The 3rd Anniversary of Sogyal Rinpoche’s Parinirvana
Rigpa
Today marks the 3rd anniversary since Sogyal Rinpoche passed into parinirvana. Sogyal Rinpoche was the author of the highly acclaimed The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying and the founder of Rigpa.
In a five-day practice event commemorating his dharma legacy, his students celebrated his dharma vision and legacy, practising in the presence of his holy relics.
About Sogyal Rinpoche
Born in Eastern Tibet, Sogyal Rinpoche was recognized at an early age as the incarnation of Tertön Sogyal Lerab Lingpa, a renowned mystic and saint who was also teacher to the Thirteenth Dalai Lama.
Dedicating his life to establishing the Buddhist path in the West, and especially the study and practice of Dzogchen, the Great Perfection, Sogyal Rinpoche taught for over forty-five years. He left a unique body of instructions that reveal how the compassion and wisdom taught by Buddha can be used practically in everyday life and work.
The legacy of his Dharma work continues to be upheld today by his students, many of whom are highly respected practitioners, teachers, scholars, and translators of Tibetan Buddhism.
Practices commemorating Sogyal Rinpoche’s parinirvana
In the five-day practice event commemorating his dharma legacy, his students celebrated his dharma vision and legacy, practising in the presence of his holy relics.
This year in particular, several of Sogyal Rinpoche’s main accomplishments were celebrated:
the 30th anniversary of Lerab Ling—the first retreat centre founded by Sogyal Rinpoche,
the 30th anniversary of the publication of his groundbreaking book ‘The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying’ which, over three decades, has transformed the lives of thousands of individuals. (A 30th anniversary edition will be released in October!)
We also commemorated the life of Sogyal Rinpoche’s mother Mayum Tsering Wangmo, who passed into parinirvana in June at the age of 100. Mayum-la was regarded by Khenpo Ngakchung, as an emanation of Ushnishavijaya.
The occasion was blessed by live video calls from Minling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche, one of Rigpa’s Spiritual Advisors and Ama-Damchö, the spiritual wife of Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche, one of Sogyal Rinpoche’s principle teachers. Both Khandro Rinpoche and Ama Damchö-la offered their respect and encouragement to the Rigpa sangha for continuing Sogyal Rinpoche’s dharma activities.
The anniversary of Sogyal Rinpoche’s parinirvana provided a timely opportunity to look back at the many messages that were received from highly regarded Tibetan Buddhist teachers at the time of his passing. These messages acknowledging Sogyal Rinpoche’s dharma accomplishments and offering advice for his students, three years later, still offer pertinent reminders and crucial advice. Read the messages here.
Read about Sogyal Rinpoche here.
