Jamyang Dorjee Chakrishar
Master of Tibetan Calligraphy
At the intersection of spiritual devotion and artistic mastery stands Jamyang Dorjee Chakrishar, a renowned Tibetan calligrapher whose work transcends traditional boundaries. Born in Lhasa and now based in Sikkim, India, Jamyang has dedicated his life to preserving and innovating within the rich tradition of Tibetan calligraphy.
His distinctive style, termed "Dharma Art" by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, represents a unique fusion of Buddhist imagery and linguistic artistry. Each piece embodies the three aspects of Buddha's enlightened nature—Body, Speech, and Mind—creating works that serve both as stunning visual art and powerful meditation tools.
Artistic Achievements
Jamyang specializes in the u-med style, where his free-flowing brushwork reveals the depth and flexibility inherent in Tibetan calligraphy. His groundbreaking approach includes the creation of Buddhist deities through miniature calligraphy, a technique that has earned admiration from Buddhist masters worldwide, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
In 2010, Jamyang achieved a remarkable feat by creating the world's longest calligraphy scroll, measuring 165 meters. His works now grace the private collections of spiritual leaders and cultural figures, including Lodi Gyari Rinpoche, Richard Gere, and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Educational Legacy
Beyond his artistic achievements, Jamyang's commitment to preserving Tibetan culture extends to his role as an educator. He studied under venerated masters Geshe Lobsang Tharchin and Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, and now shares this knowledge as the founder of Lhatsun Dharma Centre in Rabongla, South Sikkim. Here, he guides students in Buddhist texts and chanting, ensuring these sacred traditions continue to flourish.
Cultural Preservation
Throughout his career, Jamyang has served in various capacities, including as a senior official for the Government of Sikkim and the Tibetan Government in Exile. Currently, he contributes to the preservation of Tibetan heritage through his work with the Conservancy of Tibetan Arts and Culture.
Homage to Geshe Lobsang Tharchin la (1921 – 2004)
Geshe la was popularly known to our generation in exile as Shimla choe-ge (spiritual teacher of Shimla School). It was most fortunate to have met such a wonderful teacher who taught us the basic foundation of Tibetan language including calligraphy and whose kindness can never be repaid in many lives. As a refugee student in Tibetan school, Shimla, we learnt the basics of Tibetan calligraphy on wooden plans with bamboo reeds, a practice abandoned these days in schools.
Geshe la escaped to India in 1959, with His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, and tens of thousands of other Tibetans. He was on the board of expert committee who wrote the first Tibetan textbooks for a Tibetan curriculum to be used in refugee schools. He taught in Darjeeling, Shimla, and Mussoorie.
In 1972, Geshe la was chosen by H.H. the Dalai Lama to come to the United States to participate in a project involving
the translation of Buddhist scriptures. Upon its completion, he was invited to serve as the Abbot of Rashi Gempil Ling
Temple in New Jersey, a position that he held until his recent demise, on December 1, 2004.
- Jamyang Dorjee