Dharamshala: Kalon Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok of Department of Religion and Culture, CTA condoled the sudden demise of Kathok Getse Rinpoche, 7th supreme head of Nyingma tradition.

In a letter addressed to the Kathok Monastery in Nepal and devotees of Rinpoche, Kalon expressed his deepest condolences at the sudden passing of Kathok Getse Rinpoche and prayed that Rinpoche’s enlightened activities and aspirations to benefit sentient beings continue with his swift rebirth in the land of snows. “May he take swift rebirth to carry on his enlightened activities for the benefit of sentient beings and to carry on the noble lineage of Kathok Getse.”

The Fourth Katok Getse Rinpoche Gyurme Tenpa Gyaltsen (1954-2018) was one of the five ‘’Golden Throne’’ holders of the Katok Monastery lineage, a branch of the Nyingma tradition. Rinpoche was born in Golok, Eastern Tibet, and was recognized by the 16th Karmapa, Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö and Adzom Gyalse Gyurme Dorje as the reincarnation of the Third Katok Getse, Gyurme Tenpa Namgyal. From a very early age, Rinpoche received teachings and empowerments from many masters. After coming to exile in 1997, Getse Rinpoche received teachings and empowerments from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche and Penor Rinpoche among others.

From a very early age, he received teachings and empowerments from many masters such as Katok Moktsa Rinpoche, Khenpo Jikme Phuntsok, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tubten Pema Trinle, the reincarnation of Adzom Drukpa, Tulku Nyida, son of Tulku Lhatop, himself a son of Dudjom Lingpa. Katok Getse Rinpoche spent many years in retreat and was known for his mastery of Dzogchen. After exile from Tibet, he divided his time between Kathmandu, where he oversaw Katok Ritrod, Chagdud Gompa small retreat center in Pharping (Nepal), India, and Bhutan.