Dhondup Gyal

Who is Dhondup Gyal?

Dhondup Gyal is considered the first modern Tibetan poet breaking through traditional Tibetan formalist elements. He is widely regarded in Tibet as the founder of Modern Tibetan Poetry. An accomplished scholar, writer, poet and patriot, he committed suicide in 1985 when he was only 32.

Besides poetry he wrote many short stories. One short story "Trulku" was criticized for its portrayal of a charlatan lama who goes onto have relationship with two women, this caused a furore in the conservative Tibetan community in Tibet. A compilation of his short stories and poetry was published Amnye Machen, his works are also available in translated form.