His Eminence the third Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, the spiritual head of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism, died on December 23 in Bodh Gaya, aged 89.
He was in good health and the news of his passing away has shocked Tibetans and followers across the world.His Holiness the Dalai Lama, speaking at the Lam Rim teaching in Bylakuppe,urged everyone to pray for his swift reincarnation and a worthy successor saying, “He was a great master and the head of Nyingma Tradition”. The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile “shared deepest condolences to all the followers and devotees and offered prayers for his successful reincarnation”.
Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche became the Supreme Head of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in 2012. He was a steadfast practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism and continued to give instruction, empowerment and transmission right up until his death. He spent most of his life in exile in Shimla and Ladakh.
Rinpoche was born in 1926 near the famous Yamdrok Lake in central Tibet and was recognised as an incarnation of the great master Ngok Chöku Dorje. He followed a rigorous study programme and served at Thubten Dorje Drakand Taklung Monasteries, particularly specialising in the Ngagyur Nyingma tradition, until his escape into exile. At Taklung Tse monastery he was given the title of Tulku Trinley Pal Sangpo.
Following his escape from Tibet he was instrumental in rebuilding in exile the Dorje Drak monastery which had been destroyed in Tibet.