In Loving Memory of Dr Tony Richardson

IN LOVING MEMORY OF DR TONY RICHARDSON
5 August 20205

In the early hours of 5 August, our beloved Dharma brother, Dr Tony Richardson, passed away in hospital. While Tony has been dealing with serious health issues for some time, the sudden deterioration leading to his passing has come as a great shock to us all and is a source of deep sadness for so many.

Tony has been a leading and long-standing Sakya practitioner for many decades. He was especially close to the 14th Gyalsay Tulku Rinpoche who founded Sakya Tharpa Ling Tibetan Buddhist Centre, Sydney and who brought many people into the Dharma towards the end of last century. His close links with leading Sakya masters, including Aenpo Kyabgon Rinpoche and Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe continued to his final days.
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Live notes from a workshop with Dr Tony Richardson*

Dr Tony led workshops at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre. He was also a very generous yet humble benefactor sponsoring many projects and buildings for Drogmi Buddhist Institute. His generosity transformed the old pizza hut into the beautiful Tara Gompa which was recently completed. The Tara Gompa will be a constant reminder of our dear Dharma brother’s support for the precious Buddhadharma. 

Tony was also renowned and respected for his leading work as a somatic therapist and psychiatrist through which he helped so many people. In his work as both a doctor and psychiatrist, he was mentor to many young doctors who will also feel his loss. 

And, it has to be stated that Tony was a big personality, often irreverent, with a cheeky smile and wicked laugh and never shy. Tony was larger than life which is why his passing has impacted so many of us so deeply. 

We pass on our sincere condolences to Tony’s partner Mark, to Tony’s family, to his many Dharma brothers and sisters and to all those who benefited from his kindness, counsel and therapy.

Leading Sakya masters, and people all around the world are already praying for Tony’s passage through the bardo so that he can swiftly take human rebirth and continue on his journey with the precious Buddhadharma. 

We would like to share some images of some of our sangha gathered in the main gompa at Kamalashila to make light offerings and recite prayers for our dear Tony. 

Tony would not want us to be sad at this time for him and would wish that we devote our energies to our practice and helping other sentient beings. 

Vale Tony and hope to see you again soon in the mandala.

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At Sunday Practice a week after Dr Tony’s passing in the Tara Gompa, Ayya Jayasara and sangha warmly held our dear dharma brother Tony Richardson in our hearts, remembering him as such a special human being. Sangha made light offerings, recited prayers and compassion mantra dedicated to Tony’s swift favourable rebirth and for benefit of all mother sentient beings.

* Live notes from a workshop with Dr Tony Richardson: “I have been sharing these notes in memory of Dr Tony Richardson. He had a huge impact on me – I so loved his workshops.” ~ Cat L., (graphic designer)