On 3 April, at 3:15 p.m., Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche chose to end the state of Tukdam, which is the deep meditative composure that some realized masters enter into after the demise of their physical bodies, after three and a half days. The event was accompanied by rather out-of-the-ordinary weather occurrences. Here in Kathmandu, a very strong and totally unseasonal thunderstorm was observed. Around 3:00 p.m. it began to get very dark, followed by strong gusts of wind and squalls of torrential rain. Multi-coloured lightning flashes crisscrossed the sky and several thunderclaps shook the monastery. After the weather cleared rainbows were observed by some. Similar such weather occurences were reported from other places as well. Most significantly from Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, the seat of the Karmapas in exile, where Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche served for so many years as the 16th Karmapa's vajra master. It was reported from Rumtek, that a similar thunderstorm occurred there, exactly at the same time as here. Rain, thunder and lightning, growing ever more distant, persisted throughout the night.
In the meantime H.E. Drubwang Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche continues with the Oral Transmission of the 21 volumes of Prajnaparamita Sutras, which were of such great importance to Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche. Our lamas are now preparing the Precious Kudung for public blessing which will commence tomorrow, 4 April. Meanwhile, as advised by H.H. the Karmapa, the Guru Offering ritual to H.H. the 16th Karmapa, composed by the present 12th Tai Situpa, is under way for several days. Other rituals will follow suit. Rinpoche's remains are being prepared presently to be moved to the Tara temple, inside the main monastery building.
UPDATE!
As of last night the Precious Kudung has been moved to the Tara Temple on the monastery's top floor. Public blessing will commence today, 5 April, at 11:00 a.m. Access to the Precious Kudung will remain available daily until the cremation on 18 May 2012.
We will keep you posted about further developments. Please check back to the website frequently.
Sherab Drime (Thomas Roth)