The word ‘Lotsawa’ literally means ‘translator’ in the Tibetan language. It is a formal title that was given to the esteemed lama named Loden Sherab for his contribution to the early dissemination of Buddhism in Tibet. He is considered one of the most renowned translators in the Tibetan literary tradition and regarded as one of the ‘Ten Pillars of Tibetan Buddhism’, a group of translators foundational for Buddhism’s spread in Tibet. He is sometimes known as Ngok Lotsawa Loden Sherab or by his pen name, Matiprajna, in certain texts; he is also known for being one of the previous incarnations of Dorje Shugden. It was in this lifetime that he created a powerful bond with the Dharma Protector Setrap Chen, by introducing his practice to Tibet. Loden Sherab was born into the Ngok clan in 1059 CE to Ngok Chokyab, his father, and Pelmo, his mother. He was the nephew of the Kadampa master, Ngok Lekpai Sherab (1018-1115 CE), who was one of the three foremost disciples of the great Indian master, Dipamkara Srijnana Atisha. Loden Sherab’s education for the first 17 years of his life was handled by his uncle and in 1073 CE, his uncle founded one of […]