Kathmandu:

On January 22, Chobe Trinchen Rinpoche breathed his last at the age of 87.

Among the Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhists — at home and abroad, Chobge Trinchen Rinpoche was a highly venerated figure. He was the 26th Chogbe lineage holder of the Charpa sub-tradition of the Shakya lineage in Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism. His main residence in the later part of his life had been the Maitrieya monastery at Boudha.

Born and brought up in Tibet, Rinpoche had started living permanently in Nepal since 1969. He was a very well known master of a number of the highest-level Buddhist practices, and always strove to maintain its purity. Rinpoche’s students include a number of high-level Buddhist masters. In the course of empowering and teaching them, he also visited many countries abroad.

Rinpoche loved and respected Lumbini since his early childhood. This led him to actively promote the land wherever he went later in life.

In 1975, Rinpoche built his first monastery in Nepal at Lumbini, which was the first monastery there too. Recognising his constant efforts to develop Lumbini, Rinpoche was also decorated with the Gorkha Dakshin Bahu by late king Birendra.

Not only a master, Rinpoche was also a writer and his major works include Fortunate to Behold, History of Shakyapa, and Parting from Four Attachments.

Although Rinpoche has been declared dead clinically, his disciples believe he is yet to leave the body. They believe he is still in a state of samadhi, which may last for a few or many days. They are also curious about the signs that manifest as is usually the case when such high level gurus die.

For now, it is said that late Chobge Trinchen Rinpoche looks as radiant, as peaceful, and as compassionate as he had always been.