You don’t have to fear to swim against the stream

Having the chance to bid farewell to the great Kunzig Shamarpa in idyllic Renchen-Ulm, I realized clearer than ever how much Rinpoche had inspired me. I received both my first Bodhisattva promise and my first tantric buddhist initiation from him in 1986; his ‘retour-smile’ to me then reflected just joy. When in later years we met several times at group talks concerning PR activities in favour of Karmapa Thaye Dorje and on other occasions, he was always both charismatic and hands-on, completely honest, clear in his words, but as polite as possible and absolutely well-acquainted with the western mentality. Besides this, I liked his kind of humor very much.

Kunzig Shamarpa’s life was dominated by his responsibilities for the Karma Kagyu tradition at exciting times and under hard circumstances. His struggle for a free and authentic Karmapa deserved highest respect. We learnt: When, after thorough pondering, you are convinced of something, you do not have to fear to swim against the stream. What an example of courage and loyalty!

The days after Rinpoche’s passing visitors saw many rainbows, aureoles around the sun and highly unusual cloud formations in and around Renchen. Kunzig Shamarpa’s body may be gone, but not his blessing. I feel overwhelmed by gratitude.

Oh precious teacher

Oh precious teacher,

Countless eons ago,
you cut all suffering at the root
and realized that
whatever is dependently arisen is
unceasing, unborn,
unannihilated, not permanent,
not coming, not going,
without distinction, without identity
and free from conceptual construction.

Yet I, for whom these are but words,
am struck by grief on this sad day
that you Shamarpa Mipham Chokyi Lodro
stopped manifesting in this world.

Due to a small break in my bad karma,
accumulated through beginningless wandering,
due to a flicker of merit in this life,
I met you Rinpoche and received your precious teachings.

The wishfulfilling instructions on bodhicitta
you put into my hand and heart.
If now I fail to put them into practise,
when could such a chance be mine again?

Therefore, kind teacher, grant your blessing,
that I never fail or falter on the bodhi path.
Through your continous inspiration may I persevere in practise
and diligently train my mind.

And all the merit gained thereby, I will
dedicate wholeheartedly to the fullfillment of your wishes,
so that all obstacles may be dispelled, which would hinder
your swift return

OM AMI DEWA HRIH

another picture from Shamar’s visit to Sweden

Here is a picture that is of Shamarpa posing in front of our altar at Karme Tenpe Gyaltsen – we were very very fortunate to have him visit and give us Amitabha initiation and bodhisattva vows. Please return swiftly, Shamar Rinpoche!

.

Recently I have read the book ‘Buddha is not smiling’ – thank you for protecting the lineage. May we also be able to help a little bit in the future and may all beings have the possibility to get connected to this prescious teachings. May there always be teacher to give the transmission.

Kassel/Germany summer course, 1993

One of my strongest memories (at least on a picture) with Künzig Shamar Rinpoche: After working being in close touch more than one year around the topic of the Karmapa issue, discussing the situation in the lineage during the Diamond Way summer course, Kassel, July 1993.

Teachings for a Life Time

When I was new to buddhism, a good friend of mine was telling me about how spetial was a lama that also was a Buda, as I was listening to my friend, I had the wish to eventually have a teacher of that kind, a perfect guide.

With the passing of time I ran into Rinpoche, who was the embodyment of that wish. With little but direct teachings he insisted on what practice to perform, practices that would fill a lifetime. I would always hold in my heart his advice on every level, it has been a great loss.

My most Precious teacher

Words do not suffice to describe the deep, heart wrenching sorrow I feel having lost my precious teacher. Much as he often said they did not suffice to describe spiritual accomplishments which he tirelessly tried to transmit to us.
As I followed his coffin out of the cemetery the tears fell from face on to the rose I carried between my hands supplicating to him in this physical form for the last time. I was reminded of one of the first teaching I received from him on the samatabhadra wishing prayers. He explained as he gracefully held up a rose in his hand the inconceivable nature of reality. One dew drop, on one rose petal containing the entire universe and an infinity of Buddhas.
We in this world have lost a great mahasiddha. A true living example of a bodhisattva. Compassionately courageous, spontaneously gleeful, wise beyond any of our limited understanding with unwavering integrity.
I will always cherish the kindness he showed me, the laughter we shared and his guidance in every moment.
His smile was like the sun and as the Buddhist sutras say, it never discriminated where it shone but reflected on every surface of water equally. I feel as though the sun has set and left this world is a vast darkness.
I pray that he will return to us swiftly and the sun may rise once more to guide us, lost beings on the path to enlightenment once again.
Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas Tum Rahatee Ho
(You dwell forever in my heart)

Venue de Shamar Rinpoché à l’Institut Karmapa , mai 2014, France

Bonjour,
Le week-enf fut d’une intense Douceur, d’Amour. Rinpoché avait un sourire qui rayonnait au delà du temple…
Lors de la bénédition, Rinpoché, qui était assis, a demandé aux personnes de la Sangha passant devant lui, de ne pas s’incliner et de rester droit… Ces personnes , les mains jointes, s’approchaient de Shamar Rinpoché, et s’inclinaient tout de même devant sa Sainteté.
Shamar Rinpoché s’est alors levé, et s’est mis debout, sur son trône, avec beaucoup d’humour… Les personnes passant devant étaient alors obligées de rester droites.
C’est un moment qui restera gravé en nos coeurs à tous.
Merci! Emaho!
Om Ami Dewa Hri …
_/ <3 _

Advocate

I had the privilege to work with HH Shamar Rimpoche from December 1999 till a couple of years back mainly on the Karmapa issue in various Courts. He was indeed a very very wise person. The only person I have come across in my life who never spoke ill about anyone. His news of passing away has come as a personal loss to me. I hope that He will continue to guide all of us.

Mrs.

I had the pleasure of meeting him during a meditation course in Virginia. Most memorable was for me his incredible kindness. One time it struck me deeply: we were doing our meditation when suddenly Shamar Rinpoche looked in on us. Like a mother checking on her children, with a warmly smiling face he encouraged us in our practice. Afterward I was so moved that I cried for quite a long while. Please Shamar Rinpoche come back to us. And a thousand Thank you’s for giving us your loving presence. Gabriela