CTA mourns demise of His Eminence Penor RinpocheMonday, 30 March 2009, 6:28 p.m.

His Eminence Penor Rinpoche (1932-2009)

Dharamshala: The Central Tibetan Administration mourns the demise of His Eminence Pema Norbu Rinpoche, the 11th throne holder of the Palyul lineage of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism, who passed away on 27 March. He was 77.According to the press release of the Namdroling monastery, Penor Rinpoche spent his last moment in meditation (thugdam) state at his residence at the Palyul Namdroling monastery in Bylakuppee, South India.Rinpoche left the Columbia Asia Hospital in Banglore at 3:30 pm on the same day, where he was admitted on 24 March following a chronic illness. Rinpoche received offerings from many of highest Nyingma Lamas, Tulkus and dignitaries at the hospital. At the Namdroling monastery, monastic officials held prayers together with Rinpoche, the press release said.As a mark of respect, all the departments and offices of the Administration have remain closed in the afternoon, following an hour-long prayer session at 2 p.m.Senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration, including the members of the Kashag, attended the prayer session.His Eminence settled in South India where he with the help of few monks built the Palyul Namdroling Monastery. The monastery has grown into one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist instituition in the world, housing over 6000 monks and nuns.His Eminence is revered for his loving kindness and compassion for the welfare of all beings.