Dear Friends,
We wish to share with you the sad news of the passing of Drupla Michèle Peyrebrune.
She had been a part of life at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling since the center’s earliest days: Michèle Peyrebrune, affectionately known to everyone as “Nun Michèle,” passed away peacefully on the afternoon of October 14, 2026, in a chalet near Dhagpo. She was 72 years old.
For some time, Michèle—anila Drolma—had been greatly weakened by illness. Home hospitalization had been arranged, and members of the community took turns around the clock at her bedside. Lama Jigme Rinpoche had encouraged us to be by her side in a natural and simple way, reciting mantras or practicing in silence. The day before her passing, Nedo Rinpoche, who is currently at Dhagpo, visited her to offer prayers by her side; before he left, Michèle was able to express a few words of thanks to him.
A devoted practitioner of touching simplicity, Michèle had been a resident at Dhagpo for over forty years. For a time, she served Lama Gendun Rinpoche. She was one of the five nuns who joined the first traditional three-year, three-month, three-day retreat at Dhagpo Kundreul Ling, which began in March 1984. Upon her return to Dhagpo Kagyu Ling in 1987, she devoted herself entirely to the center’s activities. In particular, she was one of the first pillars of the hospitality team, retaining a vivid memory of the names of countless visitors.
She had assiduously followed the Summer University with Khenpo Chödrak Rinpoche that began in 1994 at Dhagpo, and had a particular interest in Shantideva’s Bodhicaryavatara (The Way of the Bodhisattva), attending its restitution at Dhagpo over a ten-year period.Prayers for the deceased have been offered at her bedside since her passing. On Thursday, October 15, the Amitabha practice, which will take place at 5 p.m. at the Institute and online, will be dedicated to her.
Details regarding the funeral will be announced at a later date.