In a concerning turn of events, the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office has called on the public to assist in the search for a missing monk, Geshe Tenzin Chodrak, who disappeared from Sravasti Abbey on November 7. The monk, known by his birth name Dadul Namgyal, failed to return from an evening walk on the abbey’s extensive 300-acre property, sparking a widespread search effort.
Geshe Tenzin Chodrak, affectionately referred to as Geshe la, is a revered figure in the Buddhist community. He has dedicated over four decades of his life to monastic service and recently joined Sravasti Abbey as its first male resident teacher. His decision to reside at Sravasti followed a notable career at Emory University’s Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-based Ethics and as a senior resident teacher at Drepung Loseling Monastery in Atlanta.
The search for Geshe-la, as reported by the Spokesman Review, involved extensive efforts by search and rescue teams, including the use of dogs, drones, and a helicopter. Despite these efforts, Sheriff Glenn Blakeslee announced that the official ground search has been suspended, and the focus has shifted to seeking assistance from the public. The sheriff’s office urges anyone with relevant information to contact them at (509) 447-3151.
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The disappearance of Geshe Tenzin Chodrak has deeply affected the Sravasti Abbey community and Buddhists globally. The abbey’s founder, Ven. Thubten Chodron, shared in a video that Geshe-la was adequately dressed for the weather, with a jacket, winter shoes, warm socks, and a hat. The terrain, while slick from rain, has not yet reached freezing temperatures, offering some hope in the ongoing search.
Volunteers, including a professional tracker, continue their efforts, sharing updates via social media platforms like Facebook. The Buddhist community worldwide, including institutions like Drepung Loseling Monastery in Atlanta and Maitripa College, are holding special services and offering prayers for Geshe-la’s safe return.
In these trying times, Ven. Sangye Khadro from Sravasti Abbey has offered guidance on coping with the situation through Dharma teachings. She emphasizes the importance of not succumbing to “unhappy thoughts and worries” but rather engaging in spiritual practices such as prayers, meditations, and other productive activities.
This incident not only highlights the close-knit nature of the Buddhist community but also underscores the importance of community support in times of crisis. The search for Geshe Tenzin Chodrak continues, with hopes for his safe return remaining high among his fellow monks, students, and the global Buddhist community.
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