Khenpo Karthar’s Parinirvana

After a short period of illness, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche passed away at 3:35 Sunday morning October 6th at his home at KTD’s Three-Year Retreat Center, Karme Ling, in Delaware County, NY.  The date of October 6 coincided with the anniversary of the day that his revered teacher, the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, passed away. This brought the circle full round as Rinpoche was also born on the same day as the 16th Karmapa. The time of 3:35 am is also auspicious as it corresponds to the time period of the Buddha’s full awakening.

For the first three days of Khenpo Rinpoche’s resting in thukdam, or meditative repose, prayers from the “Rain of Wisdom” realization songs were conducted by a small group of lamas and Karme Ling residents. After seven additional days of thukdam, Rinpoche’s kudung (precious body) was welcomed into the shrine hall where it rested for three days (through October 19) so that people could offer their final respects while all-day pujas (prayers) continued. On October 20, a cremation and Tibetan Buddhist Homa, or Fire Offering Ceremony, was conducted at the Dewachen Columbarium at Karme Ling.  The traditional 49-day practices followed in the Lama House shrine room at Karme Ling, ending on Saturday, November 23.

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