Condolence Message from His Holiness The Karmapa

“Akong Tulku has been my friend from the time I was seven. A social activist, he showed great kindness to Tibet by founding schools and hospitals, printing old texts, and helping many people. Thus I am shocked to hear that he along with two others has been taken from us so suddenly. I would like to offer my condolences to his family members, everyone at Samye Ling Monastery, the Rokpa Foundation, and all the persons involved in his projects in Tibet as well as to all of the students whose lives he touched. I hope that all of his visions and aspirations may continue to be fulfilled”.

Akong Tulku Rinpoche was a memorable Lama and for all those of you who have had the privilege of knowing him, an extraordinary being. Co-founder of the first Tibetan Centre in the West in 1967, he was the main person responsible for finding in Tibet the reincarnation of the 16th Karmapa and subsequently instrumental in his enthronement at Tsurphu in 1992. Among his manifold activities – spiritual, humanitarian, medical and others – he was for many years the Official Representative for Europe of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje.

Let us now join together across Europe to pray for the swift return of this great Master.

Gyalwang Karmapa
8th Oct, 2013 New Delhi.