Tribute to Norm Matkin

Norm Matkin, passed away peacefully at Dartmouth General Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia on December 22, 2020 at the age of eighty-seven.

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Norm Matkin at the a/v desk

Norm Matkin was a long-time student of Trungpa Rinpoche, Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, and Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. Upon hearing of Norm’s passing, Ponlop Rinpoche composed the poem below, which we are sharing here with Rinpoche’s permission.

Tricks & Magic

It was like meeting an old friend,
Well, much younger then, but old,
When I first saw you sitting
Behind that throne of Nitartha’s a/v desk.

It feels like it just happened yesterday,
That we started to spin our heads
Around and around that thing … called
Mind, mental factors, and their tricks.

And here, right now, it seems like
We’re looking at our TGS
And getting a good laugh about
Mind’s tricks and magic.

I love you Norm, and let’s keep walking
This old path that we’ve been on together,
And not forget the nature of mind
So fresh and free, right here, now!

O wait a minute…
Hasn’t it been over twenty years
That we‘ve been chatting about those things?

Let’s not waste our time on chit chats now.
Look nakedly, rest in the present moment,
And let go and relax at ease, as the guru says.
It’s time to enjoy the magic of the practice lineage!

Upon hearing of Norm Matkin’s passing away, this little poem arose in my mind while  doing my prayers and thinking of my old friend. –dpr 

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Jane holden
3 years ago

May your journey bring fruit. We will all miss your smile and quirky humour.

Petra Mudie
3 years ago

Miss you Norm - your huge smile, rich voice, and willingness to give a hand wherever needed. And especially getting rides home in your huge old truck where you set us up in front next to you - like riding high like a king and queen on thrones. Hold in mind what we learned the last time together, at Andrew Holocek's weekthun in DDL, where we practiced letting go of attachment and rested in the bardo of dream. May your last journey be a great one - in which you gently triumph in all the debates.

David Q
3 years ago

Norm,
Thank you for the moments we shared this time around. May you continue questioning the ground rules laid out around you and maintaining your sense of humour! Best wishes for success on your journey!

 

 

 

 

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