Cremation of His Holiness Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, 19 October 2017
The Thupten Dorjedrak Nyingma Institute has recently announced the scheduled cremation date of their late and much beloved supreme chief; Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche
His passing in December 2015 in Bodh Gaya sent shockwaves across the globe, not only for his followers in the Nyingma tradition but for all those in the greater Buddhist community who were blessed enough to know him. His Holiness the Dalai Lama referred to him as “a great master” and urged all that attended the Lam Rim teachings in Bylakuppe that year to pray for a swift reincarnation.
Born in 1926 near the famous Yamdrok Lake in central Tibet, Rinpoche was ordained at the Taklung Tse monastery when he was five years old and was recognized as an incarnation of the great master Ngok Chöku Dorje
He fled Tibet in 1959 and came to Sikkim where he spent two years at the Rumtek moastery then later travelled to a Tibetan refugee settlement in Shimla. The following years were dedicated to working not only with its local community members, but also with state government officials for the betterment of the Tibetan plight. He was renowned for his role in starting the new Dorje Drak monastic seat in exile with the Office of the Tibetan Spiritual Leader the Dalai Lama. His aim in this endeavour was to “preserve, foster and expand the teachings of the Changter lineage” following the complete destruction of the original Dorje Drak Monastery in Tibet.
Rinpoche received the highest Dzogchen teachings from Polu Khenpo Dorje, a direct disciple of Khenpo Ngakchung and in 2012 was appointed the head of the Nyingma tradition.
At 89 years old, Rinpoche was just as devoted to the attainment of realization as he was at 20, and without fail, woke at 3am every day to perform his rituals. It is said that on the day of his passing he arose at 1am instead to complete his morning prayers before passing into the Thuk-dam state not long after.
Rinpoche’s life was one filled with courage and determination. Among his greatest achievements in this incarnation was to touch the lives of so many with his compassion and wisdom. In line with the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai lama, it is the mutual hope of his followers, that a reincarnation be imminent and worthy; in order to continue the legacy of a life not easily forgotten.
Before leaving this world, H.H. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche left few words to His Holiness Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche.
His cremation will be held at Thupten Dorjedak Monastery on 19 oct, 2017- which coincides with the Tibetan calendar’s 8th day of the 9th month.
Address: Thupten Dorjee Drak monastery,
Sarasvati Garden Estate, P.O. Kusumti, Simla, H.P. India
How to get there: By Air from Delhi. Regular flights run to Jubarhati where you can get a Taxi to Shimla. Bus services also run from Delhi or you can catch a train to Shimla station which is only 1 kilometre away from the town centre.
For further enquires please contact the Thupten Dorjedrak Nyingma (Administration Office)
Email: dojedrakmonastery@gmail.com
