Remembering Michael Roudette

Prepared by: Mindrolling International News Staff
Published: 22 September 2012


Michael listens to a teaching by Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche

Michael listening to a teaching by HE Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche in New York City in 2011.

The Lotus Garden sangha is deeply saddened by the demise of our beloved vajra brother, Michael Roudette, who passed away on Saturday, 15 September, 2012, due to complications from diabetes.

Born in Manhattan on 17 February, 1950, Michael was a senior research librarian for the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. His true vocation, however, was the path of practice. He was a devoted student of Trungpa Rinpoche, with whom he took refuge in 1976. After Trungpa Rinpoche’s death, Michael became one of the earliest and most committed western students of Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. Along the way, he became a much loved and respected practitioner, teacher, and dharma guide.

Michael with Rinpoche, Jetsunla and the New York study group

Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche, Jetsün Dechen Paldrön, and the nuns of Samten Tse with Michael, Kuan and members of the New York City study group, August 2011.

During his last days in hospital, Michael had the great good fortune to have with him the prayers and physical presence of Her Eminence Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche; the prayers of His Holinesss the Dalai Lama, who was in residence at the Mindrolling Monastery at the time; and the prayers of the Mindrolling sanghas around the world. And during this sad time, the Lotus Garden sangha was blessed to have the on-going guidance of Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Jetsün Dechen Paldrön.

On 17 September, the Vajrasattava sadhana was performed and traditional observances for the deceased held at Lotus Garden. Michael's cremation took place in Virginia. The sangha will conduct a series of practices over the next forty-nine days.

Photos

Lotus Garden holds Vajrasattva practice

Lotus Garden sangha performed the Vajrasattva sadhana.

Butterlamps and prayers were offered for Michael

Many butterlamps and prayers were offered for Michael.

The hearse arrives at Lotus Garden

The hearse bearing Michael's body arrived at Lotus Garden.

Quiet contemplation as the hearse pulled up to the main shrine room

Quiet contemplation as the hearse pulled up to the main shrine room.

Lopön Barbara and Kuan Hui Chew watched as the casket was carried in

Lopön Barbara Ryan and Kuan Hui Chew watched as the casket was carried in.

Lopön Helen Berliner offers a tender and poignant eulogy for Michael.

Lopön Helen Berliner offered a tender and poignant eulogy for Michael.

Michael's body rests in the main shrine room

Michael's body remained for some time in the main shrine room before being transported to the crematorium where further prayers were offered.

Beyond meeting and parting

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©2012 Mindrolling International