Here's Howe to Do It

On April 5, 1997, community member, Patrick Howe died at home in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the company of sangha. It was poignantly apparent during the sukhavati that Patrick, seemingly such a quiet and reserved man, had reached out to many, many people during his lifetime, directly and powerfully. I will miss him. This is his self-written obituary

- Shari Vogler, Co-Director, Halifax Shambhala Centre

December 25, 1996
Obituary

The rare and precious opportunity to meet the root guru in this lifetime (Ven. Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche), mind manifesting a very pristine and pure mirror of one's own mind, great kindness and boundless compassion;

meeting other glorious holy gurus, H.H. XVI Karmapa, vast blue sky and great compassion;

Ven. Kalu Rinpoche, meeting his mind, brilliant white radiance of sadness/joy simultaneously (dream state);

H.E. Jamgön Kongtrül, radiant presence of a king with infinite compassion and great kindness;

H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, vast space.

Most recently, the living embodiment of great compassion/wisdom and profound insight, the manifestation of Padmasambhava as guardian and protector of the highest vajrayana teachings, Ven. Khandro Rinpoche.

Without the opportunity of meeting and serving these manifestations of Buddha's mind of the Kagyü and Nyingma lineages and being able to put into practice and study (devotion) what has been experienced, taught and contemplated, a person would never know about the profound beauty of rigpa, basic goodness, our heritage and our birthright.

The body of Patrick J.P.W. Howe (Jigme Shiwa) passed away, what a relief. Jigme was born as he died (relatively speaking) cheerful. Born from the womb with laughter, it was with natural exuberance, cheerfulness, mischievousness and curiosity. In the last part of his physical existence, the cheerfulness was based on the diligence of practice and study and the precious opportunity to experience life fully and then continue the journey without a body.

The most refreshing aspect of the fact the body dies, is that one realizes that the idea of self (still a concept), does not exist. In that knowledge, one realizes the fear does not exist, nor does hope, etc. They are a construct of thought, and emotion/energy; they arise, dwell and dissipate, that's all. In that experience, there is a delightful freedom to express genuine cheerfulness. It's empty and it's full at the same time. The phenomenal world becomes very immediate, vivid and direct, a delight of sense perceptions, moment by moment.

The mind is very ordinary and simple. Only one reality permeates the mind of the practitioner, continuity of daily practice and the ongoing familiarity with ultimate bodhicitta and cultivating an effortless mind of nondistraction. Compassion and awareness for all sentient beings, our mothers.

A special thanks to the Dorje Kasung/Kusung for their friendship and guidance over the last 20 years. Their ceaseless effort and courage in promoting the entire aspect of protectorship in the world. Having always gained an inspiration through their outstanding example and leadership. Precise and cheerful.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the precious noble sangha of Halifax (in particular) and Toronto, in general, for their immense generosity, kindness, discipline, cheerfulness, time, effort, meditation and hard work during the time that this body was failing. It was very much appreciated. One recommendation to the sangha, in the near future (three-five years) and with all sincerity and longing, invite Ven. Khandro Rinpoche back to Canada, and request her to perform an Abhisheka of her choice. Direct transmission of a great living Kagyü Lineage Holder.

Yours in the dharma,
Jigme Shiwa