Revered Lama Ato Rinpoche Passes Away at 91 in England
The esteemed senior lama Ato Rinpoche, who was the nephew of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and a master of Mahamudra and Dzogchen teachings, died in Cambridge, England on May 18, which coincided with Guru Rinpoche Day in the Tibetan lunar calendar.
He was 91 years old. Tributes and memorials have been widely shared on social media.
Ringu Tulku Rinpoche expressed his sadness, noting Ato Rinpoche’s significant contributions.
He recalled knowing Ato Rinpoche since he was 10 years old and highlighted his leadership at the Young Lamas Home School after Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche left for England.
Ato Rinpoche also served as the Kagyu School representative in the Tibetan Administration in India.
Born in Tibet in 1933, Ato Rinpoche was recognized as the eighth Tenzin Tulku of Nezang Monastery.
He studied under prominent teachers, including the Second Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche and his uncles.
After leaving Tibet in 1959, he was appointed by the 16th Karmapa to various significant roles, including the Kagyudpa Representative in the Dalai Lama’s Religious Office and leader of the Young Lamas Home School.
In 1967, Ato Rinpoche moved to Cambridge, England, with his family and worked as a nurse until retiring in 1981.
Post-retirement, he dedicated his time to teaching and rebuilding Nezang Monastery, traveling between England and Tibet to restore the monastery and mentor new monastics.
His legacy is marked by his deep spiritual teachings and tireless efforts to revive his monastery.
