Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s unexpected passing has deeply affected students from around the world. He touched many students with his unwavering bodhicitta and his tireless service. Many people consider him to have been a Buddha, manifesting on this Earth out of his great compassion to guide others on the path to enlightenment.

In turn, many students have expressed a wide variety of emotions upon his passing, ranging from deep grief to immense gratitude. Others have expressed feelings of ambivalence and confusion.  

Many questions have arisen with his passing. If Rinpoche has passed away, is it still possible to receive guidance from him? How might our prayers for his swift return work? Khandro-la said that Rinpoche took on the obstacles for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. What does this mean? How might we view the situation if we wanted to have a stronger connection with Rinpoche but never received the chance or had become slack with our practice? Is there something wrong with us if we never felt a heart connection to Rinpoche like so many other students did?

Venerable Thubten Chodron will help us navigate the different emotions and complex questions that may be arising in relation to his passing, drawing upon her own experiences with Lama Zopa Rinpoche and his students, as well as her deep knowledge of the Dharma.