It is with the greatest sadness that we send this message to inform you that our most revered and beloved teacher, His Eminence Khempo Yurmed Tinly Rinpoche, passed away Sunday, January 30th in Himachel Pradesh, India. Ceremonies and prayers are being performed in India, and on February 11th a cremation ceremony took place.

H.E. Khempo Rinpoche was one of the foremost scholars and meditation masters of the Mahayana and Dzogchen traditions of Vajrayana Buddhism, while a fully dedicated exponent of non-sectarianism. As an incarnate lineage holder of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism, Khempo Rinpoche was also known for his expertise in Green Tara practice which he taught for the benefit of his students and his dedication to World Peace.

Khempo was highly respected and loved by thousands of spiritual leaders, international dignitaries, students and friends from all over the world. Those of us who worked with Khempo Rinpoche will remember our extraordinary adventures with him. His remarkable life was not only an inspiration but a precious example of Bodhicitta motivation and skillful means. His greatness was revealed in his humility and kindness. His humor brought the greatest joy while embodying the most profound teachings.

The departing of Khempo Rinpoche from this world adds poignancy to his works and teachings. His departure will likely be regarded by many as his ultimate teaching on impermanence ~ his final gift to us.

~We thank you Khempo Rinpoche, for shining your light on us. We pray for your swift return.

Losar Poems & Tributes

Before Khempo Rinpoche left for India, he wrote two poems for The Tibetan New Year (Losar). They can be viewed on our website: www.khempo.com/losar2005.htm.

Our sincerest thanks to those who helped Khempo Rinpoche host His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Florida this past September. Khempo considered that teaching to be extremely important to World Peace ~ his most cherished mission.

We have been receiving heartfelt messages and beautiful tributes and invite all to send any tributes, stories, memories or photos to us. They may be sent to info@odn-usa.org.

We will be forever grateful to Khempo Rinpoche for his precious gifts to us. We will strive to honor him by continuing his work and living the teachings he spent his lifetime imparting to the world.

Khempo's Sangha