Shamar Rinpoche, Karma Kagyu lineage holder, has passed away

With great sadness, we let our readers know that Shamar Rinpoche passed away on the 11th of June, 2014, at the age of 62. Rinpoche had a heart attack at his Buddhist centre in Renchen Ulm, in southern Germany. The 14th Kunzig Shamarpa, known to us as Shamar Rinpoche, was a lineage holder of the Karma Kagyu, teacher of the present 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje, and one of the highest Buddhist teachers. Rinpoche taught many times over the years at Diamond Way centres and at meditation courses with Lama Ole Nydahl.
At the beginning of this month, Rinpoche was visiting London, giving teachings and blessing the centre. He continued to France and then Germany, where he gave several days of teachings before unexpectedly passing away. Rinpoche remained in the post-death meditative state known as thugdam for two days. Many prominent Buddhist masters have written touching letters of condolence, and many lamas and students have gathered in Renchen Ulm to pay their respects and to participate in the ceremonies. Next, Rinpoche’s body will be flown back to Asia, accompanied by His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje.
In his last teaching, Shamar Rinpoche said: “You don’t need to be afraid of death if you know how to practice in death.”