The passing of Lama Ole has been felt immensely all over the world; in his home center, one might assume the grief would be overwhelming.
It was precisely the opposite.
Joyous faces. Celebrations of life. Stories emanating from every corner in a display of love and gratitude that blew my mind. Overflowing hugs, tremendous grins, head bumps aplenty. Never have I had so many people come up to me, deeply moved that Karmapa came in these difficult times. The same was true for Nedo Rinpoche and Jigme Rinpoche. Any time they stepped outside, crowds gathered in tear-filled lines of happy Kagyus stretching to the horizon.
How could they not come?
This is a momentous moment in Dharma history. The life of an incredible Lama whose devotion and hard work inspired countless students the world over. Of course they would come. Of course Karmapa would come. Even missing part of his Malaysian tour, he came to bring us together, like glue to a shattered vase.
For two weeks, anyone who wishes may come to pay their last respects. The coffin stands in the villa, in a room adorned with flowers and beautiful statues. Next door, the Amitabha puja continues throughout the day, chants filling the space as students line up to say their final goodbyes.
There were tears, but there was joy too.
Even standing before their Lama for the final time, what struck me most was the enduring spirit of family and gratitude. Gratitude for Lama Ole’s lifelong work. For his tireless efforts to bring Dharma to the edges of the world, regardless of where you came from or what you came from. A punk or a monk. Broken homes and broken countries. Any language, anywhere.
While we all found Dharma in our own ways, Lama Ole is responsible for so many it is impossible to quantify in words. For countless who might never have encountered Dharma otherwise. For those who never connected with robes and rituals, who needed to learn in their own language, Diamond Way was a breath of fresh air.
He spoke to those who may have been too far away, too scared, too alone, or too disconnected to come into the light without him.
And for that, we owe him everything.
To all of you who made this space in EC possible, thank you. For your kindness, your spirit, and your endurance. For showing me that even in dire straits and deep sorrow, heart and joy endure. For keeping Lama Ole’s warmth glowing within each of you. For showing Karmapa such love and appreciation—it was astounding.
And thank you for showing me what you're made of.
For helping me realize that I am made of the same.
Never forget:
We’re all in this together.
