Ven. Tunden

FPMT has shared the following statement in response to the death of Ven. Tunden at Nalanda Monastery:

We are profoundly saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Ven. Tunden and offer our sincere condolences to his family, and the Nalanda community where he resided during the past five years. A puja was conducted for Ven. Tunden at Maitripa College led by Yangsi Rinpoche on November 15, 2012. We encourage the recitation of prayers for Ven. Tunden and his family.

The monastery has also posted the following announcement on their Facebook page:

To all our family and friends,

As you may have heard we have some very sad news to pass to you.

Our brother Tunden took his own life here at Nalanda Monastery at 17:00 yesterday (15 November).

Venerable Tunden was 38 years old from the UK, and had been living in the monastery for the last five years. He did not leave any message, and nothing indicated that he was about to carry out such action.

It seems that he poured a can of gasoline over his body before setting it alight. Unfortunately, the first people and the emergency services on the scene were unable to help. In the current state of the enquiry, it is not possible to determine with certainty what led him to such an extreme act. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tunden’s family and we are working closely with them to take care of their wishes.

We will try to keep you updated with any other information including appropriate arrangements 

Please add Tunden and his family to your prayers and dedications.

 UPDATE: Nalanda Monastery has sent out a message to the community, which you can read here.