Sogyal Rinpoche's Parinirvana
Sogyal Rinpoche was a world-renowned Buddhist teacher from Tibet, recognized as the incarnation of a great master and visionary saint of the nineteenth century, Tertön Sogyal Lerab Lingpa. He founded the international Buddhist network Rigpa, was the author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, and dedicated over 45 years to bringing the Buddhist teachings to the West. Sogyal Rinpoche entered into parinirvana on 28th August, 2019.
Prayers and Practices
In Tibetan Buddhism, the period of forty-nine days following someone’s passing is considered to be the most powerful time to do spiritual practice for them.
In the case of a highly accomplished Dzogchen master such as Sogyal Rinpoche, the moment of death is considered to be the moment of ultimate liberation—the crowning moment of his realisation, and the consummation of his practice. So in this case, it is more a matter of us connecting with the realisation of the master through prayer and personal practice.
Many lamas have given advice about the prayers and practices to do at this time, for anyone who has a connection to Sogyal Rinpoche.
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Prayers and practices anyone can do
Any spiritual practice you are familiar with can be beneficial. Khandro Tsering Chödrön often used to say that if you really have a good heart, and really mean well, and then pray for someone, that prayer will be very effective. So be confident that if someone you love very much has died, and you pray for them with true love and sincerity, your prayer will be exceptionally powerful.
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Testimonies
Many lamas and friends sent heartfelt messages and testimonies honouring Sogyal Rinpoche and his accomplishments, and offering their advice and prayers. Read the testimonies