Tributes

While he was alive, Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche never stopped working for the welfare of others. Both as a teacher within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, and as a humanitarian, his life was a perfect example of compassion in action.

Here are some excerpts from just a few of the many tributes paid to him, after his passing, by other great teachers of Tibetan Buddhism.

Kagyu lineage

His Holiness 17th Gyalwang Karmapa

Akong Tulku had 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… Read More

H.E. 12th Chamgon Khentin Tai Situpa

Today, as soon as it was heard that the precious life of Chӧjé Akong Rinpoché had abruptly been cut short, terrible distress was felt everywhere. I want to offer my condolences first of all to the Abbot of Kagyu Samye Ling, Akong Rinpoché’s younger brother, Chӧjé Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoché; to Rinpoché’s wife, sons and… Read More

H.E. 4th Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche

I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing away of Choje Akong Rinpoche and his two attendants. I offer my condolences to you and all other members of Rinpoche’s family, the sangha at Samye Ling Monastery, ROKPA Foundation, disciples and everyone involved in Rinpoche’s many charitable projects benefitting Tibetans and the needy in the Himalayan… Read More

H.E. 12th Goshir Gyaltsap Rinpoche

The dharma-lord Akong Rinpoche, brilliant sun illuminating the Kagyu Teachings, devoted his entire life to the noble purpose of serving all sentient beings and the dharma and, more specifically, to spreading and furthering the Buddhadharma in the West; to establishing new schools in many parts of Tibet teaching traditional Tibetan medicine, Tibetan language and a… Read More

Very Venerable 9th Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche

To the brother, nephew, immediate family and relatives of Chӧjé Akong Tulku Rinpoche and to the members of the Samye Ling community and so forth: I offer my deep condolences at this time when the incomprehensible has happened, through an appalling conjuncture of circumstances, through which not just yourselves but in general the whole Buddhist… Read More

H.E. 18th Dulmo Choje Rinpoche

Following your murder, I am weeping and full of grief as I write this tribute to your memory, great protector who has left the magnificent imprint of his unsurpassable deeds on this world of ours and its inhabitants – each and every living thing in it, human beings in particular and especially the Tibetan people… Read More

Tsoknyi Rinpoche

I was so shocked and sad to hear of Akong Rinpoche’s sudden passing. I wanted to send my sincere condolences to Lama Yeshe Rinpoche, all his family and the greater sangha. Akong Rinpoche was a very important Lama in the Karma Kagyu School. He was very socially conscious. He helped many people all over the… Read More

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche

I am shocked and shattered to know that Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche has passed away at the hands of murderers in Chengdu on 8th of October along with his nephew and driver. I feel so helpless and lonely without his strong and courageous presence. I knew Akong Rinpoche since I was 9 years old. He… Read More

Venerable Khenpo Karma Tharchin Rinpoche

Dear Lama Yeshe Losal, and all the family, friends, and sangha of Choje Akong Rinpoche: It is with great sadness that I write to you today to express my condolences to Ven. Lama Yeshe Losal and all the dharma students there, regarding the tragic passing of Choje Akong Rinpoche, his nephew, and assistant in Tibet.… Read More

Choje Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche

Choje Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche talks about his brother, Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche, on the first anniversary of his passing. Read More

Sakya lineage

His Holiness The Sakya Trizin

Dear Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, It is with profound sorrow that His Holiness the Sakya Trizin has learnt of the untimely demise of Choje Akong Rinpoche. His Holiness is currently in strict retreat and is only given news once a week, and so he conveys his sincere regret for the belatedness of his condolences. This… Read More

Nyingma lineage

Khenchen Tsultrim Lodro Rinpoche

Rinpoche is someone who has done so much for Tibetans and so many things in Tibetan areas, and is also a really close, great friend of myself. One of the principal things we could do to honour Akong Rinpoche, is for his disciples to put his teachings, his Dharmic teachings and sermons into practice, and… Read More

Sogyal Rinpoche

My dear friends and brothers and sisters in the Dharma, On behalf of myself and the entire Rigpa Sangha worldwide, please let me express our deepest sadness at the sudden departure from this world of Choje Akong Rinpoche, along with his nephew and their companion. This is a really tragic and heart-breaking turn of events. … Read More

Gelugpa lineage

Venerable Panchen Otrul Rinpoche

Ven. Panchen Ötrul Rinpoche sends his condolences to Akong Rinpoche’s family, his students and all at Samye Ling Tibetan Centre, Scotland. Akong Rinpoche and Panchen Ötrul Rinpoche have been close friends since they were children in the monastery at Drolma Lhakang in Tibet. Rinpoche is deeply saddened by not only the sudden loss of his close friend but also… Read More

1st Akong Rinpoche

Akong Film

Film DVD

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A selection of Tributes to Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche