By Kalsang Rinchen

Dharamsala, March 27 - The head of the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism, His Eminence Penor Rinpoche, breathed his last today around 8.20 PM (Indian Standard time) at his residence at Namdrol ling monastery in Bylakuppee, his aides told phayul, and not at hospital as reported earlier.

Rinpoche was admitted to Columbia Asia Hospital, Bangalore on March 24 following a chronic illness. On March 27, 2009, many high lamas of the Nyingma tradition as well as various other dignitaries received blessings from him at the intensive care unit of the hospital, a press statement issued by his monastery said.

The khenpos, tulkus and faculty members sought audience with Rinpoche and prayed before him. After the prayer, without any sign of pain he smiled and passed away into parinirvana state for the benefit of sentient beings. Presently, he is in thugdam (meditative state), and the parinirvana prayers are being performed by his followers worldwide, his aides said.

Voice of Tibet radio reported that a long life offering (tenshug) was held at Namdrol ling monastery in the wee hours of March 27 in the presence of Ven. Tsering Phuntsok, the minister for religion of the exile Tibetan government; members of parliament from Nyingma school, representatives of the department of home in south India, among others.

Rinpoche left the hospital at 3.30 PM for his monastic seat Namdroling in Bylakuppee after his condition deteriorated, according to his aides.

Penor Rinpoche held the position of the head of Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

Kyabjé Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche was born in 1932 in Powo region of Kham, Eastern Tibet. He was the 11th in the Palyul lineage of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.