It is with tremendous, poignant sadness that the Nalandabodhi sangha acknowledges the passing into parinirvana of the great master, Kyabje Yongzin Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. Rinpoche was born in Kham, eastern Tibet in 1933, and died June 4, 2023. Rinpoche had, in recent months, experienced health complications. He had been living in Nepal.

Thrangu Rinpoche was the principal abbott of the Karma Kagyu lineage. He was a very dear and important teacher to our president and founding teacher, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.

Rinpoche’s boundless enlightened activities by no means were restricted to the formal, monastic institution of the lineage. His many books which tackled complex Dharma topics in remarkably gentle, digestible fashion, have benefitted countless dharma students, from beginners all the way up through the most advanced practitioners. For years, Rinpoche toured the Earth, fully presenting the view of the Karma Kagyu in a complete, genuine, and always utterly kind way. Rinpoche’s compassion extended even beyond formal Dharma, including many formidable philanthropic efforts in many regions of the world. His activities were unparalleled.

While the presence of his teachings will remain strong, due to the force of his compassionate and enlightened aspiration prayers for the benefit of all sentient beings, still, the departure of his form kaya from this world is a difficult loss for those who follow the Buddha’s teachings in general, and the followers of the Karma Kagyu tradition in particular. We sincerely pray for Thrangu Rinpoche’s swift rebirth, and for his enlightened intentions to be fulfilled without any obstruction. We offer our sincere condolences to Thrangu Rinpoche’s disciples and his network of spiritual communities, and all who are feeling affected by his passing.

With faith and prayers,

The Office of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche and the Nalandabodhi Mitra Council

(Photo courtesy of Li Tao)