Wednesday, February 15, the Office of Tibet, Washington DC mourns the demise of Kyabje Nyagre Khentrul Ngawang Gelek Rinpoche, who passed away today at 6:00 a.m. CST. Rinpoche was born in Lhasa, Tibet, in 1939, and was recognized as an incarnation of Nyagre Khentrul Rinpoche of Drepung Monastic University at the age of four. He was carefully tutored from an early age by some of Tibet’s greatest living masters, Rinpoche gained renown for his powers of memory, intellectual judgment and penetrating insight. He received his scholastic degree of Geshe Lharampa, the highest degree of divinity at an exceptionally young age and brought his wisdom of Buddhist teachings and experience to both the east and the west, especially in the United States.
Kyabje Gelek Rinpoche’s immense contribution to the preservation of authentic and seminal Tibetan Buddhist teachings for both present and future generations, as well as to the non-Tibetan followers is immeasurable. We remain forever grateful for his vast contribution to the world at large.
Kyabje Gelek Rinpoche has always been one of the strongest source of inspiration to the Office of Tibet and has always made himself available in both person and words toward the endeavors of the Office. He was also the corner stone of Buddhism Retreat Program for young Tibetans and Himalayan Origin College going students, which this office has been organizing for the last many years.
The office of Tibet conveys its deepest condolence to his immediate family and the followers all over the world.
We shall forever remember him as one of our great teachers.
