Over the past two weeks, around ten thousand people from around the world had come to the Europe Center in Immenstadt to say a personal farewell to Lama Ole. Today, that time came to a close.
As Lama Ole’s body was carried from the Europe Center, a traditional Bavarian gun salute rang out. Students and friends had gathered in the courtyard, and together with Nedo Rinpoche and Lama Ole’s family, they escorted the hearse to the downhill entrance. Jigme Rinpoche, Nedo Rinpoche, and Lama Ole’s family accompanied his body to the cremation site.
It was a moment for us to recall the words of Thaye Dorje, H.H. the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa. He advised us not to look for a successor, as Lama Ole’s qualities, role, and activity are unique and cannot be replaced. He reassured us that we already have everything necessary to continue on the path, encouraging us to deepen and maintain our practice with confidence.
