By Arne Schelling
Khandro Tsering Chödrön, who was the spiritual consort of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, passed away in Lerab Ling in France on the 30th May.Universally respected, loved and revered as one of the foremost female practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism of recent times, she was an inspiration and source of blessings to Buddhist practitioners everywhere.
Khandro Tsering Chodron Kudung Photo Arne Schelling
Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche called her “the queen of the dakinis”. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche visited her regularly during the past years and re-arranged his schedule to see her during her final days, particuarly on the 28th May when he conducted many pujas for her.
Now three months later, on the 2nd September, the cremation of her kudung, which was now only about 60 cm tall, took place in the presence of a great gathering of masters. In the east gathered H.H. Sakya Trizin (and his consort Gyalyum Chenmo), Dungse Gyana Vajra Rinpoche and Khen Rinpoche to practice the Yajrayogini Jinsek. In the south gathered Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche, Pema Wangyal Rinpoche, Rangdröl Rinpoche and Tulku Yeshe to practice the Thukdrub Barche Kunsel. In the west was Sogyal Rinpoche and his mother (Khandro Tsering Chödrön’s elder sister), Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche, Alak Zenkar Rinpoche and Tulku Rigdzin Pema to practice the Minling Dorsem; and in the north the practice of Hevajra has been conducted by Dungse Ratna Vajra Rinpoche and his Lamas.
Alak Zenkar Rinpoche & Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche at Lerab Ling Sept 2011 Photo Arne Schelling
H.H. Sakya Trizin and Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche at Lerab Ling Sept 2011 Photo Arne Schelling
It was a very peaceful and blissful day, celebrating the life of such a great and inspiring dakini.
H.H. Sakya Trizin concluded with the words “Her passing away is of course a great sadness to myself and to many of you also, and I extend my deep condolences to everyone. The most important thing now for us to do is to fulfill her wishes.”
3rd September 2011
Many great lamas gathered Photo Arne Schelling
Khandro Tsering Chodron Photo Jurek Schreiner
Khandro Tsering Chödrön Courtesy of Shechen Archives
