The Cremation Ceremony of Lady Konchok Palden

A number of years ago, a team was put in place to prepare for the inevitable time of Lady Könchok’s passing.  Former Shambhala President Richard Reoch gathered a team to prepare for these events, and Melanie Klein graciously took on the role of raising funds and assuming the role of head administrator of a small team that created a process to prepare for and execute a cremation ceremony for Lady Könchok. Periodically, the team would check in and update the plans.  Fortunately, this plan had already been in place for several years when Lady Könchok passed on Wednesday, June 12.

The family requested the Sakyong to preside over theses ceremonies, but given that he was currently in a practice retreat in Asia, it was uncertain whether he would be able to attend after Lady Könchok’s unexpected passing. The Sakyong and Sakyong Wangmo made the 40-hour journey from Nepal and arrived in Colorado on the evening of Wednesday, June 19, prior to the Friday cremation.

A team led by Bob King, Joshua Mulder and Greg Smith, built, painted and decorated the purkhang (cremation structure) within a week to specifications provided by Lama Pegyal (Lady Könchok’s husband) and Lama Gyurme Dorje (Lady Könchok’s son). Jessyca Goldstein and Lindy King relayed the Lamas’ instructions along the way to support almost continuous traditional rites for Lady Könchok at Marpa House and, under the guidance of the visiting monks, at the cremation.

On Friday, June 21, the Vajrsattva puja began at 6am in the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya, followed by the fire puja and cremation which were held outside between the stupa and the encampment ground’s Tori Gate with the purkhang facing the stupa.

At 10:30am there was a break in the puja when the Lamas, monks and Lady Könchok’s family had breakfast. Following that, Lady Könchok’s kudong (body) was taken from the stupa to the cremation site. The fire puja team placed the body in the purkhang in an upright position so that the head – crowned in a ritual headpiece – was at the level of the window and Lady Könchok could face the stupa. After some practices, the Sakyong lit the fire and led the ceremony which included many offerings into the fire. The Sakyong and his brother, Lama Gyurme Dorje worked together with the Sakyong blessing each offering and Lama Gyurme Dorje offered them to the fire. The Sakyong wore ceremonial dress brought from the Ripa monastery in Nepal for the fire puja. At one point, during a break in the rain, ashes from the purkhang drifted down upon the assembly.

The practice and ceremony continued on for 2 more hours or so in what felt far from the first day of summer. The temperature was in the high 30s with intermittent showers, but the family remained steady.

The event was moving, powerful and poignant. It seemed timeless and was a testament to the realization of Lady Könchok and the impact she had on so many. Shambhala Mountain Center staff, the coordination team, the chöpöns, puja and cremation teams as well as the Dorje Kasung, led by Robert Taylor, Rupön, were warm and strong.

The Sakyong and family wish to thank all of those who worked for many years to support Lady Könchok, Lama Pegyal and their family.

All photos are credited to Mike Levy. 

Please click here to read more about Lady Könchok’s life. Thank you to Jane Vosper, Melanie Klein and Jessyca Goldstein for contributing to this article.