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Susan Taylor
3 years ago

Thinking and remembering you dear Agu Ganden la

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samchoks
11 years ago

I was just re- reading the memoriums on this site and you can almost imagine him reading it and laughing at our sentiments... thats how he was though in life.. never made a big deal about anything but i am sure deep down he appreciates our thoughts and delights in how we were touched by his being. 4 years, 5..6..20...no matter how long , it doesnt seem to matter.. he still touches us.

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Lungre
11 years ago

Today will be the 4th year since we lost our Shang Gandenla; We remember and miss him always. All our prayers and Manis and Kyamdoes will forever be sent to his new soul; Wherever Shangla is now, we all know that he'll be making a lot of other people happier just by his very good heart. I think he was a real "jhamchu simpa" type of man. We were lucky to have had him in our family. Om Mani Padme Hun for all of our lost loved ones in our family.

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Lungre
11 years ago

We lost Pala at 1:30 (Bellevue time) on Nov 30th, 2012 We all pray for his soul -that he'll have a speedy and good re-birth. Lama le kyabso chiwo, Sangye le kyapso chiwo, Choe le kyabso chiwo, Gendun le kyabso chiwo; Om muni muni maha muniye soha; Om mani padme hun

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samchoks
12 years ago

AS THIS DAY COMES TO AN END FOR THE THIRD TIME, SHANGLAS SPIRIT STILL SHINES BRIGHTLY IN OUR HEARTS. TIME BUFFERS THE IMMEDIACY OF THE HURT WE FEEL BUT TIME NEVER DIMINISHES OUR LOVE FOR HIM. OM MANI PADME HUM FOR HIS CONSCIOUSNESS AND FOR ALL OUR LOVED ONES WE HAVE LOST.

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Lungre
12 years ago

In loving memory of Shang Gandenla who we lost 3 yrs ago today; We all miss him immensely. "Om Mani Padme Hun" for Shangla's soul and also for all of our other loved family members who have passed on.

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Lungre
12 years ago

Om Mani Padme Hun

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samchoks
13 years ago

we have lost so many loved ones in our lives in the last 2 years, shang gandenla, somo pema la, somo tse dolkarla, kungoe lhalungpa and most recently momo kaka. Each of them touched our lives and live on in our memories and dance in our consciousness. we will never forget them.

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Lungre
13 years ago

2 yrs ago today, we lost Shang Gandenla and to this day I sometimes still can't believe it. We all miss Shangla immensely and we continue to say prayers for his new soul and we will always remember all the good and fun times we had with him. Besides all of his relatives, I know that Shangla is missed by everyone whose lives he had a part in ,,because no one was immune to his goodness and to his big personality. He left a big mark on all of us for sure. Our Countless "Om Mani Padme huns" for Shangla and for SomoTseDolkarla and Somo Pemala as well as for all other loved family members we have lost.

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samchoks
13 years ago

HAVEN'T BEEN TO SITE FOR SO LONG COS DAILY LIVING TAKES UP "TIME" and time does ease the immediacy of our loss but shangla is still part of our consciosness. Strange as it seems, theres a timelessness about him, it still feels like he's with us and ofcourse he is i guess.

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Lungre
13 years ago

Yeah...in the back of my mind, something always reminds me of Shangla and I have to sometimes remember that he passed away...so he really is always "with" us. like the tribute song says: main jahaan rahoon wherever I am main kahin bhi hoon wherever I may be teri yaad saath hai your memories are with me

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Lungre
13 years ago

I can't believe that today is exactly one year since we lost Somo TseDolkarla and tomorrow (Apr 6th) will be 1 yr and 3 months since we lost Shang Gandenla; Since our black year, It seems strange that time seemed to stand still and yet pass by so quickly too- simultaneously! I have no doubt that Shangla and Somola have taken good re-births because both were such good human beings in their lifetimes. We should feel blessed that we had Shangla and Somola in our family and rejoice in their karmic rewards. We (Sonamla, Deki and I) were in South India from Feb 2nd untl March 24th; We're trying to recover from reverse culture shock now because things are so boring here compared to the hustle and bustle of life on Indian streets! Although we stayed in Goa with Sonamla's cousin Kesangla, we went to visit all the monasteries in Mundgod, Bylakuppe and Hunsur. We requested prayers at each monastery for all of us relatives - living and those who have left us. Kesangla knew Shangla for 3 yrs in Mundgod and so he took us to look at what he believes was Shangla's old house in Mundgod. We also met Chimie Gyaltsenla who said he worked with Shangla for 4 or 5 yrs; he told us some old stories of Shangla and how Shangla was such a fun loving person and that loved to play mahjong just for fun (not to make money) and how Shangla would play pranks etc. We went to the bird sanctuary in Mundgod because Kesangla said Shangla used to like going there- so we threw some of Shangla's ash into that river there as well as into a bigger river in Mysore called "Kaveri" (?). There was an old lady we met in Mundgod who said her late husband knew Shangla; I gave her some money because she said she'd take some of Shangla's ash and throw it into the rivers in Varanasi and Hardwar as she goes there every year. OM MANI PADME HUM

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samchoks
13 years ago

I think it's great that nuddy et al were able to do all the pujas and distribute the ash in some of shangla's favorite places and also in some holy places like Varanasi where he might not have gone to and to meet some of his old friends and aquaintences who spoke so lovingly of him. He obviously has touched alot more people than we'll ever know.

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Lungre
14 years ago

Today is "Loemchoe" -exactly one year since we lost Shang Gandenla; It's strange but somehow it almost seems unreal that this much time has already slipped by even though it sometimes feels like only yesterday when we heard the sad news. No matter how much time passes by though, our memories of Shangla will remain crisp and clear for the rest of our lives and even though we will miss him every day forever, his memorable spririt lives on. We go on as we must with all the usual "life" activities but somewhere deep down, there'll always be something missing without Shangla amongst us. And like the tribute theme song - "bas yaad saath hai, theri yaad saath hai" I pray that Shangla's new life will always be filled with only good health and happiness. I pray that his personality and goodness will rub off on all of us - his remaining relatives. OM MANI PADME HUN May my parents be well, happy, and peaceful. May my relatives and their families be well, happy, and peaceful. May my friends be well, happy, and peaceful. May the indifferent persons be well, happy, and peaceful. May the unfriendly persons be well, happy, and peaceful. May I be well, happy, and peaceful. May all beings be well, happy, and peaceful. "Om Mani Padme Hum"

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samchoks
14 years ago

after everyone left tonight w/ our prayers still lingering in the air and candles flickering out one by one, I waited until the last candle dimmed. One year has gone by,, it seems like just yesterday but at the same time, it seems like ages ago. He was kind funny, QUICK AS A WHIP! abrupt & sudden generous,sweet, naughty, LOUD Loving, stubborn, sharp and round and always forever loved.

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Lungre
14 years ago

I forgot to mention that It was good to say prayers together to mark Shangla's "Loemchoe" with just family members. On the day of the Loemchoe (Jan 6th), Amala also made a request to Neten Rimpoche to say "Loemchoe" prayers for Shangla. When Sonamla called Rimpoche back a few days later, he reassured us that he recited all the necessary prayers. Our prayers for Shangla's new life will never end and we will forever cherish memories of Shangla. Om Mani Padme Hun.

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dachenk
14 years ago

I looked up Shangla's birth sign (Fire Ox/Cow) and this is what it says: The Cow: The COW is a real monolith. Stable, solid, tenacious, and obstinate, it is a great worker. Independent and discreet, it does not meddle in the affairs of others. It is incapable of frivolity and speaks only on the basis of sound knowledge—and can then display the qualities of a FIRST CLASS ORATOR! The COW’s quiet strength, its sober intelligence and logic, its competence and its sense of responisibility make it someone to be TRUSTED. It is an EXCELLENT LEADER and demands as much of itself as of others. In adversity, the COW is IMPARTIAL but at the same time DOES NOT EASILY CHANGE ITS MIND. It is obstinate and trationalist, materialistic and unemotional, and cannot be persuaded other than by its own weapon, logic. On the outside, the COW appears ROUGH, SURLY, AND RESERVED. When misunderstood and unsatisfied, it becomes rigid, authoritarian, conventional, and resistant to change…although naturally patient. At the emotional level, the COW is slow and naïve and its fidelity can withstand ay test. But if thwarted, it can play dirty. They are MYSTIC WARRIORS with burning hearts and only hypocrites and mediocre need fear them. -Om Manni Padme Hum! -Dachen

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samchoks
14 years ago

He definitely had a quiet strength, mixed in w/ his logic and humour, which we all I'm sure took comfort in many times and he gave it willingly and generously. It's true also that he was very impartial and made bridges between people instead of creating walls and distrust, which is not as easy as it sounds. He was so sharp and nothing would get past him, he could pick up so keenly your nuances, of mood and intent, even when you thought he wasn't paying attention and didn't hear or catch something, you found out later that he indeed had. So you couldn't fake it w/ him at all. I think even now, our love for him and our missing him so much, will not go unnoticed by him.

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Lungre
14 years ago

Shangla sure had a good mixture of all the traits that you wish everyone would have. I agree that he was a really good "bridge" and whatever he said and did made good sense for all concerned. Shangla left us all-- way too soon but his imprint on us will never lessen. It's too bad that we people never seem to learn through losing loved ones - how very fleeting our time together on this earth is. We forever miss Shangla but we're also very fortunate that he was in our family and I'm so thankful that Shangla took the time to visit us every year. He truly was "one of a kind"!

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Lungre
14 years ago

Today is Nov 7th... exactly 10 months and one day since that sad day on January 6th when we lost our beloved Shangla The feelings of loss still have not diminished at all and the pain is still as real as that day when we heard that Shangla left us - leaving a gaping hole in all of our lives. Shangla made such a huge impact on all of us - that it's just going to take a long time before I can come to really accept his passing - which was way too soon. We will forever remember all the good and fun times we all shared with Shangla. We will forever miss him.

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samchoks
14 years ago

ditto for me too. I miss his funny comments so much which always put things in perspective cos as funny as it was, there was always some grain of truth to it. for example I'm sure he'd have something very witty to say about the current H1N1 flu, which is one extra thing to worry about these days for us, but his way of looking at it would've eased our minds and put a funny twist to a 'not so funny ' situation. I can almost hear him calling amala (who worries about everything and shangla would've had the presence of mind to know she'd be worried about this flu thing) and saying something that would make her smile and forget her worries for awhile. As carefree as he may have seemed he had a deeply caring nature and knew he could make amala smile and never failed to do so. I will forever remember and appreciate all those times he took time out of his day to call.

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samchoks
14 years ago

when lobsang et al were here they wanted to see our photo albums so later when they left I had a chance to go through them again, which I haven't done for so many years. Anyway, looking at those old photos of our time in Cobourg was so nostalgic and brought back so many memories of shangla. those photos of shangla made me realize anew what an integral part of our lives he was during that period and how grateful I am to have spent that many years w/ him right there in the same town. . In all the photos w/ him in it, there's a sparkle of memories attached and you can bet on it that he was the one that brought fun in that moment, cos his presence always created fun wherever he was. Like the song above, these memories will always be pressed between the pages of my mind.

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dachenk
14 years ago

I know what you mean, our dear Shangla's been more on my mind lately. It's not as though he's gone because he'll always be ever present with our fond memories. Oscar Wilde's quote comes to mind for some reason, "A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing" reminds me of Shangla. He was one person who knew all too well the value of life and lived it to the fullest...without getting caught up in status, strategies and connections...which is a rare these days.

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Lungre
14 years ago

Yeah...Shangla sure had the ability to create fun whenever he was in the vicinity and you couldn't help but get caught up in whatever he would say or do - he just had that kind of effect on you. I too am so glad that we lived in the same town for as long as we did. We miss Shangla more and more.

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Lungre
14 years ago

..just thought I'd mention that Sonam's right..that Shangla was most likely the one who brought the "fun" to all the moments we remember with him in it ..and also Shangla was most likely the loudest one in the room too!

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samchoks
14 years ago

Memories Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind Memories, sweetened through the ages just like wine Quiet thoughts come floating down And settle softly to the ground Like golden autumn leaves around my feet I touched them and they burst apart with sweet memories, Sweet memories Of holding hands and red bouquets And twilights trimmed in purple haze And laughing eyes and simple ways And quiet nights and gentle days with you Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind Memories, sweetened through the ages just like wine, Memories, memories,

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Lungre
14 years ago

Well...8 months and 2 days have already passed by since we lost Shangla; sometimes it still doesn't seem real because a few times this summer, I'd sometimes think that it should be about time for Shangla to visit and that we'd be searching for flights and then wait anxiously for Shangla to make his rounds between Van,Seattle and Calgary. No matter how much time passes by and no matter what we're doing or where we may be, one thing's very clear - that Shangla is never too far from any of our minds- that I know for sure. Om mani padme hun; May Shangla's soul be in peace.

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Lungre
14 years ago

I can't believe that today is the 6th month already since we lost Shang Gandenla. Our first summer w/out a visit from Shangla to look forward to - it's going to be an extra hard time for us all - even though we have to just carry on with our lives as usual...deep down, things are just not the same anymore; we all feel the loss more and more as time and life passes by. We forever miss Shangla. Just like the song says "Gone too soon". Om mani padme hun.

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samchoks
14 years ago

I know, can't believe it! I think I've been dreaming of shangla lots of times cos I wake up w/ faint memories of seeing him in my dreams but can't recall anything, it's frustrating. I think that's what alzheimer patients feel like so I sympathize w/ their dillema. You know you've had a dream about him but you can't remember. It's such a mystery, death I mean. With all the religions and theories and explainations, you're still left w/ this huge mystery. But when you think of it, imagine if there was no death, I wonder if life would be as precious. I don't think so.

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dachenk
14 years ago

There's not a day that goes by...in fact moments each day, where I think of our Shangla and his passing. We lost someone so dear to us that words can't even describe the loss. He showed us all what is important in so many ways. He somehow knew his time was short because he'd talk about it often. We can only hope to live as full a life and as honest as our dear Uncle. Sonam, what you said is true that, if there wasn't death, life wouldn't be so precious...in fact as Achilles (Brad Pitt) says in 'Troy', "The Gods envy us. They envy us because we're mortal, because any moment might be our last. Everything is more beautiful because we're doomed...We will never be here again." He is not really gone, but will live forever in our hearts. हमारे दिलों में सदैव

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Lungre
14 years ago

Like A Comet Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky Gone Too Soon Like A Rainbow Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye Gone Too Soon Shiny And Sparkly And Splendidly Bright Here One Day Gone One Night Like The Loss Of Sunlight On A Cloudy Afternoon Gone Too Soon Like A Castle Built Upon A Sandy Beach Gone Too Soon Like A Perfect Flower That Is Just Beyond Your Reach Gone Too Soon Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight Here One Day Gone One Night Like A Sunset Dying With The Rising Of The Moon Gone Too Soon Gone Too Soon

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samchoks
14 years ago

I heard this song by Michael Jackson last night and it was so touching and reminded me of Shangla. The words are nice but when you listen to the melody and way he sang it, it really makes it so much more poignant.

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dachenk
14 years ago

A very nice tribute on the 6th month of Shangla's passing. What makes it so hard right now is not knowing that Shangla was to leave us so suddenly that fateful Tuesday...if we only knew our time with him was so precious.

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dachenk
14 years ago

was planted in memory of Shangla on the Tibetan 15th, this past Sunday. My friend Mary brought over this tree...its right now about 2 feet high. We planted it on the southwest side of our house. I uploaded it in the photo section along with photo of our full grown white dogwood in the back of our garden, they get to be about 12 feet high.

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Lungre
14 years ago

Thanks for sharing this picture of "Shangla's tree"; It'll be nice to see it grow over the years. Please thank Mary and her family for their kind gesture - that was so thoughtful of them. I'm not surprised though that Shangla made such an impact on them because he did the same to anyone he met and knew - you couldn't help but like him for so many reasons. I can't believe that it's soon going to be 6 months since we lost Shangla...I still sometimes can't believe it. Even though we still have so much to be grateful for, there'll always be that "emptiness" of not having Shangla in our lives anymore. Thankfully we all have our memories to keep and share. Om Mani Padme Hun.

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samchoks
14 years ago

thanks dachen, the dogwood looks really nice! Even though he was never one to make a big deal over such things, I know he would've approved of this tree being planted in his memory. Just as this tree grows, our memories and love for shangla continues to grow.

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dachenk
14 years ago

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dachenk
14 years ago

June 9, 2009. behind the tent (to the left) is our White Dogwood Tree which is over 21 years old. Its been pretty hot in Bellevue, so we put up our tent just in case it gets too hot to sleep in the house.

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dachenk
14 years ago

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dachenk
14 years ago

We planted this tree in memory of Shang Gandenla on the auspicicious day. Tibetan 15- Sunday. My friend Mary and her husband were so moved by Shangla's passing that they brought over this Pink Dogwood Tree.

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dachenk
14 years ago

Chukyi suggested this song for Shangla. She thought we would all share the same sentiment... A F T E R G L O W.. Here I am, lost in the light of the moon that comes through my window. Bathed in blue, the walls of my memory divide the thorns from the roses... It's you and the roses. Touch me and I will follow in your afterglow. Heal me from all this sorrow As I let you go I will find my way when I see your eyes Now I'm living in your afterglow. Here I am, lost in the ashes of time, but who wants tomorrow? In between the longing to hold you again. I'm caught in your shadow, I'm losing control My mind drifts away, we only have today... Touch me and I will follow in your afterglow. Heal me from all this sorrow As I let you go I will find my way, I will sacrifice, 'til the blinding day, when I see your eyes. Now I'm living in your afterglow... When the veils are gone, as I let you go, as I let you go. Touch me and I will follow in your afterglow. Heal me from all this sorrow As I let you go I will find my way, I will sacrifice, Now I'm living in your afterglow. Bathed in blue, the walls of my memory divide the thorns from the roses... It's you who is closest.

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samchoks
14 years ago

That's so beautiful and poignant. It's true, his presence was so warm and strong that even though he is not with us physically any longer, we are still feeling his 'afterglow' and I know we always will. thanks chukyi for finding this and dedicating it to shangla.

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Lungre
14 years ago

Thanks -Chukyi- This is a perfect "dedication song" in memory of Shangla; I think he had an "all -over-glow" - something a lot of people don't have at all. We sure were lucky to have had Shangla in our lives.

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dachenk
14 years ago

༄ དགའ་ལྡན་ དཪ་རྒྱཕ་ ནོར་ནང་ Ganden Dhargey Nornang

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dachenk
14 years ago

This is a commissioned Tungtha in memory of Shangla as suggested by His Holiness. I uploaded it in the photo gallery also. Its days like today, sunny and warm where we here in Bellevue miss Shangla the most because he used to just sit outside our deck sun bathing.

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samchoks
14 years ago

Thank you Dachen for having this beautiful tungtha ku made for shangla. Nuddy and I were lucky to be in Bellevue when this arrived in the mail from nepal and we were struck by the beauty and craftsmanship and ofcourse the emotional and spiritual symbolism that it represented for all of us, a beautiful tribute to shangla and his ever present spirit.

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Lungre
14 years ago

Thanks Dachen for commissioning this "Tungtha Ku"; I agree with Sonam, this Ku really is so simple and yet very beautiful...the very words that describe the way Shangla was in his life; Shangla lived his whole life so simply and his spirit was the most beautiful. He made a big difference in people's lives - even people he met just once; For example, a son of Dachen's friend met Shangla last year and Shangla made such an impact on him that he brought over a dogwood tree that he asked Dachen to plant somewhere in the yard. It'll be nice to sit under the tree in a few years and know that this tree was planted in Shangla's honour. OM MANI PADME HUN

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dachenk
14 years ago

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Lungre
14 years ago

You have to see this "Tungtha Ku" up close because it's really nice - especially the rich color and the craftsmanship. I like it that it's not adorned w/ all kinds of ornaments and gaudy colors, etc. The simplicity of it is what reminds me of how Shangla was in his life.

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Lungre
14 years ago

Today, May 6th, is exactly 4 months since we lost Shang Gandenla and a month and one day already since we lost Somo TseDolkarla; I can't believe how fast time flies by nowadays. It seems like we were "just" sort of beginning to come out of our shock of losing Shangla when we also lost Somo TseDolkarla. Both Shangla and Somo TseDolkarla were really good hearted people, so I hope some of their "goodness" will benefit and rub off on us remaining relatives too. On Sunday, May the 3rd, when we were watching the news, I couldn't help but think of how excited Shangla would have been at the big news of "Mine that Bird" (the underdog) winning the Derby 50-1. Knowing Shangla, I'm sure he would have put all his money on the "underdog" horse - so he might have been one of the big winners this time. Even if Shangla didn't bet on the winner, I can almost see and hear him replay the race (very loudly) to us non-horse people. Shangla left us and this world as abruptly as he used to suddenly just get up to go outside to smoke. Shangla's passing has deeply affected us in so many little and big ways; In many ways, we'll never get back to normal. This summer is going to be especially hard because we won't have Shangla's visit to look forward to; Around this time of the year is when we'd normally hear about his next visit and we'd be busy trying to plan our vacation days around Shangla's visit. Without Shangla in our lives, things just aren't quite the same anymore and we'll be feeling the void for the rest of our lives. I hope Shangla and Somola are happy and healthy in their new rebirths. We will forever miss them and remember them fondly. The words to the "current" background song in this tribute "mai jahaan rahoon" conveys exactly how we feel about our loss- especially the following lines: "main jahaan rahoon" (wherever I am); "main kahin bhi hoon" (wherever I may be); "teri yaad saath hai" (your memories are with me); "par chhupke is dil mein tanhaayi palti hai" (yet quietly, loneliness engulfs this heart) "Om Mani Padme Hun"

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dachenk
14 years ago

the 4th months since we lost our precious uncle! Our minutes, hours, days, months are filled with sadness and emptiness. Thank you for showing us all how to be better human beings. We all miss you so much!!! We pray for you and all your loved ones left behind...Om Mani Padme Hum!

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dachenk
14 years ago

We had the Nalanda West monks over the other day to make the tsa tsas (in the shape of a stupa). We were hoping to make 73, Shangla age when he so abruptly left us but there was only enough to make 26 of them. Shang Geshela wanted one, Amala and I want one each so there are 23 left. Please let me know if you are interested in keeping a tsa tsa for your shrine or to help us get them to holy sites, sacred mountains and rivers. Thanks! -Dachen

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Lungre
14 years ago

I think I forgot to say "thanks" to you for arranging to have the Nalanda monks come over to your house to make the TsaTsas -because out here in the west, we don't always have the right people who can do things like that -so that was good that you connected with the monks in the first place. You also said that when the monks went outside on the deck, that it was an overcast day but that as soon as they opened the box with Shangla's ash to begin mixing it, the Sun came out! That's another auspicious sign because he had such a pure heart and was just an all-rounded good person to everyone. Btw, I think that even if just ONE TsaTsa is placed In BodhGaya or some other important holy place like that, it would be good. As for me, having a Tsa-tsa made from Shangla's ash to keep at home will be a blessing and something good to have in the house too. Every time I see it, it will be a reminder of how good a person Shangla was and how important he was in our lives, and hopefully remind us to bring out the best in us, to maybe inspire us to behave a little more like Shangla did towards everyone in our families and to live life more simply as he did. Hopefully Bhutila will be able to take some of Shangla's Ash to India before or by the 1st year anniv. (Jan 6/2010). If she's unable to "coordinate" things, then I think that whichever one of us relatives of Shangla - is able to go to India first, should take it along so that it can be thrown into the Ganges. Om Mani Padme Hun....

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Lungre
14 years ago

Below is an email that Thupten Yeshela sent that I thought would be good to share with everyone. It would be good if we could all continue to keep in touch with him and let him know how thankful we are for his kind care-giving. Somola was so fortunate that after Rinzinla passed away, Thupten Yeshela gave up his job and moved to Dharamsala to be near her and help look after her - right to the very end. Om Mani Padme Hun..... From: thupten yeshi <thupsla@yahoo.co.in> Sent: Friday, April 10, 2009 11:06:43 AM Subject: Om mani padme hum Dear ALL, I am sure that you all have heard the news of our Mo Tsedolker la has passed away after short period of 23 days due to not having her diet properly. She passed away in peace without any pain and illness, in the morning of Sunday the 5th April, around 7:57AM. It was on 13th March she started having fever and vomiting as usual for 4 times in this year. At the 5th time of her illness and I thought she will recover soon. But her in-take of nutritious solid diet becoming poorer and depending on water, Juice drinking hasn’t helped in recovery from the illness. Thus, we consulted Men-tse-khang Doctor and started Tibetan Medication, but it didn’t help. Later we called upon Dr. Tseten La and he advised us that there was no problem and also that it's all because of her age and prescribed some medicine for her. On 18th March, with the help of Acha Tsechoe la, we got audience of H. H. Holiness the Dalai Lama. We all are very thankful for her right time help and the visit. Hope you all have heard about the conversation held between His Holiness & Mola. Even His Holiness advised me to say mantra" Om mani padme hum" near her ears at the last moment and I did it constantly and insistently. On the day morning of her demise, I went to Men Tse Khang Astrology section and I was told that "Tsay Lha Minduk" (no more days left of her life span). Beside that, we were asked to do TORCHO prayer as she had passed away on Sunday. On the second and third day of her demise, we invited monks from Gyudmed and Gyuto and nuns from Gaden Choeling for the Monlam prayer. For her funeral we drove her corpse from our home around 9:30 am and there were almost 20 Nuns to do the prayer and in addition, some dear and near ones of mola during her Cremation. The first to six "DUNTSIK SHABTEN"(weekly prayer) would be done at the Gyumed Monastry as our room is very small, though, kitchen attached and it is going to be very congested. We will also do the "SHERGU" the seventh week prayer at Home. I have bit of experience in buying sontsok, because I did the same for Late Taikhang pola and late Gen Rinzin la. The left over Diapers, Medical electric Mattress & Air Mattress were donated to Deleck Hospital and requested to use them for poor people. We have kept room setting as usual, because Chokey la told us to do so, at least, for 1 year for the sake of her remembrance. We all know that she was very Kind hearted, thinking right and doing well to others. Really, I feel very lucky to have served mola. Neverthless, it's my responsibility to look after her because I am the only relative in India. Off course, you all are very supportive and always cherished me to serve mola continuously. Last but not the least, I stop here with all my prayers for the mola’s soul to rest in peace and I will inform you about mola’s moneybox and expenditure made during the time and further, discuss with Cham kusho (chokey la) about the money left thereafter. Till then bye Thupten Yeshi

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DD
14 years ago

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DD
14 years ago

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DD
14 years ago

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Lungre
14 years ago

When Shangla was here just a few months ago, he'd sometimes comment about how the dinners we'd all make would get poorer and simpler as his visit went on; then when Shang Geyshela came a few wks later, on his first night, he said something like "oh, tha khala geyro cheen dhuka" - meaning that the food was better because a new visitor had taken his place. Shangla would sometimes joke and say that when he's the only visitor, he'd get all the attention but as soon as another visitor comes, then we ignore him. (of course you have to imagine Shangla saying it in the only way he could - which was way funnier than it sounds in simple words). Shangla was also the fastest eater in the world! I'll always remember the time we went to Bragg Creek (a little vilage just outside of Calgary) and some of us had bought ice cream cones; I was coming out of the store with a double cone but the top one fell; Anyways, I just remember Shangla really laughing as he tried to feign being sorry. He didn't let me forget that for a while.

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Lungre
14 years ago

I can't believe that it has already been 3 whole months since we lost Shangla...it sometimes still doesn't seem real that a summer is coming up without us anxiously anticipating a visit from Shangla; this realization is going to take a long time to sink in. I agree with Einstein's theory about the past, present and future being all the same...because we used to miss Shangla whenever he left, we miss Shangla now and we'll forever miss Shangla...so it's the same feeling we felt, we feel and will be feeling forever. I pray as always for Shangla's soul and new life and wish only the very best for him as time passes by; our feelings and memories of Shangla will never lessen. "Om Mani Padme Hun"

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samchoks
14 years ago

He used to tell stories of when they had funerals at the church and as custodian, whenever an event like that would happen he said he would make good money on tips which was good but also he would laugh about how some old ladies would give him kisses (on cheek ofcourse!) but never got kisses from the young attractive ones. The way he relayed these stories would make it so funny so my delivery obviously leaves much to be desired.

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Lungre
14 years ago

I remember Shangla saying that too - about making good money when they had weddings and funerals at the church; I can hear him say - "yaanye mortho dhintzue kha keyki re" and laugh real loudly! Even though we can't write stories as funny as Shangla used to tell them, we can all "see" each memory very clearly. I've heard so many people say that he had such a "big" personality. His loss leaves a huge emptiness.

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samchoks
15 years ago

to answer my own question, I think we should have it up for until lomcho, which will be Jan 6, 2010. So all out there in 'memorial land', please continue to contribute thoughts, memories, poems and pictures. Sometimes sudden memories or anectodal stories come up involving shangla and we'd love it if people would share. Every memory is special so come one, come all.

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Lungre
15 years ago

I wish we could just keep it up forever; I agree though that we should keep it for at least until Jan 6 /2010. I think this tribute site has really helped us in our mourning for Shangla - because seeing pictures and reading about other's memories and dreams really helps in coping with our grief. I second Sonam's motion to "come one, come all"; whatever memories or stories any of you can share that has Shangla in it, please share it with us all. If you have a different picture with Shangla in it, we'd love to see it. **Yoo-hoo- Calling on Ngawang Yangchhenla to please compose another poem - because that one you wrote was so good and touching. आजि सुन्ते हो... Ngawang Yangchhenla ji- मै शायर तो नहिन - लेकिन आप्को एक और शेर लिख्ना परेग - हमारे प्यारी मामा/चाचा की याद मे (aji sunthey ho -mai shayar tho nahin - lekin aapko ek aur sher likhna parega- hamaare pyaari mama/chacha ki yaad mein).

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dsamchok
14 years ago

There's no reason why the site should have an expiry date. One day we should make a book like that Snapfish photo book, that would include photos and some choice memories, poems, etc. taken from this site. Something that each household could order if they want. Shangla was such a great story-teller ... there are some stories that Shangla told that were so funny, but I just can't remember them well enough to retell properly. I wish could recollect them better. Tenzin's favourite is the one about how one winter day in Cobourg Shangla overslept and was late getting to the church to open it up. He was supposed to have turned up the heat, but since he had come late the church was going to be too cold when the priest arrived. So instead he opened all the windows, then soaked a towel in hot water and put it on the thermostat briefly so that it would show a high temperature. Upon the priest's arrival, the priest said it was freezing but Shangla claimed that the room was hot so he had opened the windows. After the priest read the thermostat, he thought it must just be him getting sick. Shows how quick-thinking but mischievous Shangla was.

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Lungre
14 years ago

That's a good idea - about creating a "snapfish" like photo book; until then though,maybe we can just continue the site -even beyond the lomchoe date and then if we get told at some point that we can't continue any longer, then we could just copy all the entries & photos over into a photo book that we could each keep a copy of. In the meantime though, everyone can try and jot down any of the funny stories Shangla used to always tell -so whenever one pops up in your mind, quickly write it down and then enter it in when you visit this tribute site. He was so good at telling a story that I can almost hear Shangla telling you guys about the thermostat incident. I remember one time when I went with Shangla to the church, he told me that sometimes when he didn't really feel like doing a complete dusting job everywhere inside the church, he would just do a quick dusting of only the parts that could be easily seen by all the church members - like the pews and benches; he really was smart because he knew exactly what would get noticed right away. So everyone, dig deep inside the memory part of your brains and share anything you remember that you heard about Shangla from someone else or some story you heard him tell.

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DD
15 years ago

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Lungre
15 years ago

Wow! I thought we'd all be equally blessed from seeing these touching photos of His Holiness's loving tenderness shown towards our Somo TseDolkarla. Below is the email I received today from Thupten Yeshela (he is Shang Kethupla's 1/2 sister Dechenla's son); he has been looking after Somo TseDolkarla for some time now. Tsechoela said that he quit a good job as a chef in a 5 star hotel in Delhi to live in Dharamsala and take care of Somola. Somola looks so weak and frail but then she's also 93 yrs old this year- so she's actually doing really well for her age! Hopefully we have some some of her longevity genes in us too. We all should be so lucky; She's probably the only person to have such an audience with His Holiness - wearing flannel pajamas - no less! From: thupten yeshi <thupsla@yahoo.co.in> To: nuddy21@yahoo.ca Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 9:21:39 AM Subject: Tashi Deleck! Dear Lungre la, First of all I would say many thanks for the Shirt and Canadian $100 that send through Mo Tsewang Sangmo la. Beside this we received canadian $ 200, a set of Pajamas,a pair of Socks, one tube of polysporin for Mo Tsedolker la. Here we are attaching few snaps that we took recently for His Holiness Blessing at His residence by the help of Acha Tsechoe la.During the blessing she wore pajamas & socks send by you. The main reason of getting blessing for mola was that she is not feeling well since last week. Having fever, vomitting, and not having any food except plain water. Really! mola is very lucky and His holiness given one Thuwang Ku and Chenresig Ku and asked her to pray nicely and request her to born as great Lamas(tulku) AS REINCARNATION. Now a days, She is fine and having meals as usual and getting back with her routine(prayring) warm regards, Thupten yeshi

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Lungre
14 years ago

Om Mani Padme Hun,Om Mani Padme Hun,Om Mani Padme Hun,Om Mani Padme Hun May all of Somola's lifetime of prayers be fulfilled and may she be reborn just as His Holiness asked her to pray on coming back as. Somola lived her life - always in preparation for the day her body leaves this earth. She will be remembered for the kind of life she led and for the quiet way she lived it. We will all miss Somola. May Lord Buddha's Compassion shine brightly in her next good re-birth. Om Mani Padme Hun, Om Mani Padme Hun, Om Mani Padme Hun, Om Mani Padme Hun

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samchoks
14 years ago

Although I never knew her that well and only saw her briefly twice, I will always remember her sweet and kind and serene face and her quiet calm. She led her long life with the barest of worldly distractions and devoted her life fully in prayers so I know that she is in a very good place right now and her consciousness is clear and present and she continues to be undistracted and fully aware as she journeys on into a new and beautiful life. We will miss her.

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DD
15 years ago

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Lungre
14 years ago

Unlike most of us here who must trudge along to work everyday for the fulfillment of our daily necessities of this life, Somola was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to dedicate most of her entire life in saying prayers so as to prepare for the enhancement of better future rebirths. Though we are saddened by her departure from our midst ,we should be glad that she had prepared herself SO well for this moment which none of us can escape and must face sooner or later; With this realization, my only single pointed prayer is that whatever Somola wished or prayed earnestly- for the greater benefit and happiness of all suffering beings, may all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas grant her wish swiftly. Om Mani Padme Hun, Om Mani Padme Hun, Om Mani Padme Hun.

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Lungre
15 years ago

Countless recitatations of "Om Mani Padme Hun" for Shangla's old soul and for his new Re-birth; I pray that Shangla's new body will be healthy and strong and that his new life will ALWAYS be happy, fulfilling and peaceful. A couple years ago, Shangla sent this stack of "star voice of India" cds to me and while watching a few episodes recently, I was just thinking of how thoughtful that was of him. I also couldn't help but remember how he loved to watch shows like that and"Saregamapa" and "Indian Idol",etc. He had a really good ear for music and was a stylish dancer too...on top of being so good at so many other things too! A person of his calibre doesn't come around too often - so we really were fortunate that he played such an important part in all our lives. Shangla will be missed forever by all who knew him. "Om Mani Padme Hun"

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samchoks
15 years ago

I know, he was so thoughtful. When last time he left from calgary and somola was still here, he sent a bunch of dvd's that she might like watching, some bhutanese stories and gompa stuff and he was right, she liked them. And remember his sweet (literally cos it was so sugary and calorie rich) gesture by buying those boxes of bhaklava type sweet treats for each family. None of us could really indulge too much as they were too surgary and buttery but he liked them. Amala told me to hide our box in the freezer so he wouldn't be tempted to snack on them while he was here and so I did. I still have them in the freezer! I guess I'm kindof sentimental that way. And nuddy was right in one of her posts, there was something about him in that you missed him even when he was right there w/ us during his visits cos you knew he would be leaving for ontario sooner or later and we all wished it was later. So in a way, we've always missed him but now more than ever.

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Lungre
15 years ago

I'm sure Shangla knows how much his passing has affected us; he always made time to visit all his relatives because he knew that we always looked forward to his visits - which never seemed long enough. You're right about Shangla being so thoughtful; he was also very "changko" because on his last visit here, he knew that we were all "trying" to cut down on desserts, so by buying each household a box of those rich sweets, he probably hoped that he could indulge in something sweet- wherever he went! Also, in the true Indian tradition, it's always a good thing to bring sweets to a house. I'll never forget his genorosity. Every time Shangla came to visit us from Ont., I would always dread the coming time when he had to leave. Besides the feeling of emptiness we always felt when Shangla left after a visit, it would also be so quiet because we missed his loud talking and his infectious laugh. Shangla's passing leaves a huge void in our lives.

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samchoks
15 years ago

(I found the below on a site dedicated to einstein about his ideas of time. It's strangely comforting to read it cos it proposes that past,present and future are not separated, that this separation is an illusion, albiet a very convincing one to our senses . I'm not quite sure I understand it but nonetheless comforting to think that in some strange way, we still are experiencing shangla in the past,present and future.) Albert Einstein and the Fabric of Time Surprising as it may be to most non-scientists and even to some scientists, Albert Einstein concluded in his later years that the past, present, and future all exist simultaneously. In 1952, in his book Relativity, in discussing Minkowski's Space World interpretation of his theory of relativity, Einstein writes: Since there exists in this four dimensional structure [space-time] no longer any sections which represent "now" objectively, the concepts of happening and becoming are indeed not completely suspended, but yet complicated. It appears therefore more natural to think of physical reality as a four dimensional existence, instead of, as hitherto, the evolution of a three dimensional existence. Einstein's belief in an undivided solid reality was clear to him, so much so that he completely rejected the separation we experience as the moment of now. He believed there is no true division between past and future, there is rather a single existence. His most descriptive testimony to this faith came when his lifelong friend Besso died. Einstein wrote a letter to Besso's family, saying that although Besso had preceded him in death it was of no consequence, "...for us physicists believe the separation between past, present, and future is only an illusion, although a convincing one."

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dachenk
15 years ago

That is so comforting to know that Einstein believes this. Have you guys seen a movie called, "Deja Vu"; it kind of shows Einstein's concept described above? Perhaps if Einstein had encountered Tibetans and the concept of 'realms', who knows what else Einstein would have revealed to this world. Whether we're existing in multiple dimensions simultaneously or progressionally; I know we are all karmically linked. I can't describe it but there's a feeling but there is this weird feeling of just knowing someone is one of OUR relatives. I noticed it when I went to Tibet in 1993 when first met our cousins in Tibet, there was this feeling when I was with them as though I knew them all my life and they felt the same way. Shangla would say how his life's been just a dream or an illusion. I hope Shangla will remember us in his next life...and if anyone can, it would be him. Shangla once said he remembers the pattern of Mola's apron while drinking milk as a baby! I'm amazed by his memory and with the clarity of his stories which I wish we recorded. Perhaps when the elders feel more comfortable talking about their experiences with Shangla, we can record them.

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samchoks
15 years ago

yea I did see deja vu I think, was it w/ Denzel washington? and also re (dachen's) experience w/ having that strange feeling when you meet relatives that you've known them all your life even though you meet them for the first time, it's strange too even w/ in my case, all my nephews and neices, it's very strange but even though obviously they came later on in your life , still it's almost like they've always been there and were just always a part of your life and you almost can't remember how life was without them being in your life. Not that you don't remember things or events before they were born, but just that you can't imagine them not being there.I can't quite put it the way I want but you know what I mean?

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Lungre
15 years ago

Dreams; past; present; future; then and now ...it's all mixed up together...so we've had Shangla in our lives, we still have him in our thoughts and we'll always remember him in our future which is always the past... - so Shangla was with us; is with us and will be with us forever. I can't quite explain it but even when Shangla was alive, we used to miss him.

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samchoks
15 years ago

tomorrow is the 10th week without shangla and I wonder how we all got through this relatively sane. In those first few weeks I never thought we'd make it through. I used to be angry w/ TIME, how relentless it is and how fast it passes (I even remember a poem I wrote about it) but now I have a new respect for it somehow. We never get over the loss of someone we love but in it's own way , time does heal or at the least, creates a distance, a sort of blurring around the edges there that is both kind and much needed. I know shangla is well into his new journey and probably busy learning new things and meeting new people but I also know that in some sweet corner of his memory he will remember us all fondly as we do him.

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Lungre
15 years ago

(tues-March 17th)...I can't believe that 2 and 1/2 months have already gone by! I don't think time heals our feelings of loss either but somehow we just sort of begin to accept it more - even though it still doesn't seem real - that we've lost Shangla. I know Shangla's in a happy place now - because just a couple days ago, in a short early morning dream, Shangla was on a couch with a few people; I don't remember anything else but he was laughing and talking with them; I remember asking someone who those other people were = because I thought one of them was a family member but then someone said ..."mari, mi shantha re" (no, they're different people); I felt good after thinking about it after I woke up because Shangla was laughing and seemed to be having fun. Our connection with Shangla will never be severed though - no matter how much time goes by. We'll never stop missing him. "ओम मनी पेमे हूँ" "Om Mani Peme Hun"

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samchoks
15 years ago

nuddy, I think that little dream of yours where you saw shangla w/ some people and yu were wondering who those people were and someone said 'mi shentha re' sortof signifies that he's now either already or going to be involved w/ other people, meaning starting another life w/ other people. It's good he was laughing and lucky for those people, whoever they are that they'll have him in their lives. I'm sure he's going to make quite an impression on his new companions as he did and continues to do so in our lives.

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Lungre
15 years ago

Yeah...that's exactly what I thought too...those new "different" people sure are lucky to now have Shangla in their lives! From the way they all seemed to be enjoying themselves, I'm sure they're really happy to have him in their lives now. It was really strange because Shangla's face was so clear and he looked exactly how he used to look when he would be telling a funny story. I think Shangla is trying to let us know that he's enjoying his new re-birth. The impression he left with us all will never lessen.

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Lungre
15 years ago

I dedicate this song in Shangla's memory: "Aadmi musafir hai" or "Man is but a traveller" (using Journey as a metaphor for life). Shangla sure left a whole trail of memories behind with everyone who knew him; We will miss him forever! Aadami musafir hai, aata hai, jaata hai Man is but a traveller, he comes, he goes Aate-jaate raste mein yaadein chhor jaata hai as he comes and goes, he leaves a trail of memories behind Jhonka hava ka paani ka rela A waft of breeze, a ripple in the water Mele mein reh jaaye jo akela He that stays alone at the fair phir voh akela hi reh jaata hai Then on, he's left alone Aadmi musafir hai...x2 Kab chhortha hai ye rog ji ko when does this malady forsake the heart Dil bhool jaata hai jab kisi ko When the heart forgets someone Voh bhoolakar bhi yaad aata hai even when forgotten and yet he's remembered Aadmi musafir hai...x2 Kyaa saath laaye kya thor aaye all that was brought along and all that was broken Rasthe mein hum kya-kya chhor aaye all that we left or overlooked along the way Manzil pe jaa ke yaad aata hai We remember or realize on arrrival of the destination Aadmi musafir hai..x2 Jab dol thi hai jeewan ki naiyya When the craft of life sways Koi tho ban jaata hai khiwayya Some turn out to be the oarsman Koi kinaare pe hi doob jaata hai Some drown right by the shore Aadmi musafir hai x2

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Lungre
15 years ago

Here are the lyrics in hindi to the above song "Aadmi musafir hai" - dedicated to Shangla - हमारे प्यारे शॅंग गंदेंला की याद में....जिसे हम कभी नहीं भूल सकेंगे .......ओम मनी पेमे हूँ (some of the "accents" didn't go right on top of the particular letter -for some reason) आदमी मुस।िफर ैइ आत। ैइ ज।त। ैइ अ।ते ज।ते रसते मे य।दें छौड़ ज।त। ैइ झौंक। इव। क। प।नी क। रेल। मेले मे रेइेज।ये जो अकेल। िफर वो अकेल। ई।। रेइे ज।त। इै आदमी मुस।िफर ैइ आत। ैइ ज।त। ैइ अ।ते ज।ते रसते मे य।दें छौड़ ज।त। ैइ कब छोड़त। इै ये रोग जी क। िढल भूल ज।त। इै जब िकसी को वो भूलकर भी य।द आत। इै आदमी मुस।िफर ैइ आत। ैइ ज।त। ैइ अ।ते ज।ते रसते मे य।दें छौड़ ज।त। ैइ कय। स।थ ल।ये कय। तॊड़ आये रसते मे इम कय।कय। तोड़ आये मंिज़ल ज।के य॥द आत। इै आदमी मुस।िफर ैइ आत। ैइ ज।त। ैइ अ।ते ज।ते रसते मे य।दें छौड़ ज।त। ैइ जब डोलती इै जीवन की मैय। कोई तो बन ज।त। इै िकवैय। कोई िकन।रे पे इी डूब ज।त। इै आदमी मुस।िफर ैइ आत। ैइ ज।त। ैइ अ।ते ज।ते रसते मे य।दें छौड़ ज।त। ैइ य।दें छौड़ ज।त। ैइ य।दें छौड़ ज।त। ैइ य।दें छौड़ ज।त। ैइ..............

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samchoks
15 years ago

It's true, man is but a traveller, and a long train journey seems a good metaphor for life. I'm sure glad we had shangla aboard as a unforgettable travelling companion. For some like us he boarded a little earlier and for others like his siblings, he boarded a little later (I sometimes envy those who knew him when he was younger,)but for all of us, he stepped off the train of life much too soon but left us w/ so many memories, laughter and fun. The journey will not be as much fun anymore but without goodbyes, how can we say hello again.

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Lungre
15 years ago

I think that Shangla was the kind of travelling companion that every life "trip" needs because he makes the "journey of life" so much happier and a way more fun experience. Even though Shangla "got off" way too soon, we have to remember that we were lucky to have had whatever time we had with him. Everytime we think of Shangla, we miss him more. "Om mani padme hun"

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DD
15 years ago

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samchoks
15 years ago

I'm sure either nuddy or deke would remember this incident. When shangla came here from bellevue the last time, he was picked up at airport by sonamla and nuddy late at night so he stayed over that night and came by the next morning to our place. Anyway, we were sitting around in our dining/den room just drinking tea or something. Shangla than joked about how strange it felt that he was here now and that just yesterday he was in bellevue and now he was all confused cos over in bellevue there was an old lug lug, slow woman (somo pema la) and a bhomo dhupshik bik bik chik (dachen) and a thin girl (chukyi), and now here there was an old thin tsaki tsaki woman (amala) and a dhupshik bik bik bhomo (nuddy) and a thin bhomo (me). He said it felt a bit strange and deja vuish or something to that effect. All the while he was sort of mimmicking us too so you can imagine how hilarious that was. He also joked about some similar looking chodos (in reference to the so-called nornang lip). Oh how I wish I could remember the exact words because it was so funny and he had us all laughing. It's frustrating cos I know I'm not relaying it in the way I want to that would do justice to the funnyness of the moment when he was saying this but if you can just imagine him doing it, you might get the gist of it.

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dachenk
15 years ago

I'm going to use this opportunity to let everyone know that Somo Tsewang Sangmola arrived back in D'Sala safely and she can now be reached at this cell phone #: 91-988-2355-846. Best time to reach her is about 8;30pm her time. It was comforting to find out that the gonpa was very surprised by the sheer number of requests for prayers and offering made in honor of Shangla. Shangla was so special to so many people from all walks of life...I'm not surprised the number of requests. He made such an impression on everyone he came across. We were so fortunate to be related to him! -bhomo dhupshik bik bik chik ne.

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Lungre
15 years ago

Yup...this other bikbik but not quite as dhupshi bhomo remembers that very well and the way Shangla always told "stories" was so "ngyempo" that you wished he would just go on and on; it was funny too -the way he'd talk really loud because of his one bad ear. I remember Shangla saying he had fun teasing "Lulu" (Somo Pemala) when he would sometimes just open his mouth and pretend he was talking to her because she'd always get exasperated and say "I can't hear anything you're saying". He also would imitate Dachen by saying that she was still talking nonstop and saying "waa waa waa" (in a nasal tone) - with her short arms ("Dechoe ni thanthey kecha zoya mepache "waa waa waa" (nasal) je dhe sha - lakpa thuenthue rachi kheejhey") Sonamla said Shangla used to say that Sonam was "khoentzoe chaantzoe" (their treasurer/secretary) It was so funny how he'd say that he was the best looking one amongst his older siblings because his lips were normal and not so long as Amala's, Shang Geyshela's or Shang Nornang's lips and that he also didn't have crooked knees (pemoe ghuekhu) like some (Amala and Shang Geyshela). As much as he would make fun of all of us though, he also didn't hesitate to praise everyone in all our families. I wasn't surprised that Somo Tsewang Sangmola said the nunnery told her that they were surprised because they had received lots of prayer requests from so many different people for one person alone - because he was SO popular with everyone from all walks of life and everyone couldn't help but just love and respect him and everyone will miss him immensely. Shangla's passing has definitely affected a whole bunch of people and as more time goes by, he'll just be missed more and more. (I'm sure we sometimes got more respect just because of our relationship with Shangla). We all must have accumulated good karma in our past lives to have been lucky enough to be related to Shangla in this life.

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samchoks
15 years ago

he would tease amala relentlessly, all good natured ofcourse. when amala would become all tsaki tsaki, he would give us that look and he didn't need to say anything but it would make us laugh and lighten the mood. he once said, " khamtsakay dhey thay tha (look at the skinny one), gyenko yimpa shingyi yo marey (she doesn't know she's grown old). or very tongue-in-cheek " yontey chishoe dhe reytha (most wise educated one). Whatever he said when he was in that sortof mood was priceless. I wish I had the hind-sight to record some of those moments, if not by video but even just in a diary or something. I guess memories will have to do.

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Lungre
15 years ago

I wish we could just "rewind" life and go back in time and "freeze" those funny moments - especially the times when Shangla just couldn't stop making fun of Amala's "skin and bones" body; he'd say "reekoe kampo rachi mashin mindueku" (there's nothing but skinny bones); I remember once when Amala was telling Shangla to go for regular walks and to decrease his smoking,etc., he'd pretend to be real subservient and say "Loelus, Chamchukusho" . I also remember once when we were with Shangla in Bellevue, Somo Pemala had gotten up from the couch to go to the kitchen, and since she was much fatter then,she had a little trouble getting herself up; Shangla laughs real loudly and points at Somola while looking at me and saying "nga Achala ngingjipo shipu inte yoeritha, chik ni bith riko soe rachi je, shantha dini gyakpa dha ngyari ngyori je (I have such beautiful sisters, one is all bones and the other is fat and jello-like). Even though we'd only see Shangla once a year or sometimes 2 yrs in between visits, it just feels like all our houses are "missing" his presence every day - I can't quite explain the feeling in the right way. I still keep an ashtray in the same corner of the deck that Shangla used to sit on when he'd go outside to smoke - just a few months ago; I find hard to believe that we've lost him forever. I pray every day that Shangla's new life will be full of only love, happiness and peace. "Om Mani Padme Hun"

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Lungre
15 years ago

(Although the 49 days are over and we know that Shangla has taken a good rebirth, we will always continue to pray for his new life and every time we think of Shangla, we will continue to send good thoughts of love and we will miss him forever). Below are some different yet similiar points about life, death, grief and mourning (from hinduism) The Mahabharata, Santi Parva: Upon the consumption of fuel fire is no longer seen. It mingles with space because there is no longer any visible object in which to inhere, and hence it becomes incapable of perception by us. Similarly, upon leaving the body, the soul lives in space, and cannot be seen in consequence of its extreme subtlety, as is doubtless the case with fire. The wheel of life moves on. It is overwhelmed by decrepitude and grief, and it has diseases and calamities for its progeny. That wheel relates in time and place. Day and night are the rotations of that wheel. It is characterized by production and destruction going on ceaselessly. When one's time comes, one cannot escape. There is none dear or hateful to time. Youth, beauty, life, possessions, health and the companionship of friends, all are unstable. These are eternal laws that work ceaselessly. Yet an untimely death brings upon us great sorrow and grief. But scriptures point out this kind of event as unavoidable destiny. We share with the family and friends and relations of "Shangla" the most profound sorrow and grief. The deceased's physical presence is no longer with us and that hurts. But scriptures point out this kind of event as unavoidable destiny. These are eternal laws that work ceaselessly. The wheel of life moves on. It is overwhelmed by decrepitude and grief, and it has diseases and calamities for its progeny. When one's time comes, one cannot escape. Youth, beauty, life, possessions, health and the companionship of friends, all are unstable. We offer our prayers for the attainment of supreme peace and bliss for the departed soul. May the Lord grant family and friends strength to overcome this grievous loss. Om Asato Ma sad gamaya, Om Tamaso ma jyotirgamaya, Om Mrityorma amritam gamaya. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. ______________ Valmiki Ramayana on Death All ripe fruits must drop down from the tree. Even so a man has to wait the inevitable hour of death. Even as a mansion with firm and massive pillars dilapidates, so do mortal men, decayed and withered by efflux of time, fall a prey to ruthless death withered by old age and eventually die. Death closely follows a man wherever he goes and wherever he sits, and returns with him until his journey ends, however long may be the distance travelled. There is not one who can live as he intends to. What power then has he over the death of those for which he grieves? As a bystander on a road coming across a batch of travellers says he will also follow them, even so do we follow the footsteps of our grandfathers. How can a person grieve when he is in that track from which he cannot swerve? Like a torrent that cannot flow back, past life cannot be retraced. Life should therefore be directed towards happiness, as bliss is the heritage of man. Just as a tidal wave brings together two logs in a boundless ocean and another wave separates them, even so wives and children, relatives and wealth hold us and separate themselves to meet no more. Not one can avoid the common lot of all. The separation of these is certain. At the dawn men are delighted with their acquisitions and at sunset they revel in nocturnal pleasures. But they never reflect to see that their life is shortened by each sunrise and sunset. Men rejoice at the advent of every new season that comes afresh. But few realize their lives' decay as the seasons smile. Just as the sun's rays evaporate quickly all water during summer, even so the rolling days and nights steal our moments as they fly. Why do you lament for others? Grieve for yourself as every moment of yours is gradually taking away your life whether you remain stationary or move about. All accumulated treasures perish. Every climax has an anti-climax. All unions end in separation and all life must come to an end. A courageous and intelligent man shall avoid in all moods and states, these various forms of grief, lamentations and cries. ________________ From the Mahabharata Santi Parva section CCCXXXII: How to overcome grief Narad Muni says: The Supreme Soul is without beginning and without end. It resides as a witness in the Jiva-soul as the embodied soul. It is inactive and without form. Those people who, beholding the course of life and death in the world with the aid of their intelligence, do not shed tears, are said to behold properly. Such persons have never to shed tears. When any such calamity comes, productive of either physical or mental grief, as is incapable of being warded off by even one's best efforts, one should cease to reflect on it with sorrow. This is the medicine for sorrow, viz., not to think of it. By thinking of it, one can never dispel it; on the other hand, by thinking upon sorrow, one only enhances it. Mental griefs should be killed by wisdom; while physical grief should be dispelled by medicines. This is the power of knowledge. Youth, beauty, life, stored wealth, health, association with those that are loved- these are all exceedingly transitory. One should not lament individually for a sorrowful occurrence that concerns an entire community. All combinations are destined to end in dissolution. Union is sure to end in disunion. and life is certain to end in death. One`s allotted period of life is running continually. It stops not in its course for even a single moment. Days and nights are ceaselessly running bearing away in their current the periods of life of all human beings. Upon the dissolution of the body, another body, which is as much destructible as the one that is destroyed, is kept ready for the burnt or destroyed creature (to migrate into) even as one boat goes to another for transferring to itself the passengers of the other boat. When the allotted period of a person's life is at its close, the five primal elements of the body attain to the seventh and the ninth stages and then cease to be. The soul however undergoes no change. The ten stages of a person's life are: 1. Residence within the womb. 2. Birth. 3.Infancy up to five years 4. Childhood up to 12 years 5. Pauganda (teen years) up to 16 years. 6. Youth up to 48 years. 7. Old age. 8. Decrepitude 9. Suspension of breath. 10.Destruction of body. We offer our heartfelt condolences and together we offer our prayer: May the Lord grant strength and courage to the surviving members of "Shangla's" family. To all relations and friends, may the Lord grant ability to give comfort to the bereaved families. May the Lord grant everlasting peace to the departed soul. Om Asato ma sad gamaya, Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, Mrityor ma amritam gamaya. Om Shanti, shanti, shanti. ________________ From the Mahabharata: Wondrous indeed is this world where one who was here yesterday may not be found today. Birth is preyed upon by death; brilliant youth by old age. Health of people is destroyed by hundreds of varied ailments of body and mind. Life is as insecure as a drop of water attached to the edge of a lotus leaf and dispersed by the wind. We cannot be certain of living the next moment. Days and nights are ceaselessly running bearing away in their current the periods of life of all human beings. Like currents of rivers, these flow ceaselessly without ever turning back. Birth and death are plays of Maya. He who is born begins to die. He who dies begins to live. Life is death and death is life. Birth and death are merely doors of entry and exit on the stage of this world. The human body is the house. We imagine that Vidhataa grants to the embodied soul a lease of plus-minus a hundred years to occupy this house with an escape clause to vacate at short notice. Change of dwelling place is what we call death. "Om Mani Padme Hun" - May Shangla's new life as well as all our other loved ones' new lives be good, happy and peaceful. May all of our lives be filled with good health,happiness,prosperity and be peaceful.

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samchoks
15 years ago

When shangla was here just in Sept., one day a few days before Shang Geyshela was going to leave, shang gesheyla just went up to Somo Tsewang Sangmola's room to just talk to her. Anyway, amala, shang gandenla and myself were just sitting downstairs and shangla just joked to amala and very tongue-in-cheek said, "should I go up quietly and listen to what they're talking about incase they're saying something about us." He actually did go upstairs but than came down and said he couldn't hear anything. It was hilarious, especially if you can picture his usual way of saying and doing stuff. I know we're all going to miss his antics so much.

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dachenk
15 years ago

Shangla was definitely the funniest from the bunch, I can just imagine him doing that. I appreciate all the sweet memories everyone's posted, thanks!

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Lungre
15 years ago

I can just hear and see Shangla saying that; He was always up to some kind of playful mischief - making us all laugh. Everything Shangla said was either true, humorous and always wise..no wonder so many people trusted and respected his opinion. I know how much everyone always looked forward to Shangla's visits - so it's going to be really hard to get used to the idea that we'll never experience those kind of moments again...it's like an "incomplete" feeling. No matter how much time goes by, Shangla's loss will be felt more and more. Every family needs a "Shangla like" family member - so we were so lucky to have had him in our lives!

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Lungre
15 years ago

I think the words in the tribute theme song "thum ho tho" is so fitting for the way we feel about Shangla not being amongst us anymore. Words still can't quite fill the void we feel in our lives though - we will forever miss Shangla. Below are the words to the song from the movie "Rock On" and a "rough" translation: 'thum ho tho, gaatha hai dil (when you're around, the heart sings) thum nahin, toh geet kahan (when you're not around, where's the song?) thum ho toh, hai sab haasil (when you're around, everything is possible) thum nahin toh kya hai yahan (when you're not around, what is here?) thum ho toh hai sapnon ke jaisa haseen ek samaa' (when you're around, it's like a beautiful time in a dream) jo thum ho toh yeh lagtha hai ki mil gayee har khushi (when you're around, it seems like I have all the happiness) jo thum na ho yeh lagta hai ke har khushi mein hai kamee(when you're not around, it seems like something is lacking in every happiness) thum ko hai maangthi ye zindagiii..(for you, I want this life) thum ho toh raahen bhi hain (when you're around, then there are ways too. thum nahin tho rasthey kahan (when you're not around then where is the road?) thum ho tho yahan sab hi hain (when you're around, everything is here) thum nahin tho kya hai yahan (when you're not around, then what is here?) thum ho tho hai har ek pal meherbaan yeh jahaan (when you're around, all the surroundings are a pleasure) jo thum ho tho hawa main bhi mohabbathon ka rang hai (when you're around, even the wind has colors of love) jo thum na ho tho phir koi na josh na umang hai (when you're not around, there's no zeal or enthusiasm any more) thum mille toh milli -ye zindagi..(having met you, we have this life)

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DD
15 years ago

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samchoks
15 years ago

Last night I had another dream of shangla but this one is less detailed. I was in Chinook mall (mall close to our place that we usually go to). I remember that I was near a particular escalator that you go up to where the food court is. Anyway, lots of people are passing by and going up the escalaor as usual in the mall and I suddenly noticed someone just turning up to go up the escalor and it looked just like shangla from behind. He had a familiar looking jacket on and pants. I'm aware that he's passed on though so I find it kindof odd to see that. I call up to him saying 'eh shangla, shangla mareypey! ". He looks back and it is shangla! He kindof smiled his knowing smile but keeps going up the escalor . After that I don't remember much except I do remember telling amala that it really was shangla. I sortof remember trying to catch up to him but he just seems to continue going up. I wish I could remember more of what happened.

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Lungre
15 years ago

Almost like in my dream, where we were all trying to get his attention, you were doing the same in your dream and in both our dreams, we catch his familiar smile; Anyways, all signs seem to be pointing to a "higher" level of existence for Shangla now! I'm sure he knows how much we miss him - and is trying to tell us not to be sad for him. I'm so glad we have this virtual place that we can visit- where we can feel like Shangla's still here with us. I hope we'll keep on sharing dreams and memories.

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samchoks
15 years ago

btw that little children's rhyme of old really does seem to be more than just a silly old rhyme: row row row your boat gently down the stream merrily merrily merrily merrily life is but a dream

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Lungre
15 years ago

"just a happy little dream" I'm not trying to compete with Sonam's dream..but I had a short little dream early this morning and because it had Shangla in it, I thought I'd share it: A bunch of us (can't remember who but I knew it was us) had gone to some kind of a park (must have been a tourist spot because there were people walking and looking around). It seemed like we had already walked around and had just sat down and it seemed like we were waiting for Shangla to join us (I think he had either just wandered away or had stepped away to smoke or something like that). We could see Shangla above us - leaning against a fence and it looked like he was looking for the rest of us. He kept looking down where we were waiting and the whole time, we were looking up at him and laughing and wondering when he'd spot us. Anyways, I then coughed a few times and that's when Shangla saw us and I remember someone saying that he finally saw us...so we continued sitting there - waiting for him because we saw him step away after seeing us. Then my dream just ended. My personal translation of my dream is that because it was in a park setting and Shangla was looking down at us, it means that he's in Dewaachen's "garden" now or at least well on his way to liberation and he's telling us that he's watching out for us all and that he's in a happy place!

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samchoks
15 years ago

yea that was a sweet little dream and I like the upbeat aspect of it, being in nice surroundings, laughter, shangla situated in a higher area looking down at us, it's all very positive. I think he would like to see us not in grief anymore but going on w/ our lives because he always did try his best to make us feel good, brush aside our fears and worries, make us laugh and he would want to do that for us now so these dreams are ways of communicating that to us. Dreams are sortof like a link for us now that physical communication is no longer viable so even though we might think , "oh it's just a dream", I personally think that important messages are conveyed in dreams. So stay alert to your dreams.

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dachenk
15 years ago

It still seems surreal that Shangla has passed on but it is so comforting to know that he's well on his way to a good rebirth by these dreams. I miss his nervous twitches and sniffles but most of all just talking to him about life. I too agree that he's watching out for all of us...and through the virtual internet world...he's definitely alive with all us!!!

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