With deep sorrow, we must announce the passing of Chakzod Lama Lobsang Chophel, long-time attendant and the secretary to His Holiness Penor Rinpoche.
Lama Lobsang was admitted into Columbia Asia Hospital in Mysore on the 5th of the Tibetan calendar, which was Sunday, 26 February. His condition was serious and he went directly into ICU. His Eminence Gyangkhang Rinpoche and His Eminence Mugsang Kuchen Rinpoche were immediately informed, and under their instructions the executive members of Shedra, Dratsang, Ani Gonpa and the primary school went to visit Lama Lobsang in the hospital. Unfortunately his condition was already serious. His passing occurred at 4:30 AM on Guru Rinpoche Day, Saturday, 3rd March (10th of Tibetan calendar). His body arrived at Namdroling Monastery around 8:45 AM. All of the tulkus, khenpos, monks and nuns carried through traditional Phowa and Monlam practice (Aspiration Prayers and Dedication). The ceremony was lead by His Eminence Gyangkhang Rinpoche.
Lama Lobsang’s cremation took place on the 12th of the Tibetan calendar, Monday, 5th March, 2012. The ceremony began at approximately 5:30 AM, and cremation was performed by His Eminence Gyangkhang Rinpoche and group of chosen sangha, with the fire puja of the Three Deities; the mandala of Shitro (the 100 Peaceful and Wrathful Deities), Dorje Sempa (Vajrasattva) and Opame (Amitabha). The monastery and Lama Lobsang’s family made offerings to the gathering of sangha on that day. Nuns from our Ani Gonpa kindly handled the logistics for the ceremony, including seating arrangements and the offering of tea and refreshments.
At the time of his passing, we immediately informed all of our high lamas including Tulku Thubsang Rinpoche and Yangthang Rinpoche, who are our senior-most Palyul Lamas, and requested Phowa. They were also informed at the moment the cremation ceremony began, and their blessings were requested at that time.
We are sorry for the passing of our Chakzod and remember his activities with great appreciation. Our monastery will carry through 49 days practices in accordance with our tradition.