" 
 :: Thanks Prasangika, in general I agree but you quote at least one wrong fact. The position of Ganden Tripa has little to do with the abbot of Ganden monastery, although it is possible that a former abbot of Ganden can become the Ganden Tripa, provided that he has also acted as abbot of either Gyuto, or Gyume, Tantric College. This has been researched and the detailed procedure for appointment of the Ganden Tripa has now been published on his own article, Ganden_Tripa#Mode_of_Appointment. Nevertheless, whilst being the undisputed holder of the post of ""Supreme Head of the Gelug School"" and so forth, the Ganden Tripa's only responsibility is said to be to teach; and it is the Dalai Lama alone who appoints the Gelug abbots - including the Gyuto and Gyume abbots from whom all the Ganden Tripas are drawn. Thanks for your help in clarifying this rather tricky Tibetan matter!   "