After a short period of illness, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, the abbot of our home monastery, Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD) and founder of Columbus KTC, 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.
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.
Over a period of forty nine days, there will be prayers and chants conducted for Rinpoche. Additionally there will be a cremation and traditional Tibetan Buddhist Homa, or Fire Offering Ceremony, conducted at Rinpoche’s beloved Karme Ling Three-Year Retreat Center on Sunday, October 20th.
If you are unable to attend this ceremony in person, Lama Karma Drodhul, President of KTD, instructs dharma friends to meditate at home, participate through making offerings to the sangha, reciting the pujas, making tea offerings, and so on. These virtuous actions can be dedicated to Rinpoche’s further dharma activities in the future.
At Columbus KTC, there will be a special Chenerizg puja in Rinpoche’s honor on the morning of Saturday, October 19th. We hope you can attend this prayer ceremony.
