The 10th abbot of the Dzongsar Tashi Lhatse Monastery, Khenchen Pema Dhamchoe Rinpoche, died on February 26 aged 83. He stayed in the Thuk-dam state – the final meditative stage before nirvana – for a week. Although clinically dead the body sustains warmth and does not decay during Thuk-dam. Mandala prayer and ceremonies will be held for the next 16 days. Rinpoche was born in Drakyap.