Brian Poe died on Thursday, April 17, 2025. He was born August 13, 1943. A Sukhavati for Brian was done for him privately, but there will be a memorial celebration of his life in several days. That will be announced and will be via Zoom.
Brian, in his younger years, went to university in psychology for a brief period, then dropped out and spent a few years in the U.S. Air Force, two years of which was as command at an observation post in Taiwan. In 1982 or so, following his service in the Air Force, he came to Boulder, connected with Chôgyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Buddha Dharma, and never left. He attended the Vajradhatu Seminary in the early 90’s. In 1983 or so, he joined the Dorje Kasung, and was active in that capacity for a number of years. In 1986, he was appointed Khenchen, an officer rank within the Kasung. In fact, he never seemed to have stopped in his capacity and presence as a Dorje Kasung. It became ingrained in his life. The role fit him like a glove. Brian’s email address was Stunningsoldier@yahoo.com.
In recent years, he participated in the classes and activities of Ri-mé society. For a few years, he was the person who offered the tea offering to the dharma protectors at the conclusion of each Ri-mé class. There was a certain continuity from his time in the Air Force, to his dedication and connection to the Dorje Kasung, to his being the person to make the offering to the dharma protectors, he himself as Kasung being one. He also contributed stories and observations in Ri-mé Society classes that were always both deeply personal and instructive.
Brian was open-minded, utterly dedicated to his teacher Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, to his dharma practice and study, and to his service in the Dorje Kasung as the expression of his devotion. He was simple and straightforward, sincere yet affable, qualities very much noticed and appreciated by his friends and colleagues. Tall and lanky, he wore his Kassung uniform like a flagpole wears a banner, neat and crisp, serious in his duty, yet always approachable. He liked people and people liked him.
Brian is one of the the latest indelible presences in the sangha of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche to pass on to wherever our indelible bond with teacher, dharma and sangha will take us. Ki ki so so, and a life well done Brian! At ease!
Submitted by Clarke Warren. Thank you to Blake Thompson and Dennis Southward for their recollections of Brian.
As previously announced, Brian Poe died early in the morning on Thursday, April 17, 2025. We will be hosting a Memorial Tribute for Brian on Sunday, May 4 at 4pm Mountain Time.
Join us at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86832532925?pwd=ZdP0iGuT210djuXWpHyhWnr6Ppv4pR.1
Meeting ID: 868 3253 2925
Passcode: 933257
Please come with any memories, stories, anecdotes about Brian, or just come to hear about an early and distinctive student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche in the West. whether you knew him or not.
Thank you,
Ri-mé Society
Post a Tribute to Brian Poe
Tributes
"May All Beings Be At Their Ease"
"Stunning Soldier"
"Vigilant Warrior"
Brian was a kind and caring being
Quick to laughter and just as quick to deeply attentive.
Ever ready, ever present and noble.
Like a towering guardian
A light house in the world
Straight to the point
Sharp as a razor blade
and warm as a hug.
You had the love of Avalo in your smile
And the light of the ever vigilant Dorje Kasung in your eyes.
I always appreciated your humor and your heart, Brian Poe
Sad that I did not have a chance to say goodbye in person
But delighted that you have rejoined your gurus.
Never forget the gurus instructions my friend
Remember the love of Trungpa Rinpoche my heart friend
You were always omni present in that mandala
And we are all much the better for you.
Om Ami Dewa Hrih
WLL
To Brian Poe
Recall to Duty ~ To a Valiant Kasung
Brian, you are officially on leave, but always remember
Not for long.
You left with nothing
But your Bodhisattva Vow
And the impenetrable armor of your guru samaya.
Wherever you go…
If directly to Dharmata, Suchness Itself,
Then what to do after that but reappear
as a magical emanation
For the sake of beings.
If to the bardo
Then beholding the Wrathful Deities
Will be like attending a Kasung meeting.
If to the bardo
Then beholding the Peaceful Deities
Will be like sitting a dhathün.
If to Sukhavati, Amitabha’s Land of Pure Bliss
Then there just long enough to re-arm with
wisdom and compassion
Then return to duty on the front lines of
inseparable samsara and nirvana.
If to Shambhala
Then watch out, they are recruiting, compulsory service,
The Windhorse Draft
For the vast army that will end the suffering of the Dark Age!
If to the entourage of your guru
Then as as a mounted drala with all the
Warrior accoutrements,
Riding by his side
Coming down on the spiral clouds of a lhasang
Heeding the call of Ki and So!
Brian, you can’t get away!
From the hook of the guru’s vision.
From the noose of your Bodhisattva Vow.
From the net of your sangha tendrils.
From the alluring sight of your future mother and father in union.
From our mutual karma, dharma and aspirations.
One way or another, see you soon!
Clarke Warren
May 4, 2025
Dawn Bowlani (sp?) said she left her little girl to watch with Brian (at the Shambhala Center), and panicked when she could not find him. This is quite natural for a young mother. I assured her she had absolutely nothing to worry about. Very soon later her child showed up with Brian. He said she wanted to go downstairs, so he followed her and returned with her as soon as he could. It was a most touching memory of Brian for me. Brian gave me a CD of Ruth Brown, a black blues singer. It was one of the most important gifts I have ever received. I listened to it over and over and realized how wonderful it was to have something in common with another human being. Just a couple of years ago, I found out there was a performer in Denver presenting a memorial of Ruth Brown's songs. I called Brian to see if he could go with me. He could not. The performer was talented, but unfortunately, she chose none of the songs on that album we loved so much. I reported this to Brian with our shared disappointment. That was the last time I talked to him. I miss him greatly.
I've always been delighted to cross paths here and there in my life with Brian. His sincerity was a beacon, and the world seems darker without it. In recent years, he called me sometimes at the KGNU radio station where I was DJ-ing the early early music show from 3-5:30 on Fridays to express appreciation for what I had been playing, and to say hello. I enjoyed those conversations very much! At the end of his calls, he always said, "Be well," and I wished him the same.
Wherever you are, Brian, be well. I feel your beacon is still shining.
Salute to the stunning soldier!
So many memories of our times together but the one I value the most is saving the life of a tiny hummingbird up at the land (now Drala Mountain Center) during my Seminary in 1994.
Such a tiny creature, infinitely precious and barely alive. We knew nothing for how to care for it but we sat there for hours saying mantras while I dropped single beads of water into its beak. And in the 3rd hour, it got up and flew to the nearest tree. It was a miracle and we were so elated that we cried. It felt like we saved joy that day and I remember it vividly and gratefully.
It seemed you were always there when I might need an escort or protector so I came to think of you that way. You were there when I had some of my peak experiences. And you were really great at asking the good questions!
I don't know who gave you the name Stunning Soldier, but I suspect it was the Vidyadhara. You loved him so much, it was an inspiration to anyone who could see your devotion.
I'll see you on the flipside, Brian, my fellow comrade-in-arms.
Benevolent and tall as a tree with a
wink and a smile.
If you can’t find a photo of Brian,
No matter.
If you met him he was unforgettable.
If you never did, well
You missed the boat again.
Jolly good luck Dear Brian!
