What is it Like when the Sun Disappears from the Sky? -- Updated

My beloved root lama, Kyabje Drubwang Pema Norbu ("Penor") Rinpoche, has entered his final meditation prior to dissolving his wisdom mind into the vast expanse of the dharmakaya. I'm still in a bit of shock, and really have no words; he's been my spiritual sustenance since I first spent two life-changing months at his Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe, India, in early 1991. So I'll reproduce what's been posted at KPC's new website:

"The 11^th throneholder of the Palyul Lineage of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism, His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, entered his final meditation at 8:20 pm on Friday, March 27, 2009, at the Palyul Namdröling Monastery in Bylakuppe, South India.

"Earlier, at noon, he received offerings from many of the highest Nyingma Lamas, Tulkus and dignitaries who had assembled to pay homage to him. At 3:30 he left Columbia Asia Hospital with the Indian government providing a police escort. He reached Palyul Namdröling at 6:40 pm and remained on his bed in his residence. Tulkus, Khenpos and lamas did aspiration prayers together with His Holiness until 8:20 pm. Then he looked around, closed his eyes and went into meditation. Prayers continued for 5 minutes and then everyone remained in silence for the next two hours. His meditation continues today, and is expected to continue for a couple of days. When he releases his body from meditation, there will be an official acknowledgement of his final passing, allowing everyone to pay their respects according to tradition.

"Kyabjé Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche was born in 1932 in the Powo region of Kham, Eastern Tibet. After leaving Tibet, he settled in South India, where he built, from his own hands and with the help of a few monks, the Palyul Namdröling Monastery. It has grown into one of the largest temples in the world, housing over 6000 monks and nuns in the complex, which also includes a hospital, and hospice.

"His Holiness has also built temples around the world – in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, United Kingdom, Greece and the United States – among others. He has frequently traveled to teach and give empowerment at all of them. Worldwide, His Holiness is revered for his compassion, pure upholding of the Vinaya and ceaseless dedication to the welfare of all beings. He has brought and nourished the Buddha-Dharma everywhere he has been. He will live forever in our hearts."

Update: This is beautiful advice for this time.

 

Comments

[Tana]

Firmly held, blessed, guided, and protected forever in Holiness' mandala with you and the rest of our beloved sangha ...

[chodon]

yes

[Oliver]

It's a sad day.

[Chris Starling]

Blessings, Love, and Light...

[Lama Kunzang]

I echo Tana's lovely statement. Since my root lamas Khyabje Dudjom Rinpoche and H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche passed, I had not had a fundamental guru until I reconnected with Khyabje Penor Rinpoche. I had received empowerments and teachings from him in Los Angeles many years before and had once been blessed to assist him in an exorcism. Living so near his seat with my wife Samaya, who completed his ten year long shedra, has been a transcedent joy. Even when Holiness was not in residence, his compassionate power was, and is, evident.

I was in the VA Hospital in Syracuse, receiving Chemotherapy treatment when His Holiness merged his Wisdom Mind with Dharmakaya. I knew he had passed, though I did not receive confirmation until the next day. As best I could in the infusion chair, I recited silently the Vajrasattva mantra & the Tsik.dun.sol.dep (Seven Line Prayer to Guru Rinpoche). Though I was, as I usually am, an outrider and not a close student, I feel close to Holiness in his Parinirvana; his power to bless & transform for the better is palpable. All his disciples have a marvelous opportunity to unite in a single mandala of praise & thanksgiving dedicated to One who has achieved Dharmakaya Enlightenment. Khenpo Ngakchung says that if one can see one's guru as a Dharmakaya Buddha, one can reach realization without relying on any other factor as a path. This is our opportunity now. E MA HO!

[Vedran]

I received e-mail from KPC mailing list this morning. I think we can be grateful for opportunity to live in the time of Penor Rinpoche. His name is one that will be written in history of buddhism .