In a recent statement, the Tashi Choling Center for Buddhist Studies in Ashland, Oregon, announced that the esteemed Nyingma lama Tulku Theglo Rinpoche had entered parinirvana on 21 November, after which it was reported that he remained absorbed in the clear-light meditation of thukdam. Tulku Theglo Rinpoche’s passing has been described as “one of the greatest losses” for the Longchen Nyingthik and Dudjom Tersar lineages. He was 88 years old.
“Tulku Theglo Rinpoche peacefully entered parinirvana on 21 November and stayed in meditation (thukdam) for two days,” the Tashi Choling Center for Buddhist Studies said in statement. “Alak Zenkar Rinpoche arrived to ‘awaken’ him from his meditation, as the transition from that state is called.
“Many other tulkus and rinpoches have been gathering, including the reincarnation of his father, Kunzang Nyima, to escort the kudung (Rinpoche’s precious remains) to Dodrupchen Monastery, where Rinpoche spent a great deal of time and was a main lineage holder. The cremation ceremonies will be performed there.”
The sangha held an in-person and live-streamed ceremony on Sunday, coinciding with Guru Rinpoche Day. Tulku Jigme Wangdrak Rinpoche, who was Vajra Master of Ceremonies gave a talk about Tulku Theglo Rinpoche, who was his uncle.
Born in 1937 in eastern Tibet, Tulku Theglo Rinpoche, full name is Pema Tekchok Tenpe Gyaltsen, was the son of the terton Dzongter Kunzang Nyima (1904–58), who was recognized as the Speech Emanation of the Nyngma master and terton Dudjom Lingpa (1835–1903). His mother was Rintso of the Tug Gya family.
The revered lama and prominent teacher Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro (1893–1959) recognized Tulku Theglo Rinpoche as the incarnation of Tulku Pema Dorje (1867–1934), the second son of Dudjom Lingpa, and younger brother of Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima (1865–1926).
Tulku Theglo Rinpoche was enthroned at the age of five, and entered Dodrubchen Monastery in Golog, Tibet, to begin formal studies at 10 years old. He studied under four great scholars: Khenpo Gangnam; Khenpo Thrindar; Wangdei Gyangtrul Dondrub Dorje; and Washul Khenpo Lodru, and received extensive empowerments and transmissions from many of foremost Nyingma masters of the 20th century.
In the 1950’s, Tulku Theglo Rinpoche formed a close connection and relationship with the senior lama of the Palyul lineage of the Nyingma school Gyatrul Rinpoche (1925–2023),* founder of the Tashi Choling Center for Buddhist Studies, among other centers.
Tulku Theglo Rinpoche traveled widely to give transmissions and empowerments, including visits to the United States in 2008 and 2016, when he gave numerous empowerments, transmissions, and teachings. He also had a private visit with Gyatrul Rinpoche while his health was failing in 2016, performing ceremonies for his health and long life.*
Among Tulku Theglo Rinpoche’s main disciples is his son Samdrup Rinpoche (b. 1973).
* Parinirvana of the Esteemed Nyingma Lama Dhomang Gyatrul Rinpoche Announced (BDG)
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