First Panchen Lama at the Guimet Museum, Paris

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Khedrup Gelek Pelzang, the first Panchen Lama (1385-1438 CE), is better known as Khedrub Je, a prominent disciple of Je Tsongkhapa. His reforms to the Kadam tradition established by Atisa form the basis of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Considered an emanation of Manjusri, the Buddha of Wisdom, Khedrub Je's legacy endures as a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhist history. The 5th Dalai Lama later decreed that Khedrub Je was indeed a previous incarnation of Lobsang Chökyi Gyaltsen, the 4th Panchen Lama (1570-1662). As with all Panchen Lamas, he is believed to be an emanation of Amitabha Buddha. According to legend, there were four Indian and three Tibetan incarnations preceding Khedrup, starting with Subhuti, one of Gautama Buddha's original disciples. Khedrub Je's encounters with Tsongkhapa in mystical states took place on five occasions after the latter's death in 1419. His charisma as a teacher and his insightful commentaries on tantric lineages are still remembered today. He played a pivotal role in educating the First Dalai Lama, who was one of Tsongkhapa's five chief disciples. This object is part of "Scan The World", a non-profit initiative launched by MyMiniFactory to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe for public access. Scan The World is an open-source community effort, inviting anyone with interesting items to contribute by emailing stw@myminifactory.com.