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Atmospheric documentary photograph emphasizing place, natural light, and surrounding detail — KUDUNG — November 2017 — KUDUNG: The Final Journey Of Shamar Rinpoche — photograph by Tokpa Korlo
Observational photograph recording color, texture, and the character of the setting — KUDUNG — November 2017 — KUDUNG: The Final Journey Of Shamar Rinpoche — photograph by Tokpa Korlo
Photographic study of form, texture, color, and the mood of the environment — KUDUNG — November 2017 — KUDUNG: The Final Journey Of Shamar Rinpoche — photograph by Tokpa Korlo
Documentary image shaped by light, shadow, atmosphere, and a strong sense of place — KUDUNG — November 2017 — KUDUNG: The Final Journey Of Shamar Rinpoche — photograph by Tokpa Korlo
Travel documentary photograph preserving the atmosphere and visual detail of the moment — KUDUNG — November 2017 — KUDUNG: The Final Journey Of Shamar Rinpoche — photograph by Tokpa Korlo

I remember Shamar Rinpoche’s voice. I remember his smile most of all.

KUDUNG · NOVEMBER 21, 2017

KUDUNG: The Final Journey Of Shamar Rinpoche

I remember him like he was standing next to me now, though I was never that close to him physically while he was alive. I remember his great and vast presence that could shake my very being with no effort at all. I remember the final journey he took us all on. I remember following his body. I remember the flames and the heat. I remember the sound of anguished cries and prayer mixing in the hot summer air like a sorrowful song of loss and grief. I remember the shining faces of those that he touched, their lives transformed from knowing him. I remember the love. I remember the feelings that flowed through me like an imprisoned freight train, not allowed to escape. I remember crying for days straight when I finally returned home. I remember him bringing us all together, forcing us closer and more intwined, even after he had left this world. I remember the way Karmapa loved him. The loss and grief in his eyes was the same as I saw in my own. In all of ours. We lost our teacher, we all did. I remember what that feels like. But I still remember his smile most of all.

The Kudung voyage was to become the highlight of my life, my devotion, my endurance and my career. No matter how many times I see these photos again and again, I still cannot believe it really happened the way it did. The triumph of celebration for his life was magnanimous beyond imagination. Seeing the way the world loved and cherished him brings tears to my eyes even today. He was heralded as the Dharma King he was. And I was pushed along for the ride, never to be the same again. These 35 photographs represent my favorites looking back again three years later. Kudung: The Final Journey of Shamar Rinpoche. May he live forever in our hearts, as I know he lives on forever in mine.

Please use the link below to download the entire collection, in print quality, a memento of this great journey we all shared in together. My gift to you - form the bottom of any heart, thank you all so much.

-Tokpa

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/nqq7o9ckkjkmpgq/AACYTQvbzt5hFR_2HW1dqo1aa?dl=0

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