His Eminence Kyabje Lati Rinpoche Enters Clear Light
His Eminence Kyabje Lati Rinpoche of Gaden Shartse Monastery
I’ve received many teachings, audiences, divination results, and personal advice from this incredibly eminent master. He was one of the greatest living Buddhist treasures left in this century. He was tulku (reincarnated master) and also Kensur (Abbot Emeritus) of Gaden Shartse Monastery. He was the guru to thousands around the world with several books out. He was the pillar of Gaden Shartse Monastery. One of the reasons for the success of Gaden Shartse is Lati Rinpoche. He took birth to benefit others in Kham Tibet in 1922.
Two weeks ago approximately I had a very vivid dream of Lati Rinpoche. I woke up from the dream with a strong impression he will pass away soon or rather enter into clear light. I had Monlam call up the Monastery and had Heruka-Cakrasamvara Daju (self initiation) performed for Lati Rinpoche’s wishes to come true. When a lama is going to pass or after he has passed away, a Daju is done. Heruka was Lati Rinpoche’s main practice so it was appropriate.
Lati Rinpoche was the main Guru who insisted that I come to Malaysia. Lati Rinpoche called Gelek Rinpoche to help. Gelek Rinpoche has students in Malaysia. Gelek Rinpoche called his students in Malaysia so when I first arrived in 1992, I had people helping me here of which some were Gelek Rinpoche’s students in the beginning.
During a meeting with monks, I ‘debated’ respectfully with Lati Rinpoche insisting I do not want to travel and go to Malaysia or any other country and that I was very happy in Gaden. He insisted I go. he said I should go and that I am qualified to go. I really did not want to leave the Monastery at all. He even agreed for the Oracle of Gaden to take trance of Gaden’s Protector who also concurred with Lati Rinpoche that I must go..The Protectors always agrees with holy lamas… So I had to oblige. Hence I have been here ever since. The main contributing factor for me being here is Lati Rinpoche.
Today I woke with the HORRIBLE NEWS THAT Kyabje Lati Rinpoche (A Buddha) from Gaden Shartse has passed away April 12th, 2010. Lati Rinpoche as ususal woke up at 4AM this morning. Unfortunately this morning Rinpoche complained of stomach pain. Then he proceeded to do his meditations/prayers anyway. After his prayers he entered clear light and passed away in Dharamsala. Representatives from Gaden Monastery has left to escort his holy body back to Gaden. It is a 3 day 2 night train journey from Dharmsala to Gaden Monastery.
It is nearly impossible to find masters of his calibre. It is near impossible to replace him. I met him for the first time In Thubten Dhargye Ling Centre in Los Angeles California over 25 years back. As I type this, I am numb and in mourning. I am not shocked but had been dreading this since my dream around two weeks ago. In my dream he blessed me in a tantric manner and I hadn’t dreamed of Lati Rinpoche before ever.
Gaden will be like a child whose lost an illustrious father. Kyabje Lati Rinpoche was a disciple of His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche.
I will severely miss His Eminence Lati Rinpoche is an understatement.
I must carry on my work here and build KWPC.KWPC would benefit many, so if that is done, it will be a reflection of my guru devotion. Nice words, gifts, apologies, prostrations to your guru is not an indication of real guru devotion. Real devotion is how much time you spend benefitting others and doing work for others.
Lati Rinpoche has benefitted me in many ways, I will speak more in how instrumental he was to me in my biography book.
May His Eminence’s heartfelt wishes come true. May a swift incarnation appear to manifest the sun of Buddha’s teachings again. May he again manifest Tsongkapa’s unerring paths exemplified by his enlightened actions. May we be in his presence again soon.
With heavy heart and great sense of loss,
Tsem Tulku
Myself having audience with His Eminence Kyabje Lati Rinpoche in Gaden.
This was taken ontop of Pukhang Khangtse of Gaden Shartse Monastery.
left to right: Genpa Rinpoche, myself, Gyalkhangtse Rinpoche, Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche, Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Kentrul Rinpoche, Trinley Rinpoche. (We are the incarnate lamas of Pukhang House division of Gaden Shartse Monastery).
His Eminence Kyabje Lati Rinpoche and myself with small group. It was my 1st trip back from Malaysia in 1992.
Short biography:
His Eminence Venerable Kyabje Lati Rinpoche
His Eminence Venerable Kyabje Lati Rinpoche was born in the Kham region of Eastern Tibet in 1922. After the famous Gongkar Rinpoche (previous incarnation) identified and recognized Him as a reincarnation of a great practitioner, Rinpoche consequently embarked on the fulfillment of His destiny by joining the local monastery in Tibet – at the age of ten.
Rinpoche’s Education
By fifteen years old, Rinpoche was enrolled in Gaden Shartse Norling College, located in central Tibet. It is the most prestigious and renowned school in Tibet, and it was at Gaden Shartse Norling College where Rinpoche pursued his study of Buddhist scriptures, and eventually, earning Him the highest honours among the foremost scholars of His day. At that time, Rinpoche’s field of study included Pramana Vidya (Logic), Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom), Madhyamika (Middle Philosophy), Abidharma (Treasure of Knowledge), Vinaya(Spiritual Rules and Moral Law). In 1959, after nineteen years of intensive study and training, Rinpoche sat for the Geshe Lharmapa examination. This major examination was held in the summer palace of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, located in the capital of Tibet, Lhasa. Candidates were various scholars and top students from the 3 main monasteries, and yet Rinpoche still managed to emerge 2nd overall. In the next year, H.E. was officially conferred as “Geshe Lharampa” – a qualification which is equivalent to the PH.D. degree in the Indian universities. In the same year, Rinpoche joined Gyuto Tantric College in Lhasawhere he undertook the study and intensive training of Tantra. During this period he also served as tutor to many young reincarnate masters and gave numerous public teachings.
Active Efforts in Propagating Dharma
Belonging to a very rare class of scholar, saint and practitioner who completed his training in an independent Tibet, Rinpoche continued to spread the Dharma by teachings at various monasteries and schools, after He followed His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama into exile in 1959. In 1964, Rinpoche arrived in Dharamsala, and was subsequently appointed as Spiritual Assistant to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama – Rinpoche serves His Holiness faithfully till today.
In 1976, under His Holiness’s suggestion, various universities in America invited Lati Rinpoche over, where H.E. gave illuminating dharma discourses to an appreciative public. In addition, Rinpoche taught at Namgyal Gomba (His Holiness’s personal monastery), at the debating college, and has taught and guided many laypeople as well. In the same year, Rinpoche was appointed as the Abbot of the Shartse Norling College of Gaden Monastery, in South India. H.E. held this position for eight years – where besides looking after the administration, discipline and order of the Sangha, Rinpoche also personally taught extensively on all aspects of Buddhism. Rinpoche’s contribution towards Gaden Shartse Norling College is widely recognized by all, and is deeply respected by many devotees all over the world.
Since retirement, Rinpoche dedicated His life mainly on dharma practice, as well as propagating the dharma, guiding people along the path of the dharma. On repeated requests from many countries in Europe and America, Rinpoche has travelled extensively benefitting dharma students in various parts of the world.
A Prayer to Heruka
For the renowned King of Vinaya and Master of Tantra,
Kyabje Kensur Lati Rinpoche,
I offer these candles representing Manjushri’s brilliance to You
who have become One with Heruka Chakrasamvara.
I offer these to you who needs No Prayers
for where you may course in the sky.
You have gained mastery of your winds, channels,
and drops and have united the white and red seeds
at your central channel,
I make offerings to you to gain merits
for a cause for your Supreme Emanation to
not abandon us and emanate again innumerably.
You whose mind is stabilised by the realisation of death,
operate from Bodhicitta and abide in the sky like expanse of Dharmadhatu,
I request you to not withdraw your consciousness from this realm.
Although I have disappointed you again and again
with my unfilial guru devotion due to my excuses, laziness, delusions
and finding false pleasure in samsara, please do not withdraw.
I invoke your presence.
I request you to turn the Wheel of Sutra and especially Tantra.
I request you to preserve the Heruka-Vajrayogini Tantras.
I rejoice in your unimaginable deeds.
I confess my downfalls tearfully.
I make offerings of light representing lack of miserliness.
I bow down to you Heruka,
Supreme King defying those who operate from lust, hatred,
selfishness and wrong perception (I).
Great Master in Saffron robes named Lati Rinpoche
who is none other than Heruka,
although my writing and prayers are weak,
Your Enlightened mind do not withdraw.
In this life and future lives,
abide at the centre of my winds
and help me to realise the 11 Yogas of Your Supreme Consort,
Mother Vajrayogini.
Alone, overwhelmed and in need of your guidance, love and smiling visage,
Show me signs of success in carrying out your wishes.
I ask you to forgive my delusions and selfish actions
that have ‘tortured’ your compassion towards me.
Every time I commit offenses,
your mind bleeds for me and others like me.
I offer these lights to you Kyabje Kensur Lati Dorje Chang
to generate the merits that when the sun-like teachings of the Sage are clouded and setting, I may not be left behind.
You whose nature is Heruka and Mother Vajrayogini united,
Forgive me and bless me to transform now.
Composed by
TSEM TULKU
April 13, 2010
Kuala Lumpur
In conjunction with 1000 butterlamp offerings
We at Tsem Ladrang will be doing prayers daily to Kyabje Lati Rinpoche. We do not need to worry that he will take rebirth in order to benefit others, but we must make the causes to sit at his feet again. We need to make prayers, offerings and practices to ensure the merits that we will meet Him again. Hence I composed a short quick prayer not be seperated from Him for Kechara House and to accompany the lamps to be offered. Also pujas and prayers are carried out at Kechara House daily to generate the merits to meet Kyabje Lati Rinpoche again.
Tsem Tulku
The following description of his last moments is from the blog Life of Lopsided 8:
This morning when Rinpoche woke up, he did his usual prayers and told his personal assistant, Sopon-la, he wanted to take his bath. This was unusual as Rinpoche normally had his breakfast before his bath each morning. Prior to that, he had also circumambulated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s temple. (Below photo, Lati Rinpoche with his personal assistant for decades, Sopon-la). After his bath, Lati Rinpoche instructed Sopon-la to leave his room, and said: “it is time for me to go”. With that, Rinpoche entered into clear light meditation.
Rinpoche’s body is currently still warm and in the meditative state. This is a sign of an Enlightened being. We do not know how long Rinpoche will be in this state, can be 3 days, 7 days, 21 days etc… As and when his consciousness leaves him, Rinpoche’s body will then be brought back to Mundgod, his monastery, for the fire puja (cremation). Arrangements are in the process to construct Rinpoche’s stupa which is expected to house his relics when the time comes. About 10,000 lamas (Sangha) and many more students are expected in his monastery to attend his fire puja as well as to pay their last respect to Rinpoche.
Extracted April 13th, 2010
http://zendirtzendust.com/2010/04/13/kensur-kyabje-lati-rinpoche-passes-at-88/
UPDATES: -April 14, 2010
His Eminence Kyabje Lati Rinpoche’s holy body arrives tomorrow April 15, 2010, 7pm at Hubli, South India from Dharamsala. Hubli is the nearest city from Gaden. Hubli is one hour away from Gaden by Taxi.
Then on next Monday, April 19th will be the official funeral ceremony, after the monastery checked the astrology.
HH the Dalai Lama was consulted and His Holiness advised that Kyabje Lati Rinpoche’s body be transported from Dharamsala (N. India) to Gaden in South India. Traditionally by train Dharamsala would be 3 days and 3 nights to Hubli. It is a long journey. But in this case flight was used.
UPDATES: -APRIL 16,2010
When Kyabje Lati Rinpoche’s holy body arrived in Hubli, there were a cavalcade of 25 cars to recieve and escort back to Gaden Monastery. Representatives of Gaden, Sera and Drepung escorted Rinpoche from Hubli to Gaden.
The place in Gaden Shartse where the cremation will take place. (Above)
Building the cremation pyre.
Cremation Pyre being readied for Monday.
Rinpoche’s holy body is now lying in wait at Lati Ladrang, Gaden Shartse. Many streams of sangha and lay people coming to pay respects. A largen outdoor stupa will be built on Gaden Grounds to house the relics of Rinpoche afterwards.
UPDATES: -APRIL18,2010
I have requested Liaison Ruby and Liaison Henry to fly to Mundgod to attend the Funeral Ceremony of Kyabje Lati Rinpoche in Gaden. They are there now and the funeral is tomorrow April 19, 2010 7:00 AM Monday Morning. Henry and Ruby are my senior students and always ready to do any dharma work. Bless their hearts.
Lati Rinpoche’s holy body is placed on his sitting throne in his Ladrang in Gaden. They have placed a yellow cloth over the body. Many people from around the world are flying in to pay respects. In Mundgod itself, hundreds of Tibetan Laity are paying respects by coming to Lati Ladrang.
As per tradition, hundreds of monks are at Lati Ladrang doing recitation all day and all night until the funeral. They take turns reciting holy prayers, scriptures and philosophical texts non-stop to generate merits for the Holy Lama to return quickly. Ruby and Henry on KH’s/myself’s behalf made offerings to each of the monks reciting today. We offered Indian rupees 50 to each monk. Tomorrow there will be around 300 monks and Henry and Ruby will be making offerings also to each monk.
His Eminence the Young Kyabje Zong Rinpoche will preside over the funeral and be the Master of Rituals.
Around 30 monks worked days to build the funeral hearth to cremate Kyabje Lati Rinpoche’s body. Ruby above in white making offerings to each monk in appreciation and thanks on our behalf.
The cremation hearth is built in Gaden Shartse’s debate courtyard. They will place the body inside tomorrow, then seal the top and the cremation will begin.
His Eminence the grand Abbot Emeritus Kensur Jampa Yeshe 81 years old (Student of Lati Rinpoche) is very sad over the passing of Lati Rinpoche. He has spent many hours in prayer and mourning near the holy body of Lati Rinpoche. He has shed many tears over the passing of his guru according to the monks. Great Masters like Kensur Jampa Yeshe has great guru devotion hence their high attainments.
(Above) H.E. Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche who is the heart disciple of H.E. Kyabje Lati Rinpoche.
Great Guru equals Great disciple….
Since Kyabje Lati Rinpoche has temporarily left us, I pray H.E. Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche remains a thousand years to oversee the installation of the new incarnation of Kyabje Choktrul Lati Rinpoche and to guide and inspire us.
Great Masters like Kensur Jampa Yeshe are becoming more rare. If you were to compare me to Kensur Jampa Yeshe, it would be like a lit match stick next to the golden powerful light of the sun. I fold my hands to Kyabje Lati Rinpoche and Kensur Jampa Yeshe and put my head to their feets. I request them to bless my work so that I may please them to bring dharma to countless thousands.
Tsem Tulku, the forlorn and sad student.
UPDATES: -APRIL 20, 2010- TUESDAY, THE DAY AFTER THE FUNERAL
Liaisons Henry and Ruby as I type this has just landed in Kuala Lumpur International Airport back from attending Kyabje Lati Rinpoche’s funeral and cremation and on their way home to rest.
They had a very good trip meaning to pay the proper respects to Kyabje Lati Rinpoche and make offerings to the sangha on behalf of myself and Kechara House. I thank them very much for doing a good job.
Some photos from the funeral and cremation Yesterday morning.
Kyabje Zong Rinpoche (left) was the ritual master for Kyabje Lati Rinpoche’s funeral and cremation ceremony.
On the right is Kensur Tenzin Drakpa.
Kensur Konchok Tsering Rinpoche (left) and Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche (right)
Awaiting for Kyabje Lati Rinpoche’s body to arrive.
Body is arriving under the yellow canopy escorted by monks.
His Eminence’s body within this carried by the Monk disciples. Very Sad occasion.
Kyabje Lati Rinpoche’s face is covered in red and adorned in full ceremonial robes. Being placed inside the cremation hearth.
Body of Kyabje Lati Rinpoche on Palaquin.
Sangha gathering for the cremation.
Lighting the hearth to cremate the body.
Kyabje Lati Rinpoche’s body burning…
burning…
Kyabje Lati Rinpoche gives us a teaching on Impermanence when we view his holy body being burned.
Burning is done…offerings will be made for three days before opening the hearth to extract the relics left behind by Kyabje Lati Rinpoche.
Liaison Ruby who represented myself and Kechara House in front of the funeral hearth after the cremation.
Liaison Henry representing us at the funeral.
Ruby making offerings to each monk as I instructed on behalf of myself and Kechara House.
Henry making offerings to all the monks participating at the funeral on behalf of myself and Kechara House.
I asked Henry and Ruby to visit His Eminence Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche to make offerings on my behalf. They did so and here they are sitting for a picture with His Eminence after the audience and offerings. Absolutely beautiful.
Thank you Henry and Ruby….
Tsem Tulku
—————————————————————————————————————
UPDATE:- APRIL 25, 2010 AFTER THE CREMATION:
After the cremation of the holy body of Lati Rinpoche, they are extracting the remains. See pictures below:
Prayers at Lati Ladrang after funeral before the opening of the funeral hearth.
His Eminence Kyabje Lati Rinpoche in the tradition of attained lamas, left his eyeballs, tongue and heart unburned along with some bones. Although the flames are very high.
His cremation smoke went to the eastern direction.
Baby footprints were clearly seen after opening the funeral pyre being observed by Kyabje Zong Choktrul Rinpoche. The prints faced the Eastern direction.
Thousands of blessing pills arose from his holy body after the cremation.
Opening and observing for footprints above by Kyabje Zong Rinpoche.
Ceremonial robes of Kyabje Lati Rinpoche.
Lucky me will be getting a few pieces of the Kyabje Lati Rinpoche’s bones to be put in a stupa here for my personal worship. Very holy relic indeed of a great master, vinaya holder, and elite Monk.
Tsem Tulku
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has composed a quick return prayer for His Eminence Kensur Lati Rinpoche. Everyone who has been blessed by H.E. Lati Rinpoche is encouraged to add the recitation of this prayer to their daily practice.
Prayer for the Quick Return of Kyabje Lati Rinpoche
O peerless savior and supreme Teacher, Shuddhodhana’s son,
O the seventeen masters and adepts, Nagarjuna and Asanga, and so on,
O Dipamkara as well as sovereign father Tsongkhapa,
Gloriously appear here today to grant auspiciousness.
On the great path leading to the heart of Enlightenment.
You’ve traversed by means of the perfect threefold discipline,
And have enhanced ever higher the realizations of enlightened qualities –
O glorious Guru, we offer our supplications at your feet.
Pray return gloriously to propagate the teaching of Lobsang,
By tying well the sash of monastic disciplinary precepts,
And, generating the altruistic intention to free all beings,
Engage in the tantric yogas of the two stages.
Think of the unbearable pain of the sentient beings
Who’re enveloped in the forces of five degenerations;
And to open wide the lotus grove of the Buddha’s teaching,
May your reincarnation appear soon as a source of merit for us.
This was composed by the Buddhist monk, the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, on the 5th day of the 3rd month in the seventeenth Rabjung cycle of the Tibetan calendar, namely, on 19th April, 2010.
update: 11 March 2011
Or view on the server at: http://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/latirinpoche.flv
His Eminence Kyabje Lati Rinpoche was a real living Buddha in so many ways. His death was a great loss to Gaden Shartse Monastery, Gaden, Sera Drepung, Gelug Lineage, Buddha dharma of Tibet and for Tibet on the whole. Kyabje Lati Rinpoche passed away in Dharamsala (North India). His body was taken from his apt. and respectfully escorted to Gyuto Tantric Monastery in Dharamsala. From Gyuto it was flown to Gaden Monastery in South India. In Gaden, the traditional funeral for a high lama was arranged. Everything was done according to tradition in order to create the causes for Kyabje Lati Rinpoche’s incarnation to return to continue his unexcelled deeds.
Please watch the video and learn how a high lama’s funeral is conducted.
Remember, the funeral is not performed for Lati Rinpoche’s benefit, as he has complete control of where he takes rebirth. But it was for our benefit as a last act of respect, love and collection of merits so that we may meet Rinpoche again.
With great sadness, Tsem Rinpoche
I recalled something that happened about two weeks ago…
About two weeks ago, Tsem Rinpoche woke up from a dream and told me about it. Rinpoche said he dreamt of Lati Rinpoche and him engaging in some Dharma activity in Gaden Monastery. Tsem Rinpoche said this dream is unusual, he sensed some omen, so on that day itself Tsem Rinpoche contacted the monastery to have some pujas done for Lati Rinpoche.
I’m so sorry to hear this news – I know how important Lati Rinpoche was to Rinpoche, and also, it is because of Lati Rinopche that Tsem Rinpoche is now here with us in Malaysia bringing so much Dharma to people everywhere.
Kechara House will be doing Setrap puja tonight, to clear our obstacles and create the merit on our side so that Lati Rinpoche may return swiftly to continue turning the wheel of Dharma to benefit many.
May His Eminence Lati Rinpoche return back riding on his vows!
Namo Amitabha Buddha!
May His Eminence Kyabje Lati Rinpoche return swiftly to lead us migrators to fields of bliss.
Today in Tsem Ladrang, we lit 300 candles and sang offerings for His Eminence Kyabje Lati Rinpoche’s swift return to continue to turn the wheel of Dharma.
We will be doing pujas for His Eminence Kyabje Lati Rinpoche at TDL in Long Beach for his quick return.
I am sorry to hear of this sad loss, Rinpoche. I pray for his swift rebirth to benefit beings. But through the the work, kindness and devotion of you and your students, his blessings will not be lost and will flourish.
This evening, Kechara House dedicated our Setrap Puja to the swift return of HE Kyabje Lati Rinpoche. Kechara will be forever grateful to HE Lati Rinpoche for requesting HE Tsem Tulku Rinpoche to come to Malaysia and bless us with the holy Dharma. May HE Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s vision to build KWPC manifest quickly and smoothly.
Shimmering Tears!
May His Eminence Kensur Lati Rinpoche return quickly to once again spread the Dharma in all the directions.
Peace and blessings to you and all those who have studied with Lati Rinpoche. May his life and teachings continue to live on through you all!
Last night’s Setrap puja at KH2 was attended by many of Tsem Rinpoche’s students who prayed together for the swift rebirth of His Eminence Kensur Lati Rinpoche .. so lucky to be there with them in the prayers
I am humbled and thankful to have had the opportunity to have received blessings from His Eminence Kensur Lati Rinpoche some years back and am still inspired by the depth and care shown to us as His Eminence Tsem Tulku students visiting Ganden for the first time.
What a profound example of what it means to benefit others without motive with great care and love.
An indelible mark has been left on my mind and heart! I dedicate my little prayers to His Eminence Lati Rinpoche swift rebirth and the manifestation of KWPC.
My deepest sympathy for you and your spiritual family.
It is so sad to hear of HE Lati Rinpoche’s passing into clear light
I may not have the merits to have met HE Lati Rinpoche in this life but I am grateful for I have benefitted from Him indirectly from teachings I receive from my Guru HE Tsem Tulku Rinpoche.
I wish for HE Lati Rinpoche’s swift rebirth to continue to benefit all mother sentient beings. Om Mani Padme Hum.
May His Holiness Lati Rinpoche return soon and may we see Him in His true form as Vajradhara.
Just thought I’d share with everyone that today was the second day of prayers in Tsem Ladrang for Kyabje Lati Rinpoche. We lit 100 candles (arranged beautifully as fish) and recited “A Prayer to Heruka”. After that, as Tsem Rinpoche advised, we recited the Heart Sutra once, Ganglongma three times and the King of Prayers once. We ended with our Kechara House dedication, and with Yonten Shigyurma.
Many condolences from the Canadian Pacific coast to Rinpoche and to everyone connected to Tsem Ladrang. I was very moved by Rinpoche’s comments on his connection to Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, and by the heartfelt profundity of “A Prayer to Heruka”. It is so helpful to be able to recite this prayer during this time of loss. May we all create the causes to always meet with our holy Lamas again and again so that we may fulfill our Buddha potential. May we all value every precious moment shared with our most kind Teachers.
As our world loses another significant source of LIGHT with HIS passing, may HH Kyabje Lati Rinpoche return swiftly to LIGHT UP our world once again, and may HIS reincarnation be found soonest possible. May we truly have the merits to sit at HIS feet, as Rinpoche prays and listen to the words of HERUKA himself. *with folded hands and hopefilled heart*
Today, Tsem Ladrang offered 100 candles to Lati Rinpoche, before reciting A Prayer to Heruka. This was followed by one recitation of the Heart Sutra, three recitations of Ganglongma and one recitation of the King of Prayers. Rinpoche previously explained that whilst doing these prayers, we should visualise Lati Rinpoche as Heruka himself.
I´m grateful towards Lati Rinpoche eaven if I´ve never met him. It´s because of him I´ve been able recive advice from Rinpoche. It´s because of him I´m able write these words at Rinpoches blog right now. I will offer lights tomorrow. Namaste!
I was staying at gaden monastery as a guest a student of Geshe Tsultim gyeltsen at that time I would have lunch at Lati Rinpoches house and oh my what a spread fit for many kings being vegetarian it was unbelievable what that kitchen produced a most enjoyable and mouth watering experience.
Today was Day 4 out of 10 days of offerings we will be making to Lati Rinpoche. Again, 100 candles were offered – “A Prayer to Heruka” was recited, along with one recitation of the Heart Sutra, three recitations of Ganglongma and one recitation of the King of Prayers. The five Ladrang staff were joined by Liaison Jamie Khoo, who was in the Ladrang for a Liaisons’ Council meeting.
Yesterday, we conducted Day 5 of offerings to Lati Rinpoche. 100 candles were offered, before “A Prayer to Heruka” was recited, as well as one recitation of the Heart Sutra, three recitations of Ganglongma and one recitation of the King of Prayers. Whilst we were doing our 21 prostrations to Lati Rinpoche, some visitors arrived in the Ladrang with Associate Liaision Kok Yek Yee who explained to them what we were doing.
Today was Day 6 of the Ladrang’s offerings to Kyabje Lati Rinpoche. We offered 100 candles along with “A Prayer to Heruka”, thinking strongly of Lati Rinpoche as Heruka himself. We carried this visualisation as we recited the Heart Sutra once, Ganglongma three times, and the King of Prayers once. Today, we were joined by Kechara House’s President and Tsem Ladrang Liaison Datuk May Phng!
Day 7 of the Ladrang’s offerings to Kyabje Lati Rinpoche coincided with Rinpoche’s cremation. Offering 100 candles and prayers to Heruka himself were Datuk May, Wai Meng, James, Justin and Wendy from Tsem Ladrang. They were joined by our guest from England, Lily Tan.
Day 8 of Tsem Ladrang’s offerings to Kyabje Lati Rinpoche involved Wai Meng, Bonita, JJ, Fat Monk, Lew and Lily. It coincided with Liaisons Ruby and Henry’s audience with HE Tsem Tulku Rinpoche to update him on the funeral and cremation. Ruby and Henry came with many photos of the whole ceremony.
Day 9 saw the household team of the Ladrang come together to make 100 candle offerings and prayers to Kyabje Lati Rinpoche. This team consists of JJ, FM, Wendy, Justin and Bonita. On a day-to-day basis, their duties include preparing Rinpoche’s meals, caring for Ladrang guests as well as all aspects of Ladrang housekeeping and maintenance.
On our final day of making offerings to Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, FM, Wendy, Bonita, Justin, James and JJ gathered to offer the final 100 candles, bringing the total up to 1000. The merits thus created over the last 10 days of offerings were dedicated towards Lati Rinpoche’s swift rebirth, in order to benefit all sentient beings and bless the manifestation of KWPC and the growth of Kechara.
My deepest condolences for you and the spiritual family. May His Eminence Lati Rinpoche return soon to turn the wheel of dharma, in order to benefit all sentient beings.
H.E. Kyabje Lati Rinpoche played a very major role in the birth of Kechara organization for without H.E., Tsem Rinpoche will not have came to Malaysia almost 20 years ago!
Tsem Rinpoche had trusted Lati Rinpoche and followed Lati Rinpoche’s instruction in leaving the monastery for Malaysia, a place where some called it a land of the barbaric!
Despite the heartaches and disappointment we students had given Rinpoche, Rinpoche had never given up on any one of us and continue patiently to teach and guide us. I’m really grateful for this, Rinpoche.
I have to thank my lucky stars for giving me the opportunity to meet and learn dharma from Rinpoche. May my mind and heart be strong and firm, may I dedicate the rest of my life and my future lives in serving Rinpoche and the dharma. May my monkey mind be qualm and may I be able to benefit others.
Thank you Lati Rinpoche for sending Tsem Rinpoche to us! May Your Eminence incarnation return soon to continue to turn the wheel of dharma.
The departure of such a great Dharma master is very sad news for all sentient beings as they are our salvation from samsara and suffering. Currently, as illustrated by the prayers, offerings and practices organized by Tsem Rinpoche, we still rely on our highly attained Gurus to initiate the cause for the return of these great Dharma masters to benefit us because of our ignorance about the Dharma.
However, at a Dharma teaching by Tsem Rinpoche (available in the book and DVD: Gurus for Hire, Enlightenment for Sale from Kechara Media & Publication), I learnt that we can create the cause for our Gurus to stay with us during this lifetime and return to us in the next lifetime and continue their Dharma work. How? By simply keeping our promises/vows…honoring our words with our actions.
Lati Rinpoche is one of the last few great teachers from Tibet who mastered the pure and complete Dharma syllable. Today, Tsem Rinpoche who received the all encompassing teachings and initiations from this pure lineage of Gurus is the last few active embodiments of the precious Dharma: Spreading Dharma where Dharma is not yet born; clearing misunderstanding where Dharma is misrepresented.
With the merit to meet Tsem Rinpoche we must strive to contribute to Rinpoche’s cause to give happiness and reduce suffering. With a platform established through Kechara’s 13 departments we should take advantage and not waste anymore of our precious human life.
It is always such a sad occasion to hear of such high Lamas passing on – this is the last generation of the old “greats” from Tibet, who risked everything to preserve the lineage and teachings by coming out to India and continuing to teach, even when the odds were all against them.
It is by their kindness that we can even still gain access to these teachings and the old scriptures; and further, it is by Lati Rinpoche’s kindness, especially, that we now have Tsem Rinpoche in our midst.
There will be a short gap between these high Lamas’ passing and the time when their incarnations will be old enough to start teaching again. Until then, we have the dynamic new generation of teachers like our own dear Tsem Rinpoche who is courageously carrying on the lineage. This is something the previous Gaden Tripa Rinpoche has said clearly – it is lamas like Tsem Rinpoche who will now arise strongly to bring a new generation of Dharma and continue the lineage.
We really are part of such an incredible lineage, where the sacred teachings have been so carefully and lovingly preserved so that the horrible “children of the future” – US – can receive even a glimpse of it. Are we making the most of it?
I have recently been reading articles on Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s many Gurus. It just does not matter how many I read, I am continuously filled with wonder how these great Gurus are spectacular beings. Every one of them from Pabongka Rinpoche to Trijang Rinpoche to Zong Rinpoche, and now H.E. Kyabje Lati Rinpoche.
I am eternally grateful to Lati Rinpoche, if not for Him insisting our Rinpoche come to teach in Malaysia there will be no Kechara House and I would not be able to do Dharma work. We would all not be able to learn from Rinpoche.
This entire article on Lati Rinpoche’s passing is educational and emotional. I can feel the sadness in Rinpoche and the poem he composed touched my heart deeply. Yet again I witness Rinpoche’s guru devotion. The chronology of events from Lati Rinpoche going into Clear Light meditation to his cremation was very insightful and educational. I would have never known any of this if not for this article.
There is so much depth and meaning in the rituals. It’s a culture normal people can never experience if not for being in Dharma and having a great teacher to give knowledge and guidance to understand every detail of the rituals. It is simply miraculous how Lati Rinpoche’s remains of eyeball, tongue and heart are not burnt after the cremation! There is just no scientific explanation, but to accept it is a spiritual miracle of an Enlightened Being. He even leaves sign to look for his reincarnation in the Eastern direction. Wonderful! I pray for Lati Rinpoche’s swift return to continue turning the Wheel of Dharma!
I remember the day when we heard news that H.E. Lati Rinpoche has entered clear light. One of the last great masters from Tibet who exiled through the dangerous himalayan terrain of the original Gaden Shartse built by Je Tsongkhapa has left us. This is no ordinary master, but one who reestablished and rebuilt Gaden Shartse in India so that the thousands of monks can continue their studies and practice. This is our mother monastery where Tsem Rinpoche comes from. It is this grandmaster’s request to Tsem Rinpoche that today we have the pure Buddha Dharma established here under the Kechara banner. Thank you Ruby and Henry for taking all these photos of the how Lati Rinpoche’s holy body was cremated. We are very fortunate to have Lati Rinpoche’s relic in our centre! I too, pray for Lati Rinpoche’s swift return!
What impressed me most was Tsem Rinpoche’s guru devotion. He listened to his guru and came to Malaysia to spread the Dharma. It is interesting to note that Lati Rinpoche (like other high lamas)had also travelled to the States and met the young Rinpoche there. Rinpoche’s prayer to Lati Rinpoche is that of a student to his lama. One can easily identify with Rinpoche because the sentiments are the same. This is Rinpoche’s skill in teaching us guru devotion. By studying the photos taken of the whole funeral process, from the building of the stupa to the cremation ceremony, I learned a lot about how the funeral of a high lama is conducted.
When the sms came from Rinpoche to us, we were all stunned with silence. A great being, master, Buddha, has passed in to clear light. I had the great merit and privilege to have an audience with H.H Kyabje Lati Rinpoche went we visited Gaden some years back. Even at that time, we could see his health was not in such a good state and yet he granted us audience and patiently talked to us. After seeing the many pictures take by Liaison Henry and Ruby, I am very relieve to see that they saw foot print showing which direction H.H Kyabje Lati Rinpoche will take a new rebirth. This is something we can all look forward to and send our prayers and energies. Imagine this great master will incarnate back at will to turn the wheel of Dharma once again in a new, strong and fit body.
H.E. Kensur Kyabje Lati Rinpoche was a tulku and also ex Abbot Emeritus of Gaden Shartse Monastery. He had thousands of students around the world and had written several books. He is considered our Guru also as Tsem Rinpoche who is considered our Guru is also Lati Rinpoche student, Tsem Rinpoche had a vivid dream of Lati Rinpoche. In the dream Tsem Rinpoche felt very strongly that H.E Lati Rinpoche will pass away soon. Tsem Rinpoche then requested the Monastery to do special self initiation puja to be done in the monastery. In 1992 Lati Rinpoche requested Gelek Rinpoche to arrange for Tsem Rinpoche to come to Malaysia to raise funds for Ganden shartse monastery. Gelek Rinpoche then had his students in Malaysia to arrange for Tsem Rinpoche coming to Malaysia. The trip which Lati Rinpoche had arranged for was very successful and Tsem Rinpoche was able to raise a substantial amount to build 35 Apartments for the monks in the monastery. I was very happy to have the merits to be able to assist Tsem Rinpoche in this project. Now Lati Rinpoche gone to clear light but we hope his reincarnation will come back again to benefit sentient beings.
I am very grateful that due to the request by Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, we now have a living Bodisattva – H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, who has been residing in Malaysia since 1992, actively spreading dharma teaching and doing dharma works to benefit all sentient beings.
The cremation process of Kyabje Lati Rinpoche again reinforce the concept of impermanence. Death is inevitable and yet death is not the end of life.
May Kyabje Lati Rinpoche return quickly to continue to benefit all sentient beings.
I have had the luck of meeting His Eminence once during my visit to Mundgod for some official work. The elders at the place were unable to decide on some matter and they wanted His Eminence’s word to be final on that matter.
I was asked to tag along with them and sat there in his presence for around 10-15 minutes. I was lucky to get my questions answered and later came to know that he rarely saw anyone from outside. Therefore I consider myself lucky that I was blessed enough to be in his presence and on top of that also get my questions answered.
Dear Tsem Tulku
It is only tonight that I discovered my Tsa Wa’i Lama Lati Rinpoche had entered clear light on April 2010! I was actually praying everyday to meet with him again, like the times at Namgyal Monastery when Rinpoche arrived with Tsultrim lama (Sopon lama) for the summer. I missed Rinpoche dearly. Now I am without a Tsawa’i Lama! My young son Kyunje Rakarpo who was born in Dharamshala took his Buddhist refuge under Lati Rinpoche when he was about one years old.
I was born in Petaling Jaya and was in Singapore for some time where I completed my university and worked for some years before I decided I prefer to be with HH Dalai Lama and traveled to Dharamshala from 2001 t0 2006. I do not really like my birthplace Malaysia as I feel no affinity. I am glad that you have build a monastery there for the people! My papa, mama, elder brother and sister are still there. But I knew from a young age that I would leave far away.
I now live in Canada. There is no Dharma here and I am quite sad. I am also sad for my son and daughter who are Tibetans and have little chance to know these great Gurus that are entering clear light one by one. Khensur Tseten Rinpoche whom I felt great respect after listening to his teachings on wisdom in Singapore has also entered clear light in 2007. I hope you will be a great teacher or disciples like ourselves and our next generation will be lost! I hope one day I can help start a Dharma centre in Canada. Actually there are many Dharma centres in Victoria but there are few devotees so they are all too poor to have any real congregation since the majority are not Buddhist. But that is life
I will have to practice hard myself and teach my son. My spouse Dhamchoe Thokme was a monk graduated from Tashi Kyil but he makes fun of his own religion sometimes and does not spend serious time teaching our son what he was fortunate enough to learn from the great GuangDang Rinpoche. Perhaps, with my strong love for Buddhism, we may need to go seperate ways!
Tsem Rinpoche – I pray that you and many young teachers that have learned from great Masters like Lati Rinpoche trained in Tibet monasteries free from foreign rule, will one day hold up the Buddha Dharma. May great teachers have long life – May they stay to teach – May they come again.
I send my heart-filled love, eternal gratitude, and wishes for an auspicious re-birth to my teacher, Lati Rinpoche. Thank you for recognizing me. Thank you for your prayers. I always loved your smile…and will never forget passing by you as you walked unaccompanied on Rugby Rd. in Charlottesville in 1976 – and your smile and bow to me. I was 19 then…I had no idea what it meant. Thank you….