Pema Chödrön Reflects on the passing of Kyabje Thrangu Rinpoche, Abbot of Gampo Abbey.

Kyabje Thrangu Rinpoche and Pema Chödrön, circa 1993

Dear Noble Sangha:

Gampo Abbey’s beloved Abbot Kyabje Thrangu Rinpoche was the greatest of masters. His vast mind and vast heart were always available. He was the kindest, most compassionate and wisest of teachers. Meeting him was like meeting the Buddha in person.

Although I feel brokenhearted at his passing, what I mostly feel is overwhelming gratitude for having had the immense good fortune to work closely with him for many years and to have received many empowerments and teachings, as well as personal guidance in my practice.

Even when he was far away, I always felt that he was accessible to me. Just to think of his smiling face has always connected me with the wide-open, unbiased, fresh nature of mind. 

That is what, I pray, will continue now in this and in future lifetimes.

Pema Chödrön

Read more about the life of Kyabje Thrangu Rinpoche here