the sister of Tatse Rinpoche, the abbot of Kumbum Monastery, and named her Diji Tsering.
Dikyi Tsering with her husband Chochung Tsering, eldest son Gyalo Thondup and the 14th Dalai Lama, Daze, Amdo Tibet, 1935.
Her early years as a new wife and daughter-in-law were filled with hardships. At the age of 19, she gave birth to a daughter, Tsering Dolma, the eldest of seven children (0f 16), who survived her infancy. In her autobiography, The Dalai Lama, My Son: A Mother’s Story, she revealed that she had multiple dreams about her child’s specialness. This proved to be true when three of her sons were recognized as high-ranking reincarnated lamas. The second eldest son, Thubten Jigme Norbu, was identified as Dasda Rinpoche; the fifth eldest son, Lamu Tsering, was the 14th Dalai Lama; and the youngest Tendzin Choegyal was Ali Rinpoche. . Her son Gyalo Thondup, daughters Tsering Dolma and Jetsun Pema did not enter the monastery. Dikyi Tsering’s life and status were greatly enhanced as her sons were recognized as reincarnated lamas. The most important one was her fifth son, Lhamo Dhondup, with whom she accompanied her to India and China. During China’s invasion of Tibet in 1949, she fled to India with her son and family.
From left to right: Digyi Tsering, Tsering Dolma (eldest daughter), Thubten Jigme Norbu (eldest son), Gyalo Thondup, Lobsang Sampton, Tenzin Gyatso (the 14th Dalai Lama ), Jetsun Pema and Ali Rinpoche (younger son)
Political crisis and tragedy
In 1947, her husband died of suspected poisoning, and Reting Rinpoche also died of similar reasons in the same year. Then came the death of her grandson (Tsering Dolma’s eldest son) and a political crisis that raised questions about Lhamo Thondup’s legitimacy as the 14th Dalai Lama. The rumors may be put to rest after a tightly monitored selection process proves his identity.
Diggy Tsering and the 14th Dalai Lama
Religion/Religious Views
Although she led a religious life and was dedicated to serving Tibetan refugees in India, Digyi Tsering never took any religious vows.
famous works
tibetan refugee collective
Diggy Tsering contributed a lot to the lives of the people who had taken refuge in India. Together with her daughter Tsering Dolma, she manages the Nursery for Tibetan Refugee Children, an orphanage established in Dharamshala in 1960. Her contribution to the Tibetan refugee collective is still remembered today through various awards, events and songs in her honor.
autobiography
Her autobiography, The Dalai Lama, My Son: A Mother’s Story, was published with the joint efforts of her grandchildren. After the death of Dikye Tsering and her granddaughter Yangzong Doma, her grandson Khedro Thondup published the final version of his autobiography in 2000.
Faith and destiny propelled me into an incredible life as the mother of the Dalai Lama. When this happened, I seemed to lose all courage and confidence, and I became afraid, like a little child facing the daunting task before me. But once I started telling myself that I was Diki Tsering, a name given to me on my wedding day that means “Sea of Luck,” a rebirth ignited all the strength of determination within me. I am no longer afraid and am willing to challenge fate, determined not to be overwhelmed by the waves. Today I am a tiresome old woman, my body feverish with rheumatism. But no matter how weak your body becomes, your youthful spirit remains constant and vibrant. Even in the face of the greatest pain, it will never abandon you. ”
die
Diki Tsering died on January 12, 1981 at Kashmir Lodge in Dharamshala.
Facts/Trivia
- In her autobiography, Dikyi Tsering’s life is described in two parts: “Farmer’s Daughter” and “Compassionate Mother,” describing the events in her life before and after her child was discovered to be a reincarnated lama.
- After arriving in Lhasa, she described her new aristocratic life as “strange” and missed the simple life in Amdo.
- She was shocked when she heard about China’s invasion of Tibet. According to sources, she never fully recovered from the depression caused by the stories.
Categories: Biography
Source: HIS Education