The recent demise of Surkhang Lhasay Jampa Tseten is indeed sad. I would like to send my condolences to his sister, mother, and family members. JT la, as we called him, was a very kind, compassionate, jolly and open-minded person. I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with JT la during the late 1980’s and early 90’s in Cleveland, Ohio.
JT was very knowledgable in Tibetan and Tibetan history, especially because his father, Surkhang Sawang Chenmo, was one of the most influential cabinet ministers of Tibet in the 1950’s. Surkhang Sawang Chenmo served as the bridge between the last regency of Tibet, the Tagdrag administration, and the 14th Dalai Lama’s new administration. The Chinese Communist Party accused him of being a soul of the Tibetan resistance and revolution. He was very instrumental in bringing Western influence into Tibet and also the most important minister in organizing H. H. Dalai Lama’s escape to India.
It is sad indeed that his son, JT la, died of cancer recently. I and the Jewel Heart community will pray for his good rebirth.
Gelek Rimpoche
