Dhagpo Kagyu Ling
May 18, 2026
Dear Dharma friends,
It is with deep sadness that we received the news of Lama Ole’s passing today.
Lama Jigme Rinpoche, together with the Dhagpo community, would like to extend their sincere condolences to all of you.
Lama Ole was, and will continue to be, an inspiration to all of us Dharma practitioners in many ways: an example of unshakeable confidence in the qualities of the mind; an example of deep trust and devotion to his teachers; an example of boundless compassion and fearless dedication in sharing the Buddhadharma with all who longed for it; and an example of genuine care for his students.
Lama Ole came to Dhagpo Kagyu Ling from its very beginning 50 years ago. He first met Lama Jigme Rinpoche at Rumtek Monastery, the seat in exile of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, in 1970. Neither Lama Ole nor Lama Jigme Rinpoche could have imagined then that their meeting would grow into a lifelong friendship that would affect the lives of thousands across the world, working together to make the Buddha Dharma accessible to all who aspired to it.
Today, we have indeed lost one of the last direct witnesses to the wisdom and compassion of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. Yet the warmth, courage, and joy that Lama Ole brought to so many people will remain with us and continue to guide our steps on the path. May we honor his memory by carrying forward the compassion and dedication he shared so generously with all of us.As wished by Lama Jigme Rinpoche, the Dhagpo community will hold Amitabha practices during seven weeks in his honor and memory.
With prayers and warm wishes,
Lama Jigme Rinpoche
& the Dhagpo Community
