Words cannot express
the sadness we and the entire family of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Monastery feel this week as we share the news of the passing of our beloved teacher, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.
After a short period of illness, Khenpo Rinpoche passed away early Sunday morning October 6th at his home at KTD’s Three-Year Retreat Center, Karme Ling, in Delaware County, NY.
Khenpo Karma Tarchin Rinpoche (Karthar, for short) was in his 96th year, having just observed his birthday at KTD Monastery in September. Born in the same year as the 16th Karmapa, Khenpo Rinpoche passed away on the same lunar calendar day as the 16th Karmapa (8th day of the 9th lunar month) but in a different year.
A Buddhist master without parallel,
Khenpo Rinpoche was a source of wisdom and love for everyone he met. He successfully transplanted the wisdom of the Karma Kagyu lineage in a new land, and fulfilled the wishes of both the 16th and 17th Gyalwang Karmapas. There is no way we can repay his kindness, and we are praying he will swiftly return to guide beings in this world.
For the first three days
of Khenpo Rinpoche’s resting in thukdam, or meditative repose, the KTD family has been providing a quiet atmosphere for our master’s meditative rest at Karme Ling. Three days of prayers from the “Rain of Wisdom” realization songs were conducted by a small group of lamas and Karme Ling residents.
Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 9,
we invite all of our sangha and dharma friends to attend prayers for Khenpo Rinpoche at Karme Ling.
We have not finalized a date or location for Khenpo Rinpoche’s final ceremonies,
but we expect to perform the following pujas over the next 49 days:
