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Lama Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche (1918-2003)
Above picture was taken in the animal park in Knuthenborg, Denmark in 1987.
The few people who were present received mahamudra teachings, which
Rinpoche spontaneously wanted to give. Further Rinpoche wanted to visit the
animal park, to bless and make wishes for the many different kind of animals
living here.
Rinpoche was born in 1918 in Bhutan, already at young age he became a monk in
the biggest monastery of Bhutan (Phunaka Dzong). Everbody in Rinpoches family
were very involed in the practise of Buddhism.
While Rinpoche stil was young, a terriable outbreak of plague happend in
Bhutan. This caused the death of 20 members of Rinpoches family. His mother
choose to escape from the country to secure her children. Therefore Rinpoche,
his younger sister and mother fled away from Bhutan, on a dangerous journey towards
Nepal.
Upon arrival in Nepal Rinpoche meet his uncle, Drukpa Sherab
Rinpoche. He was at that time, one of the most famous buddhist
masters, and became Rinpoches root-lama. In the following years they performed
serveral retreats together. Often in remote areas of Nepal, special places,
blessed by great masters such as the greatest yogi of Tibet, Milarepa
(1052-1135).
Drukpa Sherab Rinpoche died when Rinpoche was 28 years old. After that
Rinpoche was busy in Kathmandu, taking care of the spirituel and
administrative work for a number of monasteries, which his uncle left behind.
Rinpoche had his first meeting with the 16. Gyalwa Karmapa in Bhutan in
1944. Right away
they established a close bond, and Karmapa transmitted the most essential
teachings of the Karma Kagyu lineage to Rinpoche. Karmapa expressed following
about Rinpoche:
"If I am Buddha, then he is Ananda". Ananda was the
main student of Buddha.
Besides from the transmissions received by Karmapa, Rinpoche received high
transmissions from various great masters within the other 3 lineages (Gelug,
Sakya, Nyingma) of Tibetan Buddhism.
In the 1980's the nepalese king, and goverment appointed Rinpoche as
responsible for the Buddhist activity within Nepal. Thereby Rinpoche seeked to
share the goverment donations between the 2000 monasteries in Nepal. Further
Rinpoche used much time and energy to help the exsisting monasteries and giving
advise in new projects. Rinpoche had this position for more than 20 years.
Rinpoche paid his first visit in Europe including Denmark in 1987. His Rinpoche established many close connections to his students. Since Rinpoche
visited both the western - and eastern Europe, America and Australia. In the
western world Rinpoche constructed around 20 stupas in total. Rinpoche as well
travelled intensively in Asian countries.
Due to Rinpoches many great activities, the construction of Rinpoches own
monastery only began in 1993. The place is named "Buddha Dharma
Center", and is situated near the Swayambounath stupa in Kathmandu in
Nepal. By this project Rinpoche wished to establish a place for his lamas, and
at the same time a place, where his western students could come and receive his
teachings. The monastery is build in a beautiful traditionel Bhutanese style,
and was finally inaugurated in 1997.
To mention some of Rinpoches last great projects: construction of the
biggest stupa in the western world, 33 meters high in Malaga in Spain.
Construction of an enlightment-stupa at "The Powerful Place" in
Denmark, and one at the same type in Bremen, Germany. In Pokhara in Nepal Rinpoche
blessed the plans to construct a monastery similar to "Buddha Dharma
Center" in Kathmandu. The place in Pokhara will further serve as a
institue for studies in both Tibetan and western medicine.
Rinpoche passed away on the 10th June 2003, at the international hospital in
Bangkok.
All Rinpoches projects have been kept in progress, just as Rinpoche deeply
wished.
May all sentient beings feel great inspiration by Rinpoches outstanding activity.
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