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| of the Cremation of Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche Our visit to Switzerland. Having travelled from London to Zurich on Saturday October 25th, Sonia, Mala and Catherine arrived late in the evening, on a frosty and clear night, to a very warm welcome at Winterthur, where we were accommodated by friends. We rose early on Sunday morning and were taken by car to a small and picturesque village called Mammern, north east of Winterthur, situated on Lake Bodensee (also called Lake Constance). Again, it was a very crisp, clear and sunny morning, and incredibly still. From Mammern we were picked up by Rita Tobler and Ursula, and taken to the holiday home of Michael and Eve Gohl for the ceremony. This is the house where Namgyal Rinpoche gave his last teachings on Dzogchen, and where he subsequently died. There could not have been a more appropriate place for Rinpoche to spend his last days of this life. The house is simple, wooden, with views looking out to the lake and trees, and it opens on to a simple courtyard of wooden buildings. It is surrounded by fields and woods. Only the sound of the birds, whispering trees by the lakeside, and the ripples of lake water on the pebble shore could be heard! We met many friends, and prepared for the ceremony in a room with a beautifully made shrine, which overlooked the lake. There was an all pervading sense of peace and quiet joy around us. There were about 25 - 30 people from many countries, including Canada, the U.S., Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, France, Britain, Ireland. The ceremony started at 11.00 am, and was led by Sonam who had travelled from Canada. He spoke a little of Rinpoche's history, and how he had wanted to end his days doing what he loved, teaching and travelling, in spite of ill health. Prayers were said, and they included many of Rinpoche's favourite mantras. Rinpoche's bell was rung one more time. It was a beautiful and simple ceremony, and very moving. In many ways, it seemed no different from many Wongkurs or Empowerments that have been attended in the past - just a bit more family feel to it. After this, Terry spoke for awhile, describing the most recent events leading to Rinpoche's death, and how he continues to teach, even after he has died. This too was very moving. He suggested that when we went to present our white scarves at the shrine, to tie them to our hearts, to keep the connection to our teacher with us always. Later on we had a very good lunch out in the sunshine. The atmosphere was very warm and supportive, and stories were shared. All around were the glorious Autumn colours that Rinpoche so loved. Michael Gohl talked about how properly everything had been done on the legal side, with doctor's certificates of cause of death, police checks etc., and Sonam joked that perhaps this was why Rinpoche had chosen Switzerland! In mid afternoon, we all went our separate ways, back to hotels and accommodation. Sonia, Mala and Catherine were taken to the crematorium back in Winterthur, where Rinpoche was at rest. He was lying in a little room, gently lit, and looking very peaceful. The body was beautifully laid out (behind glass) in clothes of maroon and gold, his amber mala placed on his chest, autumn flowers around him, and Tankas of Chenrezi on the walls beside and behind him. It seems that the staff of the crematorium were very accommodating, allowing 24 hour access. People came and went throughout these days, with someone always by his side. The atmosphere continued to be very warm and supportive. The crematorium is situated on a tree covered hill above the town and beautifully kept. The buildings are surrounded by woods and gardens, full of Autumn colours, and this combined with the heavy frosts and still air created a very special and peaceful atmosphere. In fact the day after Rinpoche died (Thursday last), they woke to a fall of snow in Mammern. Later we went ot have some food and rest, and returned in the early hours of the morning (Monday 27th Oct), to meditate by Rinpoche's side. At 07.30, Terry, Sonam and others went in to where he was lying, and carefully removed flowers and ornaments, and prepared him for his last journey. Terry had the most wonderful smile on his face as he bowed one last time to Namgyal Rinpoche. He was then taken to the main building to be cremated, with a procession following the body, and where a Puja was held. Sadly we had to take leave early to catch our flights and missed the final moments. Metta, Sonia, Mala and Catherine. |