Khenpo Kalsang Dhondup’s “Incomparable Guide,” Translated by Khenpo Kalsang Dhondup and Patrick Dowd

Abstract

In his poem "Incomparable Guide" (ston pa mtshungs med), Khenpo Kalsang Dhondup brings a modern, almost scientific, perspective to the traditional Indo-Tibetan genre of "hymns of praise" (Skt. stotra, Tib. bstod pa), a thematically-oriented verse form that may date as far back as the sixth century BCE. The poem offers us an intriguing glimpse at the poetry of a learned Khenpo who writes beautifully, but whose humility has previously prevented him from sharing his work more widely with others.