Chhoje Rinpoche

With profound sadness, we share the news that His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche III Sangye Pema Shepa has passed away into parinirvana. Many of us were privileged to receive His Holiness’ blessings and empowerments when he visited Padmasambhava Meditation Center in July 2018.

However Buddha’s compassionate manifestation shows beings who are caught up in the web of fixating on illusions as real, His Holiness’ passing away teaches us that the nature of all phenomena is impermanent and reminds us not to get caught up in the delusions of self and of our self-grasping neuroses. The futility of doing such only brings suffering. So, this is a powerful reminder of the nature of life and that we must all embrace our dharma practice to achieve liberation.

We also recently witnessed the passing of another great Lama, His Holiness Dodrubchen Rinpoche. This is also a profound reminder and message that since even enlightened beings must dissolve their vajra-like manifestations, then we as samsaric beings are unquestionably subject to impermanence. Our lives are so fragile and yet we lose ourselves in the sense that we will live forever. We should rather strive to engage in virtuous activities and dedicate our lives to the practice of dharma.

Since for the Vajrayana tradition, the supreme vehicle, samaya is the most important, we must now purify our samaya and bodhicitta mind with Vajrasattva practice. I request you all to do Vajrasattva practice. Bring bodhicitta mind into action in your daily life, offer Vajrasattva practice, and make dedication. Then we should all pray for His Holiness’ swift return to this world to benefit all beings.

Chhoje Rinpoche