DHARAMSHALA: The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile today expressed its deep sadness and sympathies at the demise of Chatral Rinpoche. Chatral Rinpoche passed away on 30 December 2015 in Pharping, Nepal at the ripe age of 105.
“Chatral Rinpoche was a highly spiritual being and a revered master of the Dzogchen tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. His demise is a huge loss to the Dharma and our heartfelt condolences goes out to all his devotees,” the Tibetan Parliament wrote in a condolence letter.
Chatral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche was born to parents Pema Dhondup and Sonam Tso in 1913 at Kham Nyagrong in eastern Tibet. As prophesied by Pema Dudul Rinpoche, he was recognised as the reincarnation of Dudul Dorje Dhamchoe Rinpoche by Dudjom Jigdrel Yeshe Dorje Rinpoche.
Having studied under forty of the most renowned scholars and accomplished practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism, Rinpoche received numerous instructions, empowerments and transmission. Excelling in the understanding and practice of precious Buddhist teachings, Rinpoche went on to become one of the foremost masters of the Dzogchen Tradition. He was also one of the last living disciples of Khenpo Ngawang Palzang, the human embodiment of Panchen Vimalamitra.
Chatral Rinpoche had also served as the spiritual teacher of Regent Reting Rinpoche as well as many other learned scholars and teachers of Tibet.
Rinpoche was also an ascetic, having shunned institutional life and living as a wandering yogi retreating in hermitages in remote areas of India and Nepal. At one time, Rinpoche stayed six and a half years as a recluse yogi, meditating on the three ways of delighting the guru. Rinpoche was also a strict vegetarian.