The Making of the Statue of Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche

On the anniversary of Buddha Shakyamuni’s enlightenment and parinirvana, June 4th 2023, Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche concluded his vast activity for the benefit of beings and the Buddhadharma in this incarnation when he passed into the ultimate expanse of reality at Namo Buddha, in Nepal.

Rinpoche’s faithful attendant for many years, Lobsang Dorje, Requested Drupon Khen Rinpoche Karma Lhabu to sculpt a statue of Rinpoche.

It has been taught that to create a statue of a master within the forty-nine days since their passing assists the intentional rebirth of the master to be swift and for their future activity to be vast.
Here is a short film of Drupon Khen Rinpoche devotedly crafting the statue, with the help of a few students, in Thrangu Sekhar Retreat Centre.

Work on the statue started on June 13th 2023.
After 38 days, the statue was completed on July 20th 2023.
Early on July 21st, the statue was transported to Namo Buddha.
The film concludes with the final two verses of a Swift Return prayer to Thrangu Rinpoche, composed by HH 14th Dalai Lama:
Solely wishing to benefit the teachings and sentient beings,
Among the many bodhisattvas, you were the crown jewel,
As you performed your vast activity. Please come back soon
As a protector for dependent beings who can be tamed.
May you manifest swiftly as a guardian for the teachings and beings,
Made beautiful by the light of great love that touches all directions,
A friend who grows a lotus garden of vast and profound knowledge,
A rebirth with glorious qualities, protecting the Buddha’s teachings.

The artists who worked on the statue are:
Drupon Khen Rinpoche Karma Lhabu (Main artist)
Lama Tenzin (Assistant sculptor)
Lama Konchog Samten (Assistant sculptor)
Lama Sonam Palden (Assistant sculptor)
Lodro Dechen (Painter)
Lodro Chodzom (Cosmetician)

The main photographer was Kunga, and the video production team were Karma Lodro Palkyi, Sherab Chodron and Kunga.