Question asked by i
Dear Rinpoche, high Lamas and reincarnate Rinpoches are supposed to be enlightened beings. From my understanding, when one reaches enlightenment, one is free from the effects of karma. Based on this, why do high Lamas and reincarnate Rinpoches that are supposed to be enlightened contract fatal illness like cancer, stroke, etc? Thank you
There are many level of Tulkus. Just because someone is a Tulku does not mean they are of the highest attainments.
For highly realized beings like Zong Rinpoche, their diseases offer us a chance to serve them and collect merit. Their diseases are really a manifestion of their mind for us. It also is a teaching warning us of their impending death and to prepare.
For ‘lower’ Tulkus, it is a manifestation of their karmas. Even so called lower Tulkus may have more dharma imprints than other ppl, and will be quicker in dharma activities, it does not mean they are not subject to their karmas also.
Nagarjuna died at the end of 600 years after he was decapitated by a blade of grass because in a previous existence, he had accidentally killed an insect roaming on grass. Even for the great Nagarjuna, some tiny residual karma was remaining and could be experienced.