It is with a heavy heart that I bring you the news of our dearly beloved Kuno-la’s passing at 9:05 PM, New Delhi time, February 13, 2017. Ngawangdhondup Narkyid, (Kuno), the Official Biographer of His Holiness the Dalai Lama embodied a great swath of Tibetan history which spanned the emergence of the Dalai Lama and Tibet from total obscurity to recognition on the world stage. Kuno-la’s illuminated presence radiated a profound actualization of Tibetan traditions and practices as he conveyed the Dalai Lama’s message of compassion throughout his far ranging visits. Kuno-la was born in a tiny Himalayan town to become the closest friend and confidant of the Dalai Lama while they were still boys in Lhasa. He was then entrusted with the great responsibility of being the Official Biographer of His Holiness.
Those of us who knew him realize that we were privileged to be close to a rare, holy yet essentially human individual. We strive to continue to share his compassion, love, care, truth, humor, justice and wisdom. With much love, Gilah