As you will know already, a majestic oak has fallen in our forest. One of the last true spiritual giants just died.

At 07:14, Central European time, on 10th June '03 Lopön Chechoo Rinpoche could take nothing more from his 85 years old body. An intimate helper and guide to our work, Hannah's and my teacher for a full 36 years and a great inspiration to countless beings went to the Buddha-fields from the international hospital in Bangkok.

People's lives are their most complete teachings and Lopön Chechoo Rinpoche shows us mind's power, also through some most amazing figures. Here the conditions under which he accomplished his latest successes for the benefit of all: Already 4 years ago, when he first came to the hospital, his doctors found his heart to function at 20 percent. One needs 60 percent to live and they had no words. While he travelled the world to our centres and his activity only rose, brought skilfully into our world by his confidante Maggie, the percentage decreased to 12 and even blessing and will-power cannot explain what kept him here.

Lucidly aware even when too weak to speak or move, during short gusts of energy he still directed every detail of his projects and joined the great 16th Karmapa as a landmark of modern yogihood: Allowing nothing to stop his vision and accepting no hindrance to his purpose, he made us all victors and his partners in awakening beings' finest potential.

May we bring him joy! As he gave everything in his way, let us do the same in ours. We will change none of our plans and should all meet whenever we can.

Practice well and celebrate Rinpoche's great example!

Karma Guen, Spain. Yours Lama Ole Nydahl