Long before Tibetan poetry began its reign in Tibet, Sanskrit poems were used to introduce Buddhism to Tibet.
The sophisticated poetic tradition inspired most ancient kings with variety of songs and laments.
Nevertheless, it was not silenced by the Indian voice.
When Tibetan poets learned how to translate Sanskrit manuscripts, they began owning them.
In the history of Tibetan poetry, only one man was acclaimed and recognized as the most famous poet in his time - Gendun Chopel.
He was a man known for his excellent skills in writing poems.
His technical skills and his approach combined have made him the best modern poet.
With a wide vocabulary knowing both Buddhism and Tibetan history, he was able to enrich Tibetan poetry with allusions and he was able to create the impact that encourages the feelings of pathos and irony among his readers.
Life's Journey Born in the northeastern region of Tibet called Amdo, Gendun Chopel was raised by his father, a tantric priest from a Tibetan Buddhism sect called Nyingma.
His father who was a scholar of a wide variety of literature, has great influence over his love for writing Tibetan poetry which he devoted to do all through his life.
Let's take a closer look at Gendun's life's milestones: Age 5: Gendun learned writing poems.
He also learned about spelling and grammar as well as prayers.
He was also recognized as Nyingma monastery abbot's reincarnation.
Age 6: With Gendun's father diseased, he pursued his education.
Age 8: Gendun learned about the Mirror of Petry, a Sanskrit poetry handbook written by Danin.
Age 12: Gendun started writing poems in somewhat extraordinary form.
One of these poems still exists today.
It is believed that Gendun wrote these poems in memory of a Nyingma lama.
At this age, he also entered the monastery of Geluks where he excelled despite his origin, Nyingma which was known as the greatest rival of the Geluk sect.
Given with a gift, he was able to create a balance between his own tradition and the Geluk curriculum of the monastery.
Gendun continued to pursue his passion in writing Tibetan poetry while discovering his spiritual life as he enters another monastery known as Labrang.
Here, he competed in debates which made him famous.
The life story of Gendun Chopel revolved around Tibetan poetry and his love for spiritual profoundness.
Tibetan poetry has been a great channel for Gendun to express his ideas towards arts and spirituality.
Until today, he remains to be the most recognized icon in the history of arts and poetry.
He will remain an inspiration for our poets today.