I was tasked with documenting Shamar Rinpoche’s final journey, following his Kudung from here, where he chose to leave this world, and on to Kathmandu for his cremation.
It was my very first time at any of this. In fact, this was where it all begin for me. Where I first met my future, and let go of my teacher all at once. I had no chance to grieve. Instead I had to push through. This is where I would find my own light, one that was to burn brighter than anything else I would ever do. I would follow it to the ends of the earth.
Shamarpa may be gone, but the light remains. In my heart and in this world around me. His stupa here is lit like a jewel in the black night, a testament to his enduing and endless love for us all. Now we have with us here Jamgon Kontrul Rinpoche, a young man who is showing me every single moment that I have nothing to fear, and I am not alone. He is of that same immovable stone and earth that Shamarpa’s great heart was forged with. He is of that same spirit. He is the next generation of fearless teachers, despite his young age he has incredible charisma and wisdom. He has the most enduring contagious humor. He can make me laugh like a giddy child in the same place where I thought I might have lost my Dharmic innocence. With him, and Karmapa, and the cherished teachings coming from the Buddha himself we are in good hands. We can all find our light, and follow it. I miss Shamar Rinpoche, his great heart was unlike anything the world has ever known. But I know that today, after these few years have passed, he has left us in the most capable and loving hands imaginable. And the light now burns brighter than ever.
Use the link below to download the entire Renchen Ulm collection in print quality:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4n7l5sxvgmicj36/AAD9Pf8dz9RaY2_2rRpDcLBDa?dl=0
