Rinpoche’s specific qualities 20

On the day of my visit to Tulku Thondup, the biting cold of both Boston and Harvard persisted, despite the afternoon sun. However, the true warmth emanated from Tulku himself. He explained that his wife was not at home, preventing him from preparing any delectable treats. Nonetheless, he graciously brewed a warm herbal tea that provided a warmth surpassing that of ten suns.

Tulku Thondup hails from Golog and is affiliated with the monastery of Yangthang Rinpoche, the foundational teacher of Drubchen Randrup. His portrayal in the book “Masters of Meditation and Miracles,” which chronicles the poignant narratives of great masters across ages, speaks volumes. The Chinese translation of the book, featured in “The Collection of Wisdom,” continues to inspire numerous disciples.

The brief video, just over a minute long, captures an interview conducted at Harvard. Tulku Thondup humbly disclaims the role of a Buddhist teacher, emphasizing his focus on writing books and occasionally lecturing on their content. Since his relocation from Tibet to India, he has refrained from conferring empowerments, with one exceptional instance in 1984 when he returned to Tibet. In response to the potential risk of lineage interruption, he granted an empowerment for a specific practice.

Despite this, I believe some disciples may have discreetly sought teachings from him. The chance to personally request teachings from him is considered a significant stroke of luck. Nonetheless, it is a poignant day as we bid farewell to yet another esteemed teacher.

In consideration of these circumstances, I have made a special exception to produce another short film as a tribute to Tulku Thondup.