3 years ago
His Holiness was the 21st-century supreme Maha Siddha, and the Dzogchen yogi who lived for more than a century. Rinpoche was born in the Nyarong Valley of Eastern Kham, Tibet in 1913.
At age 15, Rinpoche left his home to study and practice Buddhism with Buddhist masters. His life-long journey began as a carefree yogi seeking enlightenment
He was the first master to establish the retreat centre system in exile. In India, he restored a small temple near Darjeeling and turned it into a meditation retreat centre for Longchen Nyinthik practice.
Chatral Rinpoche inaugurated and blessed many retreat centres, monasteries in Bhutan, India and Nepal. Rinpoche bestowed empowerments, instructions, and transmissions. Many retreatants have completed a formal long term retreat under his supervision.
Rinpoche was one of the primary lineage holders of the Longchen Nyingthik and Sera Khandro’s tradition as well.
Rinpoche would release thousands of fishes and animals from slaughterhouses by paying money to the owners and setting them free.
On 30th of December 2015, Chatral Rinpoche left this world, around 5 pm in his residence in Pharping, Nepal. His body remained in thukdam till 1st January 2016.
His kudng was paid respect by great masters such as Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche and Tsoknyi Rinpoche. Rinpoche was seriously against chewing tobacco and eating meat, advocated vegetarianism. Rinpoche also stressed the practice of retreat.
Today January 03, 2021, in honour of the anniversary of Chatral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche’s parinirvana a special puja and tsok are being performed in different dharma centres, monastery and retreat places.
This death anniversary is considered significant for all students with a Dharma connection to Chatral Rinpoche.
