Khenpo Tsultrim: a fine monk has left us

Scholarly and rigorous, creative and warm-hearted, these are words that may give an idea of who Khenpo Tsultrim Zangpo was. He passed away several days ago in Dordogne. His life is a story of inspiration: since the young age of 13, Khenpo Tsultrim Zangpo felt strongly the wish to become a monk and he started his studies of Buddhist sciences. Later on, at Nalanda Institute he continued his education for eleven years with notably Khenpo Chödrak Rinpoche and Tobga Rinpoche. Right after finishing successfully his studies, he started teaching himself Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan language at the KIBI (Karmapa International Buddhist Institute) in New Delhi (India). Among his students were a lot of Westerners who were lucky to establish a connexion with him.

Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche then put him in charge of the the College (Shedra) of Kalimpong, together with the Khenpo Tsering and Khenpo Nedon. Regularly he toured the United States and Europe, giving teachings on Buddhist philosophy.

Khenpo Tsultrim had also been a creative artist, expressing the Dharma through calligraphy, poems and songs. He was deeply appreciated by everyone, the relationship with him was direct, simple and constructive. His capacity to listen to others and give enlightening advice helped all those who had the chance to meet him. He was a support for their practice and studies.

Since three years, Khenpo Tsultrim was suffering from cancer. He started his treatment initially in India, and continued then for one and a half years in Paris, sharing his time between Dhagpo Kagyu Ling and Paris. Despite all treatments, Khenpo Tsultrim died in Périgueux (Dordogne, France), on Thursday, april 14th , 2005 at 11.30 pm, at the age of 39, in the presence of beloved ones.

We were deeply touched by his courageous way of facing his disease, not turning away from it, but integrating it in his spiritual path. Devotion was ever present and didn't leave him up to his last moments. Gyalwa Karmapa et Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche were instantly informed of his passing away and performed the rituals of transfer.

The day of his passing away, his body was brought home to Dhagpo Kagyu Ling, where upon his arrival the ritual of Amitabha was celebrated by Jigme Rinpoche, surrounded by the sangha. His mortal remains were then watched over day and night during the following three days by members of the community who accumulated the mantra of Chenrezi. During his cremation, which took place on april 18th at 10 am, a large assembly of practitioners gathered for the rituals such as the Guru Yoga of the Eighth Karmapa, the Aspiration Prayers of Dewachen, and others.

We would like to thank all those who, wherever in this world, supported Khenpo Tsultrim during his sickness, and joined us in order to help him. Thanks to their help, he was cared for and accompanied in the very best conditions a practitioner could wish for.

May all those who had known and cherished him, keep in mind his warm attentiveness, his scholarship and his spiritual support, and be it an inspiration of their practice.

Lama Puntso

enlarge	enlarge	enlarge
enlarge	enlarge	enlarge