The late 14th Shamar Rinpoche had a fondness for the country and people of Nepal. He made great efforts to establish a monastery at Shar Minub, in Kathmandu, for the benefit of Buddhist students in Nepal. And it was here that he asked to be taken after his death, for the ceremonial cremation that is the traditional farewell for high Buddhist lamas.
Historically, Nepal has always been an important place for Buddhism. The Buddha himself was born in Lumbini, in today’s Nepal, and the Shamarpas have for centuries held a close relationship with Nepal. Among many other connections, the 8th Shamarpa was born and the 10th Shamar Rinpoche cremated there.
“Spirituality is beyond nationality. Shamar Rinpoche was a great example of that, devoting his life to work for the benefit of others in the whole world – be it Nepal, Europe or America – without discriminating who comes from where. His last wish to rest after his passing in Kathmandu should be respected. His resting place will become an international pilgrimage place important not only to Rinpoches’ followers but to all Buddhists. Thus everybody, including Nepal, will benefit. It is actually an honor for the country”
After the government of Nepal granted the necessary legal permissions for Rinpoche to be cremated there, Rinpoche’s kudung arrived in Nepal on 29th July, greeted by throngs of well-wishers. The cremation will be on Thursday morning, 31st July. It will be streamed live at: http://sharminub.org/events-2/streaming/
Below are some of the photos from Rinpoche’s arrival in Kathmandu:
