His Holiness Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche passed away in Palm Desert, California the United States this morning. He was 80.
Born in 1931, Dungse Rinpoche was a prominent master of the Nyingma lineage, a renowned teacher and an author of numerous books on Buddhist teachings.
He is the eldest son of Dudjom Rinpoche and father of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.
Soon after the news of his demise reached Bhutan, His Holiness the Je Khenpo who is in Autsho, Lhuentse offered a thousand butter lamps.
Special prayers are being performed at the Punakha Dzong and several Lhakhangs and Goendeys across the country.
The Drabi Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang in Punakha expressed condolence and respects of behalf of the monk body.
Rinpoche’s body will be brought to Bhutan after 21 days. The Kudung will first be taken to the Ranjung Yosercholing Monastery in Ranjung.
The final rites are to be performed at Lango in Paro.
Dungse Rinpoche visited Bhutan twice, once in 1994 and in 2009.
