The Treasury of Lives

The Fifth Rongwo Drubchen, Lobzang Trinle Gyatso (rong bo grub chen 05 blo bzang 'phrin las rgya mtsho), also known as the Fifth Kelden Lama, was born in 1844, the wood-dragon year of the fourteenth sexagenary cycle. He was born in the same location as the previous incarnation, Ralotang (rA lo thang) near Chubzang (chu bzang) Monastery. His parents’ names are not recorded

Around at the age five he was recognized by the Seventh Paṇchen Lama, Lobzang Tenpe Nyima (paN chen bla ma 04 blo bzang bstan pa'i nyi ma, 1782-1853) as the reincarnation of the Fourth Rongwo Drubchen, Lobzang Chodrak Gyatso (rong bo grub chen 04 blo bzang chos grags rgya mtsho, 1795-1843).

At the age of seven he was enthroned at Labrang Tashikhyil, where he received novice monastic vows from the Second Tsegon Lama, Lobzang Khyenrab Pelden (tshe mgon bla ma 02 blo bzang mkhyen rab dpal ldan, b. c.1816), who gave him the name Lobzang Trinle Gyatso. Soon after, Dre Lubum Khyenrab Gyatso ('bras klu 'bum mkhyen rab rgya mtsho, d.u.) was put in the charge of tutoring him beginning with reading and writing. Later he studied Buddhist philosophy under his second tutor, Kasar Konchog Gyatso (rka sar dkon mchog rgyal mtsho).

During those the few years of studying in the monastery, his two prominent tutors were very pleased with Lobzang Trinle Gyatso’s intelligence and endeavor for learning. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1858, the earth-horse year of the sexagenary cycle, at the age of fifteen.