I went on a three day Chod retreat with Tenga Rinpoche WAY back when I first got my start in Tibetan Buddhism. Though I did not end up taking up Chod as a main practice, it remains one of the most profound teachings I ever received. Rinpoche was quite profound and accessible in his explanations.
I met with him again in Losar 2000 at his Gompa in Nepal, where I was able to share lunch with him and Lama Vajranatha and having him clear up some questions I had about the role of phowa in the chod practice.
I am happy to read that he passed at his gompa and entered Thugdam. In this state, the Lama is in a particularly subtle state where his blessing is accessible to everyone, especially those that had a connection with him in life. I plan on doing practice tonight to connect with this profound teacher one last time.
http://www.benchen.org/en/
Now all I can say is OM AH HUNG… peace to you Tenga Rinpoche.
What an honor to learn such a profound practice from such a venerable and good-hearted master. My sister just returned home a lama, having completed a three year retreat, and this is one of her main practices. Of course she is very discrete about what tells others about it.
I’m glad to hear that Tenga Rinpoche’s passing was peaceful and helpful, and glad you took it as such. Many blessings.
Thanks Drew. Who did your sister retreat under?
Your scrolls are beautiful BTW? I may need to get one of those.