I first met Azriel when he came to Hanoi in 2008 to attend an international retreat led by my teacher, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Azriel stayed at our Hanoi Community for Mindful Living Sangha House for the first days, and we enjoyed getting to know one another. He was a delightfully sensitive and caring young man who made strong connections with many members of our global community of buddhist practitioners. He and I stayed in regular touch. I loved hearing of his many successful accomplishments and enjoyed his Facebook postings of his art. Since moving to Chiang Mai, he practiced meditation with the Green Papaya Sangha. That group is dedicating a special evening of meditation in his honor tonight (Oct. 11). I have notified the Plum Village Sangha in France of his passing. A chant, calling on the spirit of Avolokita, the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion, will be offered to support Azriel in his transition. I and many from our monastic and lay community are sending love and compassion to his family and beloved friends. Trish Thompson, Dharma teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh.