Abstract

This talk explores the extraordinary life of Tsanlha Ngawang (the Beggar Lama), a Tibetan Buddhist polymath whose journey reflects the profound social and political upheavals of twentieth-century China. Born in Gyalrong on the Sino-Tibetan frontier, Ngawang’s life encapsulates the dynamic interplay of cultural resilience, ideological shifts, and spiritual critique.

The talk highlights key moments in Ngawang’s life, including his reflections on Tibetan cultural survival, his critique of entrenched religious hierarchies, and his vision for spiritual renewal. His story provides a powerful lens for understanding the endurance of Tibetan traditions and their continuing relevance as a counterbalance to the dehumanizing forces of authoritarianism and modernity.

Finally, the talk concludes with a theoretical framing of the tensions at the Sino-Tibetan frontier and the emergence of cultural survival initiatives there, exemplified by Ngawang’s efforts against cultural erasure in Gyalrong.

About Speaker

Tenzin Jinba teaches sociology and anthropology at the National University of Singapore. His research interests encompass border studies, oral history, and social theory. He is the author of In the Land of the Eastern Queendom: The Politics of Gender and Ethnicity on the Sino-Tibetan Border (UW Press, 2013) and The Beggar Lama: The Life of the Gyalrong Kuzhap (Columbia University Press, 2023). Additionally, he has contributed to and co-edited numerous volumes and articles in anthropology, sociology, and history.