By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, March 5: The 10th abbot of the Dzongsar Tashi Lhatse Monastery, Khenchen Pema Dhamchoe Rinpoche, has passed away at the age of 83 on February 26 and stayed in Thuk-dam state for a week, sources said.
The Thuk-dam stage reportedly concluded yesterday and his remains were taken to monastery’s Chapel Kelsang Choe Ki Gaatsel for the monks and devotees to pray and pay their last respects.
Thuk-dam is the final meditative stage before nirvana. Although clinically dead the body sustains warmth and does not decay during the Thuk-dam stage.
Sources also said that the different section of the monastery, Dzongsar Magon, Dzongsar Khamja and Dzongsar Gagunj Drupdra would hold mandala prayer and ceremonies for Rinpoche for the next 16 days.
Similarly, Dzongsar Shedra Choe ki Lodoe, Druk Dzongsar Shedra, Sakya monastery and most of other monasteries vowed to organize mass prayer for him as well.
Rinpoche was born on 1933 in Drakyap and recognized as the 10th Abbot of Dzongsar Tashi Lhatse Monastery at the age of 12.
