CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU RINPOCHE

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche was a master of Dzogchen, one of the great spiritual traditions of Tibet. He was born in Degé, eastern Tibet, in 1938, and was recognised as the reincarnation of Adzam Drugpa, a great Dzogchen master of the last century. He received the full education of a Tulku, or reincarnate Lama, before coming to the west at the invitation of professor G. Tucci, who invited him to Italy, to assist with his research at the Oriental Institute there.

He later became professor of Tibetan and Mongolian studies at the Oriental Institute of the University of Naples. In response to many requests that he give spiritual teachings, he has traveled all over the world, and has founded the "Dzogchen Community", an association of his students whose aim is to practise and preserve the Dzogchen teachings worldwide. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s commitment to the study of many aspects of Tibetan culture and to the conservation of Tibet’s spiritual and cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations was unfaltering. His contributions mainly concern the ancient history of Tibet; indigenous, pre-Buddhist traditions; the customs and costumes of nomads; the origin, theory, and practice of astrology; and traditional Tibetan medicine. In 1988, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu founded A.S.I.A (Association for International Solidarity in Asia), an NGO that works in Tibet, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Mongolia, and Sri Lanka, promoting partnership projects and long-distance adoption. In 1989 he founded the Shang Shung Institute, based in Italy, to permit scholars from around the world to pursue and develop important research activities on Asian arts and cultures. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu received many awards and honors, both in his homeland and abroad, for his vast cultural activities and his untiring social commitment. One that deserves special mention is the Commander Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy conferred on him by President Sergio Mattarella in 2018. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu passed away peacefully in his residence at Gadeling, Arcidosso, Grosseto, Italy, on September 27, 2018.