(TibetanReview.net, Sep30, 2018) – Professor Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, one of foremost Tibetan studies scholars and religious masters, has passed away on Sep 28, aged 79, reported lionsroar.com. The Dzogchen master, Buddhist scholar, and leader of the International Dzogchen Community, has died at Merigar West Buddhist Center founded by him in Arcidisso, Italy.
Norbu was recently honored by President Sergio Mattarella of Italy for his scholarly dedication and achievements. He was bestowed the title of Commander in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, the third degree in the highest rank of Italy’s five orders of knighthood, which honors artists, activists, philanthropists, and civil and military servants.
Born in Derge region of eastern Tibet’s traditional province of Kham on Dec 8, 1938, Norbu was recognized as an emanation of two lamas: Dzogchen teacher Adzom Drugpa and lama Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.
Norbu got stranded in India while on a pilgrimage to India in 1959 due to China’s invasion of Tibet and later taveled to Italy where he went on to serve as professor of Tibetan Language and Literature at the Institute Universitario Orientale in Naples from 1962 to 1992.
He was recognized as a leading authority on Tibetan culture and has published many books on history, Tibetan medicine, astrology, Bön, and Tibetan folk traditions.
He has especially taught Dzogchen for more than 50 years. Today, the International Dzogchen Community founded by him has centres around the world, including the US, Mexico, Australia, Russia, and China.