Shamar Rinpoche to be cremated in Nepal today

GANGTOK, 30 July: The mortal remains of the 14th Shamar Rinpoche, one of the highest leaders of Tibetan Buddhism, will be cremated at Shar Minub monastery near Nepal´s capital, Kathmandu, on Thursday, 31 July, between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tens of thousands of followers are expected, many from Australia, Europe and the Americas, to attend the funeral.
A press release informs that Karmapa Thaye Dorje will preside over the funeral ceremonies.
“His students from all over the world now come together and make wishes for Shamarpa’s swift rebirth that, according to Buddhist tradition, will be recognized by the 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje,” said Jigme Rinpoche, general secretary of Karmapa, at Shar Minub monastery, Shamarpa's main seat and an international meeting place for Buddhists from Asia and the West.
Shamar Rinpoche had died in Germany on 11 June. Karmapa Thaye Dorje had accompanied the body to India where thousands of students had paid their last respects during traditional ceremonies. According to Shamarpa´s wishes, his mortal remains have been taken to Nepal, this after a long delay caused by the Nepal government’s initial refusal to allow the Shamarpa’s mortal remains into Nepal for the funeral.