Zhang Gʹyu-brag-pa Brtson-ʼgrus-gʹyung-drung, 1123-1193

Zhang Yudrakpa Tsöndru Drakpa (1122–93) (zhang g.yu brag pa brtson 'gru brags pa), also known as Gungtang Lama Zhang (gung-thang bla-ma zhang) and often simply as Lama Zhang, was the founder of the Tshalpa Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. He was a prominent religious figure, and his extensive involvement in the political and military conflicts of Tibet was controversial at the time. Lama Zhang played a key role in the medieval Buddhist revival in Central Tibet, also called the “Tibetan renaissance”. Lama Zhang was most likely the first to establish a system of theocratic rulership centered on the figure of the charismatic lama in the Lhasa area of Central Tibet. He created a template for later theocratic leaders of Lhasa, including the future Dalai Lama. Together with Phagmo Drupa Dorje Gyalpo and Tsongkhapa, Zhang Yudrakpa was considered as one of the "Three Jewels of Tibet" (bod nor bu rnam gsum). Despite his controversy and complexity, Lama Zhang was highly respected by the great Tibetan meditation masters in his time, and he had an important role in Tibetan history. A significant symbol of his place of prominence is Gampopa's red hat that Lama Zhang wore and that is depicted in paintings and sculptures of him. The hat was passed down by way of Gampopa's cousin Gonpo Tsultrim Nyingpo. The hat marks Lama Zhang's legacy in the transformation of Tibetan society and power structures.