On 23 May 2013, an assembly of more than 10,000 attendees gathered before the Cremation Stupa for the Holy Body of HH Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche.

The prayers began at 5 AM with senior lamas leading as follows:

His Holiness Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche lead prayers in Zangdokpalri.

His Holiness Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche and HH Karma Kuchen Rinpoche in the Phurba Temple

His Eminence Tulku Thubsang Rinpoche in the Tara Temple

His Eminence Yangthang Rinpoche in the Shedra Temple

Guests and devotees began arriving as early 6 AM to find a seat under huge tents raised for the occasion.  At 8 AM, the processional commenced, and the Kudung was taken from the location on the second floor of Zangdokpalri Temple to the Cremation Stupa.  The processional arrived at about 9 AM and was taken from the box in which it had remained the past four years.

Our senior lamas took their seats in the four directions around the Cremation Stupa as follows:

To the South was His Holiness Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, the Supreme Head of the Nyingma School and with a group of monks recited the Thubje Chenpo practice.

To the West was His Holiness Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche, throne holder of Shechen Monastery, and incarnation of His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, a close friend to His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche.  His Holiness Karma Kuchen Rinpoche sat by HH Khyentse Rinpoche and with the assembled monks were praying the Dor Sem (Vajrasattva).

To the North was His Eminence Tulku Thubsang Rinpoche carrying through the prayers of Palchen Dupa with assembled monks.

To the East was His Eminence Yangthang Rinpoche, reciting Shitro Nyen Song Nejung with assembled monks.

The smoke arose to the sky as the fires were lit within the stupa, bringing blessings to the entire world.  May all beings benefit from the vast and generous offerings made this holy day.