Shine room and staircase for a large Buddha statue in Dalhousie, India.

Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche expressed in his Vast Visions his wish for the FPMT organization to build many holy objects everywhere, as many as possible. This makes it so easy for sentient beings to purify their heavy negative karma and create extensive merit, which makes it so easy to achieve the realizations of the path, liberation, and enlightenment.

The Holy Objects Fund is dedicated to Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s wish and provides the resources to create holy objects around the world for the success of the FPMT organization and for the benefit of all beings.

An incredible US$549,234 was granted for holy objects in 2024 and we are so happy to share some of the new holy objects that have come into being recently, and how grants from the Holy Objects Fund and other funds such as the Stupa of Complete Victory,  Stupa Fund, Padmasambhava Project for Peace, Offering Buddha Statues to His Holiness,  Prajnaparamita Project, and the Prayer Wheel Fund have been utilized, for rejoicing.

Stupa of Complete Victory  |  Enlightenment Stupa  |  Buddha Statues in Rural Areas  |  Shine Room and Staircase | 
Large Guru Rinpoche Thangka  |  Writing the Prajnaparamita Sutra  |  Prayer Wheel in Tahiti  |  Milarepa Center’s Stupa  | Tsa Tsas  |  Buddha Statues to His Holiness the Dalai Lama  |  Guru Rinpoche Statue  |  Zangdog Palri | Benefits | Thank you

Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Stupa of Complete Victory at Kopan Monastery

Progress on the Stupa of Complete Victory, Kopan Monastery, Nepal. Photo by Ven. Tenzin Tsultrim.

Enlightenment Stupa offered to Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery.

The Stupa of Complete Victory that is being built in Kopan Monastery, is dedicated for the swift return of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and accomplishment of all his wishes. This 42-foot high (13 meters) stupa was started in late 2023 and is now well underway having just reached the vase level.

Under the stupa there will be a gompa, as well as two meditation rooms. There will be 32 smaller stupas around the main stupa. The throne of the stupa has recently been filled with huge treasure vases and texts. The focus now is on the intricate outer decorations of the stupa.

In 2024 US$470,890 was granted toward the building of this precious stupa. We still need funds to complete this stupa, please consider supporting in whatever way you can.

Enlightenment Stupa at Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery, Nepal

 A beautiful 52-inch gold gilded Enlightenment Stupa was offered to Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery, this stupa will contain a precious relic from Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The stupa will be in the main gompa, on the altar at the Nunnery. A grant of US$7,215 was offered for this stupa.

Offering for Buddha Statues in Rural Areas of Nepal

One of the Buddha statues delivered in rural Nepal. Photo thanks to Geshe Thubten Jinpa.

 Geshe Thubten Jinpa, from Kopan Monastery, arranged for several Buddha statues to be offered to remote Buddhist communities in Nepal, that otherwise didn’t have a large holy object. We were very happy to offer a grant of US$5,000 toward two of these Buddha statues.

The first statue was offered to Rigu village, a Tamang Buddhist community in the very remote place of Dolakha northeast of Kathmandu. It takes a day’s walk to reach this community, and they had just built a small gompa where the community gathers to do the practice. This statue will be the main holy object in their gompa.

The second statue was offered to far East Nepal, called Bhot Khola. The remote area is inaccessible by road. The community consists of about 87 families. Each statue offered was made of copper and gold plated and is 3.2 feet in size (1 meter). The statues are consecrated and delivered to these remote communities and in each place Geshe Thubten Jinpa also gave some teachings to the communities on how to make offerings and the practice of refuge and bodhicitta.

Shine Room and Staircase for the Large Buddha Statue in Dalhousie, India

The Tibetan Refugee community of Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh, India, consists of 118 families and 343 inhabitants. This small community sustains themselves through the operation of a handicraft center and running small shops in the town. The community recently wanted a large Buddha statue, and raised the funds locally to build this statue, however, due to shortage of funds, the main work on the shrine room and the construction of the staircase for the large Buddha statue was put on hold.

We were very happy to offer a grant of US$17,087 that enabled the community to complete the work of the shine room and staircase (pictured at the top of this page) so that the Buddha statue could be completed and become the main object of refuge in this small community. It was due to the kind help of a grant from Unione Buddhista Italiana (U.B.I.) that enabled us to offer this support

Displaying the 75-Foot Guru Rinpoche Thangka in Nepal

Large Guru Rinpoche thangka. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

 On December 3, 2024, in honor of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s birthday we had the great fortune to again display the very large thangka of Guru Rinpoche at Khachoe Ghakyil Ling (Kopan Nunnery). The thangka, which is 75 feet (23 meters) high, and 87 feet (27 meters) wide is stitched in appliqué, and depicts the Padmasambhava merit field in the center. Lama Zopa Rinpoche personally designed and oversaw the creation of this huge thangka and raised funds for it.

Rinpoche has explained that displaying large thangkas is an auspicious way for anyone in the area to make a Dharma imprint and connection to the deity depicted. “You may think that a statue or thangka is just a statue or thangka,” Rinpoche has said, “but it is the transcendental wisdom of dharmakaya, which understands and directly sees absolute truth, as well as conventional truth.”

Each time the thangka is displayed, everyone in the local community is invited. The offering of 100,000 tsog to Guru Rinpoche (Guru Bumtsog ) is performed, as well as setting up all the extensive offerings, and lunch is offered to the thousands of people who attend.

We were happy to offer a grant of US$18,806 that covered all the expenses related to this one-day puja, including offerings to all the Sangha who attend, and the catered lunch for everyone. We would like to thank a kind benefactor who helped substantially this year with the costs.

This year we also took the opportunity to fix the brocade of the thangka which had some damage and replace the yellow cloth covering, with a new cover of a different stronger material that will offer more protection for the thangka.

Writing the Prajnaparamita Sutra

Ven. Lobsang Tsering writing out the Prajnaparamita from Kopan Monastery. Photo by Yanzhina Bartanova.

 The Prajnaparamita sutra is being beautifully written in gold ink calligraphy daily and is now in its nineteenth year.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche explained in a teaching in Bendigo, Australia, his clear wishes for the writing of the Prajnaparamita sutra to continue for as long as FPMT exists. Even when completing the twelve volumes of the sutra currently in process, Rinpoche asked that this project begin again and in this way the sutra is continually being written out, as it is a powerful holy object. Currently Ven.Tsering is on the fifth volume and Jane Seidlitz in the USA is writing out the second volume. This year Ven.Tsenla has also joined and is writing out the Amitayus Long Life Sutra in gold at Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery.

The grant for this year of US$39,960 covered the cost of gold and other expenses (paper, pens, etc).

Prayer Wheel in Tahiti

Lama Zopa Rinpoche specifically entrusted the Naropa Meditation Center in Tahiti to construct a prayer wheel over water in Tahiti, to benefit the beings in the ocean, and particularly the nagas.

The Prayer Wheel will be filled with millions of mantras, and it will touch the water through its axis offering benefit to all sentient beings not only in French Polynesia but across the Pacific Ocean and more. It will emanate peace and harmony and serve as stabilizers for natural elements and societal conditions such as war, famine, and diseases.

We were very pleased to support this meaningful project and offered a grant of US$2,500 toward the prayer wheel.

The stupa at Milarepa Center, Vermont.

Milarepa Center’s Stupa Relocation

 The Milarepa Center in Vermont, US was recently offered a grant of US$7,000 toward the expenses to relocate their existing stupa, to a different part of the property. It had recently been discovered that the existing stupa that was originally built at Milarepa Center in 1995 was built in the middle of a state and federal highway right of way and therefore needs to be relocated.

Making Tsa Tsas for Those Who Are Sick or Have Passed Away

The Nalanda Monastery Art Workshop has kindly taken on the request from Lama Zopa Rinpoche to make tsa tsas daily for those who are sick or have passed away. For 25 years this was done at Kachoe Dechen Ling, CA, but now Nalanda Monastery has taken on this important commitment. Each day the three long life deities, Medicine Buddha, Mitukpa and stupa tsa tsas are made with strong prayers for those in need.

The Stupa Fund granted US$2,864 in 2024 for the material and small offering made to the sangha undertaking the practices. 

The Holy Object Fund offers yearly grants and also tracks progress of projects which have received funds in the past and may require funds in the future. In addition to the grants offered above this year, important progress continues on the following projects: 

Offering Buddha Statues to His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Buddha statues that are being made and will be offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

 In 2019 Lama Zopa Rinpoche first expressed his wish to offer one thousand Buddha statues to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and within that year we were able to make this auspicious offering. In 2023 during the long life puja that was offered by FPMT to His Holiness the Dalai Lama we offered another one thousand statues of Shakyamuni Buddha.

Rinpoche also expressed his wish that the FPMT continues to create and offering Buddha statues to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

In 2024 we continued to create these Buddha statues in Nepal, the incredibly beautiful statues are gold gilded, faces painted and are filled with mantras and consecrated and each year we will offer a few hundred to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on behalf of the entire organization.

Guru Rinpoche statue in Pokhara, Nepal

The Guru Rinpoche statue that is being built in Pokhara, Nepal, will seamlessly blend with the surrounding natural landscape, creating a serene and captivating environment. Covering a total site area of 3,226 square miles (34,728 square feet), the project will also include various features such as a meditation hall capable of accommodating 100 individuals, additional rooms and a prayer hall, a mantra wall, vast green areas, and a magnificent 15-meter-tall Guru Rinpoche statue.

Zangdog Palri: Guru Rinpoche Pure Land Project in Lawudo, Nepal

The Zangdog Palri: Guru Rinpoche Pure Land Project, will be building a three-dimensional Pure Land of Guru Rinpoche at Lawudo. This ambitious endeavor, which was very important to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, involves the construction of a four-story Guru Rinpoche Pure Land, although the building hasn’t yet started, groundwork has begun. It is expected it will take several years to build. Zangdog Palri refers to the Glorious Copper Colored Mountain and is the pure land of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the great tantric master who brought Buddhism to Tibet. Zangdog Palri is a highly and intricately detailed mandala representing the enlightened qualities of Padmasambhava.

Benefits of Holy Objects

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has explained:

“The moment holy objects such as statues of Buddha are completed on a rock, painted on paper with a brush and colors, taken with a camera or printed on paper etc.; the moment a holy object materializes it becomes a field of merit, like a field of crops, for sentient beings.  It becomes only a cause for them to achieve happiness.

“Generally, for an action to become virtuous and the cause of happiness the activity needs to be motivated by a virtuous mind, unstained by ignorance, anger or attachment – only then does the action become virtuous.

“With holy objects such as statues, stupas and scriptures you do not have to have a mind unstained by anger, ignorance or attachment to create merit. For human beings or even animals, simply seeing the holy object becomes the cause to achieve inconceivable awakening and enlightenment by purifying so many defilements. The special advantage is that just by their existence these holy objects make it easy for us ordinary living beings to create merit.

“It is explained by Buddha in the Sutra of the Mudra of Developing the Power of Devotion:
The minute you see a holy object you create infinite merits,
So, no question, if you actually make prostrations,
Offerings and so forth, you create far greater merit.”

Thank you

Thank you to all who supported these different projects that enable the creation of new holy objects around the world for the benefit of all beings. In 2025 we will continue to be mainly focusing on actualizing the Stupa of Complete Victory for Lama Zopa Rinpoche and appreciate any support.

To help ensure our support to the creation of holy objects around the world, we invite you to offer a donation of any amount to the Holy Objects Fund.

Geshe Tsultrim Sherab and Gen Tsundu with some of the Thame residents who received essential aid at the Milanchok Thameychok Kidug Hall in Kathmandu, January 3, 2025.

We are very happy to report that on January 3, 2025, at the Milanchok Thameychok Kidug Hall in Kathmandu, we disbursed US$37,127 to 55 families from Thame, who were profoundly affected by the catastrophic flood caused by the bursting of a nearby glacial lake on August 16, 2024. These funds were raised through the Thame Support Fund. 

Thame, situated at an altitude of 12,450 feet (3,800 meters) with a population of 300 Sherpas, suffered immense devastation. The flood destroyed half the village, including houses, hotels, the school and health clinic plus essential infrastructure.

Thame families receiving essential aid at the Milanchok Thameychok Kidug Hall in Kathmandu, January 3, 2025.

Given that it is now winter and many of the families from Thame are in Kathmandu, the disbursement was carried out there and was kindly managed by Geshe Tsultrim Sherab and Gen Tsundu, from Kopan Monastery. Regarding the funds, 100,000 NPR (US$721) was offered to each of the 23 families who had completely lost their homes, while 50,000 NPR (US$360) was provided to each of the 32 families who suffered partial damage to their homes.

Please watch this heartfelt video message of gratitude from Geshe Tsultrim Sherab and Gen Tsundu of Kopan Monastery to all the supporters:

While this support is only a fraction of what is needed, many other groups and individuals have also been raising and disbursing funds for those in the Thame area. We hope that, together, these efforts will make a difference in the lives of those affected during this incredibly difficult time.

We are closely monitoring the situation in Thame and its ongoing needs. If future support can be directed toward the rebuilding of the school or health clinic, we will again try to help. We are closing the Thame Support Fund and any future needs will be managed by the Social Services Fund.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the many supporters who came together so quickly to offer assistance, as well as to Yeshe Norbu Appeal for Tibet Onlus in Italy for their generous contribution.

The Social Services Fund, established to support Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for the FPMT organization, focuses efforts primarily in India, Nepal, Tibet and Mongolia. Funds help children, the elderly, sick, and very poor.

Community members for the Center of White Mahakala Study Group in Romania, which received a Merit Box grant for their stupa and retreat cabin construction projects in 2024. Photo courtesy of CWMSG.

The Merit Box Project closed  for good at the end of 2024. We invite rejoicing in the many students and friends around the world who contributed to the project, helping bring hundreds of Dharma activities to fruition—including stupas, statues and other holy objects, scholarships and supplies for retreat, new publications and translations of Dharma texts, social service community programs and important repairs and upgrades to FPMT center buildings and land; among many others.

In total 370 grants were awarded over 21 years, providing US$1,258,580 in funds to these projects. We deeply thank and rejoice in the incredible generosity shown, and in all the great work of the recipients of Merit Box grants in preserving and sharing the Dharma.

Maitripa College’s Tara Farms, the location for their future Maitripa Rabjungma Community Project for training Western nuns, a recipient of a 2024 Merit Box grant. Photo courtesy of Maitripa College.

Moving Forward: The New FPMT Community Support Fund

To keep this vital source of support available to local FPMT affiliates, we are transitioning now to the new FPMT Community Support Fund, which will fulfill the same purpose as the previous Merit Box Project. Through the FPMT Community Support Fund, local FPMT centers, projects, services and study groups, or any project that is working for the mission of FPMT, will be able to apply for grants, which will be awarded each year in March/April, including in 2025.

Any offerings that were collected and planned for the Merit Box Fund this year can now be directed to this new fund, and any offering made until February 28, 2025 will be used for this year’s grants. We hope this new FPMT Community Support Fund, like it’s predecessor, will inspire another 20 years of generosity and much-needed grants for local FPMT communities and projects, and beyond!

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

Transportation of one of the nine treasure vases to the throne of the Stupa of Complete Victory. Photo courtesy of Kopan Monsastery.

View from below, showing the future gompa under the stupa. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

The construction of the Stupa of Complete Victory being built for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, is progressing beautifully. We are so happy to share this recent update and the significant milestone that has been reached.

On November 29, nine huge (approximately 3 feet) treasure vases were placed inside the throne of the stupa. The precious substances of the vases and the texts, that were also put in the throne, were consecrated with special prayers and vases were carefully filled with all the substances. Cloth was offered to the texts, and the monks all joyfully carried them to the stupa.

The logistics of transporting the nine massive treasure vases (wealth vases), which were incredibly heavy, required the effort of several monks to carefully manage. They were then brought up the ladders and placed inside the throne of the stupa, alongside the sacred texts.

The painting of the precious mantras in gold on the life tree has also begun.

Sacred texts being carefully wrapped in cloth. Photo courtesy of Kopan Monastery.

The painting of the mantra on the life tree.

Pease enjoy this video that showing the inspiring work of placing the treasure vases:

We rejoice in this achievement and all the work that is being done to complete the stupa by so many at Kopan Monastery, as well as the builders and workers.

May this stupa quickly create the causes for the swift return of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and actualization of all his wishes.

Padmasambhava explained in the benefits of building stupas:  “All those who rejoice in the stupa will generate every single quality of a Buddha in their mental continuum.” 

We still need funds to complete this beautiful stupa, please consider supporting in whatever way you can.

Please read more about the holy objects supported through the Holy Objects Fund.

FPMT Mongolia Children’s Program, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Photo courtesy of FPMT Mongolia.

We are delighted to share a report from FPMT Mongolia’s Mahayana Children’s Program on the ways they were able to utilize a recent Merit Box grant. 

FPMT Mongolia’s Mahayana Children’s Program began in 2007, aiming to engage children from 6–16 years of age every Saturday at the FPMT Mongolia Center in Ulaanbaatar. Each year approximately 80–100 children are enrolled and participate in learning activities focused on Dharma, traditional culture and practices, yoga, arts and crafts, and first aid/health education in order to further develop positive life-long coping strategies and positive stress-response skills.

The Mahayana Children’s Program has also been started at Lamp of the Path (LOP), the center’s local non-governmental organization (NGO). In the Ger district area, classes focus more on alternative informal education (based upon the 16 Guidelines) and positive social-emotional development activities for children who have access to fewer resources and are more “at risk” due to challenging family living situations. 

Based on the wishes and vision of FPMT founders, Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, FPMT Mongolia strives to provide integrated education and opportunities for learning so that people’s–including children and youth–minds and hearts can be transformed. The 16 Guidelines provide a concrete and practical way to do this while also building important skills for children and young people so that they are enabled and empowered to successfully navigate the road to adulthood.

Children with the new desks for the FPMT Mongolia Children’s Program, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Photo courtesy of FPMT Mongolia.

With a recent upgrade and expansion to the classroom used at LOP for the Children’s Program, FPMT Mongolia requested and was awarded a Merit Box grant in the Spring of 2024, specifically to support further development of the Lamp of the Path classroom and to also publish new children’s learning materials and training resources for use in this location and beyond based on the 16 Guidelines.

Based on the 2024 Merit Box award, the team was able to purchase 20 adjustable children’s floor desks, seating mats, and other materials for use in classes, complete a translation of the 16 Guidelines children’s resource book “Ready, Set, Happy” in Mongolian for use by the FPMT Mongolia team (and others as well), and cover part of the costs of printing the first 500 copies of the new book.

Please rejoice that this Mahayana Children’s Program was able to utilize their grant so well, to really offer so much with what they were awarded. 

The FPMT Social Services fund has been supporting the activities of LOP since 2003. You read a recent report on these activities. 

With thanks to Susan Roe, the center director of FPMT Mongolia, for sharing this update on their Mahayana Children’s Program.

FPMT Mongolia Children’s Program, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Photo courtesy of FPMT Mongolia.

Update: The Merit Box Project was permanently closed at the end of 2024, after more than two decades of fostering generosity and providing aid to local FPMT centers, projects, services, study groups, and other activities that align with the FPMT mission.

To continue offering the vital resource that the Merit Box Project provided to local FPMT communities, we have transitioned to the new FPMT Community Support Fund, which will fulfill the same purpose in giving aid to local FPMT communities and projects. Grants will be made through the FPMT Community Support Fund later this year, and any offerings planned for the Merit Box Fund can be made to this fund now and in the future. We will be sharing more information about this new fund in upcoming communications. 

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

Annual Gelug Examination 2024.

The Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund is dedicated to upholding the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism.

The Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund (LTKTF) has had another impactful year in 2024, supporting a variety of projects aimed at preserving and spreading the teachings and traditions of Lama Tsongkhapa and Gelug lineage. Through generous contributions, LTKTF has continued to fulfill its mission of providing crucial support to teachers, scholars, and institutions.

The LTKTF is named after the Gelug lineage founder Lama Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), who emphasized a synthesis of scholarly insight, ethical discipline, and deep meditation. His approach has guided generations of monastic communities across the Tibetan plateau and beyond. By supporting these dedicated monastic institutions, the LTKTF ensures the lineage’s unbroken transmission of profound Buddhist teachings from teacher to student remains vibrant and accessible.

In 2024, the Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund disbursed a total of US$152,296.64. Each initiative reflects a commitment to preserving and advancing the teachings and traditions of Lama Tsongkhapa. These contributions ensure the flourishing of a lineage that has inspired countless practitioners and scholars worldwide.

Supporting Our Lineage Teachers | Specialized Studies for Geshes and Geshemas |
Funding Educational Research for Future Tibetan Medical Doctors | Thank you

Supporting Our Lineage Teachers

The Annual Gelug Exam, Winter Debate, & Memorization Exams

Annual Gelug Examination 2024.

Grant Offered: US$22,391 and future grant to be disbursed of US$23,500

Since 1997 this fund provides a monthly stipend to 139 of the main teachers of the Lama Tsongkhapa tradition, including current and past abbots, Umze’s and main teachers of Sera Je, Sera Mey, Tashi Lhunpo, Gaden Jangtse, Gaden Shartse, Drepung Loseling, Drepung Gomang, Gyudmed, Gyuto and Rato Monasteries. This small offering of money supports these teachers’ basic needs and allows them to focus more of their time on transmitting Dharma to their students at the monasteries. In 2024, US$10,770 was offered for this.

Furthermore, the fund covered food and travel expenses of the 594 monks from eight monasteries who undertook the annual Geluk exam and all the staff, this came to US$11,621.

One of the significant endeavors the fund supports is the annual Winter Debate, as well as assistance to the monks who successfully passed their examinations. The Winter Debate, a prestigious event that attracts the brightest scholars from the eight major Gelug monasteries, and in 2024 will be hosted Gaden Monastery in 2024, the fund will cover the travel expenses and food for 600 monks from Sera Je Monastery to attend.

A full set of robes will also be offered to 119 monks who have successfully memorized special texts (Migsel Loguk Chenpo).

The Sera Jey Monastic University for Advanced Buddhist Studies has outlined the estimated expenses for these two key programs: the Winter Debate Program 2024 involving over 600 monks and the Migsel Logyuk Scripture Memorization Examination Prize distribution to be US$23,500.

Specialized Studies for Geshes and Geshemas

Fifth Annual Grant to Geluk International Foundation

Grant offered: US$77,500 (including US$10,000 designated for four Geshemas [female geshes] pending placement)

The Geluk International Foundation has made significant progress in its Research and Training Project for specialist Geshes and Geshemas. This initiative, launched in June 2020, aims to deepen expertise in Buddhist studies within monastic communities.

The project focuses on specialization in Buddhist studies, enabling researchers to explore major subjects such as Pramana, Prajnaparamita, Madhyamaka, Abhidharma, Tantra, and Vinaya. Each researcher engages in a three-year intensive study that culminates in a thesis evaluated by an expert committee. Over the past year, researchers have contributed to the field through quarterly submission of papers on specialized topics, including Kalachakra Tantra, Valid Cognition, Mandala of Deity, Generation Stage, and Completion Stage, with feedback provided by assigned supervisors. Regular workshops on research methodology and guidance sessions have supported their progress, while quarterly monitoring ensured alignment with project objectives.

Second Research Grant to Geluk International Foundation

Oral examination of training of specialist Geshes and Geshemas Phase I, April 2024
(source Geluk Internation Foundation Facebook).

Grant offered: US$37,500 

We are pleased to report the completion of Phase I of the Research and Training Project, funded through the LTKTF. This phase included the participation of 35 research scholars: five Geshes each from the monasteries of Sera, Drepung, and Gaden branches; along with five Geshemas from various nunneries.

The scholars completed their final year by submitting research papers, which were evaluated by 21 subject matter experts appointed by the Geluk International Foundation. After a thorough review process and a final oral examination conducted under the supervision of examiners, supervisors, and abbots in April 2024, 33 scholars successfully passed and were awarded passing certificates.

The success of Phase I paves the way for Phase II, which is progressing with strong enthusiasm and dedication from all involved. This grant has significantly contributed to advancing scholarship and study within the Geluk tradition.

Funding Educational Research for Future Tibetan Medical Doctors

Grant to Men-Tsee-Khang for Nyepa-sum (Three principal energies) Research

Men-Tsee-Khang held a 3-day conference and workshop on Tibetan Medicine and Astro-science in June 2024
(source: Men-Tsee-Khang Facebook).

Grant offered: US$15,000 

From April to September 2024, significant progress was made in Tibetan medical research, focusing on various disorders and the practical applications of traditional treatments. One major area of study involved tripa disorders, particularly patients with tripa-blood and tripa-mukpo combined disorders and gallbladder cancer. These patients showed positive responses to Tibetan medicinal treatments, though research faced challenges with patient availability due to seasonal festivals.

In the study of nyes pa rlung, the research delved into its critical role in embryonic development. Rlung was analyzed for its influence on cellular organization, nutrient distribution, and energy flow during the first month of pregnancy. This work bridged traditional Tibetan medical concepts with modern embryological understanding, highlighting rlung’s function in the formation of bodily structures and the establishment of consciousness.

Another key area of focus was the baekan research, the researcher worked extensively on comparing traditional Tibetan medical texts with patient symptoms and collaborating with mentors to strengthen their research.

In June 2024, the team participated in a Tibetan medical conference in Dharamsala, discussing cancer, benign tumors, and neurological disorders. This event fostered collaboration and provided valuable insights for ongoing research.

Looking ahead, the team aims to continue patient evaluations for various disorders, refine research papers, and enhance the practical application of findings in clinical practice. These efforts underscore a commitment to advancing Tibetan medicine through diligent study and patient care.

Thank you

We express our heartfelt gratitude to all donors and supporters who made these achievements possible. Together, we continue to rejoice in the enduring legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa and the profound impact of these activities on the global Buddhist community.

We invite you to be part of this auspicious journey. Your support can help us reach even greater heights in the coming years and help preserve the wisdom and compassion of Lama Tsongkhapa for generations to come!

If you would like to support the Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund, which preserves the unbroken Tsongkhapa lineage, and cultivates the foremost scholars of tomorrow. The fund provides support to the abbots and senior teachers of the Lama Tsongkhapa tradition, supports the annual Gelugpa exam and monks and nuns to attend the annual winter debate among many other activities.

Aerial view of the new long retreat rooms at IVY.

In January 2025, Institut Vajra Yogini (IVY), France, will host its 39th Annual Vajrayogini Retreat, guided this year by Jhampa Shaneman. This retreat, open to all who have received the Vajrayogini initiation, marks a special moment in fulfilling Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s wishes.

in 2019 Lama Zopa Rinpoche expressed his vision for more people to engage in the three-year Vajrayogini retreat. IVY then brought up their wish to create retreat rooms in which people could do this long retreat, up to three years. Rinpoche immediately pledged US$120,000 to help them complete this project. Due to the kindness of a benefactor, half of this was raised in 2020 and Lama Zopa Rinpoche personally offered the rest of the pledge through the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund the following year.

 These four individual long-term retreat rooms—each equipped with a private bathroom, individually-controlled air conditioning, and space for study and practice—are designed to provide ideal conditions for practitioners undertaking extended three-year Vajrayogini retreats.

View from one of the new long retreat rooms at IVY.

View of a new long retreat room at IVY.

IVY shares, “As we welcome the energy of retreatants this January, we rejoice in the manifestation of Rinpoche’s wishes and the opportunity to dedicate these rooms to practitioners embarking on deep and transformative retreats.

“We celebrate this milestone as a profound moment for the entire FPMT community! We offer heartfelt gratitude to Lama Zopa Rinpoche for his guidance, generosity, and dedication, which continue to inspire and support practitioners at Institut Vajra Yogini and worldwide.”

To inquire about long-term Vajrayogini retreats at IVY, or to register for the January Vajrayogini Retreat, please visit their website. 

With grateful thanks to IVY President Julia Lefebvre for providing details for this report. 

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

Large Padmasambhava  (Guru Rinpoche) thangka with Twenty-one Taras. Photo courtesy of Kopan Nunnery.

For the ninth year in a row, a very large thangka of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) was displayed and an auspicious 100,000 tsog offering event (Guru Bumtsog) took place at Khachoe Ghakyil Ling (Kopan Nunnery). This giant holy object is 70 feet (21 meters) high and 87 feet (27 meters) wide. This year, in addition to last year and every year going forward, this event occurred on Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s birthday, December 3. Below we share some of the rich history of this magnificent holy object, and we also share a moving report from Ven. Sarah Thresher on this year’s event.

Initial outline of the large Padmasambha thangka, November 2011.

History and Significance of the Large Padmasambhava Thangka

This holy object project and yearly event was initiated by Lama Zopa Rinpoche in early 2011 in order to follow the Tibetan tradition of displaying and honoring monumental thangkas. In this tradition, large thangkas are laid on mountains, monastery courtyards, or large walls once a year with annual prayers, pujas, and extensive offerings. The main purpose of this project was to contribute to the fulfillment of the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama including the preservation of Tibetan culture. 

The thangka was completed in October 2013 after 2.5 years of completely handmade work in a school gym in south India near Sera Je Monastery, where 10-12 artists worked at once. Ven. Roger Kunsang commented that there were materials all over the gym during the time it was being made, it seemed difficult to understand how it could all come together in the way it finally did.

Geshe Ngwang Sangye, who oversaw the creation of the thangka shares, “This project is a significant cultural and spiritual endeavor. It not only commemorates the teachings of Buddhism but also acts as a focal point for community gatherings and spiritual reflection, benefiting all beings through its intended use in rituals and teachings.”

Lama Zopa Rinpoche checking the progress on the Padmasambhava thangka, December 2012.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama blessing the Guru Rinpoche thangka, Sera Monastery, India, December 29, 2013. Photo copyright Rio Helmi/Jangchup Lamrim Teaching Organizing Committee.

The thangka was raised for the first time at Sera Je Monastery on the outside of the building when His Holiness the Dalai Lama was teaching in December of 2013. After the teaching His Holiness came to the monastery to bless the holy object. After the blessing, Rinpoche had an appointment with His Holiness and discussed various matters related to the thangka. From this meeting, the plan arose that Rinpoche wanted the thangka raised each year at Lawudo with the pujas and extensive offerings done there. However, at that time it was very difficult to find a way to get the thangka to Lawudo as it was too big and too heavy. Due to this Rinpoche decided to have it raised at Kopan Nunnery each year, which began in 2015 and has continued every year.

Since Rinpoche showed the aspect of passing away, it was decided to hold this event annually on Rinpoche’s birthday, December 3, as a special offering to Rinpoche in order to also fulfill his holy wishes.

The Kopan monks and nuns organize and manage this event with mastery and great care. The puja offered, Guru Bumtsog, is essentially the same as what is offered by His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Namgyal Monastery each year. In addition to helping fulfill the holy wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, this project illustrates a deep commitment to preserving and promoting Tibetan Buddhist culture while fostering community engagement through spiritual activities.

With grateful thanks to Geshe Ngawang Sangye for essential information on the history of this most precious object. 

The grounds of Kopan Nunnery during the Guru Bumtsog event on Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s birthday, December 3, 2024. Photo thanks to Kopan Nunnery.

Extraordinary Birthday Celebration for Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Kopan Nunnery

By Ven. Sarah Thresher

The Cham dance of the ging—messengers of Dorje Drollo performed by Kopan monks during the bumtsog event. Photo by Lesley Abhita

We enjoyed a most extraordinary birthday celebration for Rinpoche yesterday at the Kopan Nunnery with the annual Guru Bumtsog.

Like a seamless fusing of the two manifestations of the Lawudo Lama, the extensive Guru Bumtsog offering, based on a Northern treasures text by Rigdzin Godemchen, was led and inspired by the monks from Thame monastery in Thamichowa, Solukhumbu. Thame is Rinpoche’s “home” monastery so to speak—it is the monastery the first Lawudo Lama was connected to as a ngakpa practitioner and also where Rinpoche entered as a young child to be a monk. The Northern lineage, the gyaling, the dance of the gings and Dorje Drollo—all these are elements from Rinpoche’s past and present life. But the puja was energized by the love and devotion of Rinpoche’s hundreds of monks and nuns at the monastery and nunnery he created in Nepal in this life at Kopan along with the many lay people gathered—some from countries far away where our most cherished lama spread the Dharma throughout this world.

The weather was glorious, the huge applique thangka of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) merit field and Twenty-one Taras often seemed to dance in rhythm with the chanting. The offerings were beautiful and extensive. Seating and lunch and all details were immaculately arranged. Truly wonderful! And we were joined by such precious lamas as H.E. Jangtse Choeje Kyabje Gosok Rinpoche, Khandro-la [Khandro Kunga Bhuma], Thame Lama, and Dzigar Khenpo of Tsopema.

H.E. Jangtse Choeje Kyabje Gosok Rinpoche of Sera Mey Monastery presiding over the puja on December 3, 2024. Photo thanks to Kopan Nunnery.

Detail of the large Padmasambhava thangka. Photo courtesy of Tubten Pende.

Some of the crowd gathered for the Guru Bumstog event at Kopan Nunnery, December 3, 2024. Photo thanks to Kopan Nunnery.

And so from the depths of our hearts we pray that His Holiness Dalai Lama may live long and all his holy wishes be fulfilled and we request that a new magnificent and unmistaken manifestation of the Lawudo Lama, our most cherished Lama Zopa Rinpoche, swiftly return to continue his enlightened activities for all beings in a precious human form!

With thanks to Ven. Sarah Thresher for this moving brief report of the December 3, 2024 event, and to Geshe Ngawang Sangye for providing details of the history of this incredibly powerful holy object. 

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

Liberated goats at Kopan Liberation Sanctuary.

The Animal Liberation Fund supports ongoing animal liberations conducted by Sangha and students, which include extensive prayers and dedications for fulfilling Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s holy wishes, his gurus, sponsors, those who are sick or facing untimely death, and specific requests from the FPMT community. Supporting these liberations fosters long life for the animals, oneself, and those to whom the prayers are dedicated. The benefits are vast, impacting the saved creatures, supporters of the practice, and those dedicated in the prayers. The fund enables weekly liberations and extensive dedications at Buddha Amitabha Pure Land in Washington State, USA. We are delighted to share that the Animal Liberation Fund provided US$11,500 in grants to the Kopan Animal Liberation Sanctuary in Nepal and for the releasing and care of animals in Buddha Amitabha Pure Land in Washington State, USA.

Kopan Animal Liberation Sanctuary, Nepal

Kind local family of caretakers at Kopan Animal Liberation Sanctuary.

The Animal Liberation Sanctuary at Kopan Monastery in Nepal, initiated by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, is a haven of compassion and hope. This sanctuary rescues animals from slaughter, offering them a peaceful life and exposure to Buddha Dharma. Currently, it houses one buffalo, eight cows, two sheep, and fifty goats, all lovingly cared for by a local family of caretakers and dedicated team members.

One of the most heartwarming stories from the sanctuary is that of Bodhichitta, a buffalo blessed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Bodhichitta thrives in the sanctuary’s nurturing environment, enjoying daily life surrounded by care and love. The sanctuary also provides the joyful experiences of its cows and goats, each with unique personalities. Some goats are incredibly curious and love to explore, while others prefer lounging in the sun. Their well-cared-for lives are a testament to the sanctuary’s commitment to their well-being.

The animals at the sanctuary receive a diverse diet that includes fresh vegetables, fruits, and specially formulated feed. Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and treatments ensure their health and happiness. This comprehensive care underscores the sanctuary’s dedication to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all its residents.

Maintaining such a sanctuary requires significant resources. The estimated yearly expenditure for the sanctuary includes costs for feed, wages, and electricity, totaling US$23,547. In 2024, the Animal Liberation Fund offered a grant of $9,800 toward the annual expenses. This financial support is crucial for the sanctuary to continue its lifesaving work and to expand its reach to more animals in need.

Animal Liberation Practices in the USA

In Buddha Amitabha Pure Land in Washington State, USA, the Sangha members engage in various compassionate practices to benefit animals. They perform charity to ants, bless birds, and, on a monthly basis (excluding winter months), offering blessings upon all beings residing in lakes, praying for their well-being. They liberated about 33,780 animals (mainly insects) over the past year. The Animal Liberation Fund contributed US$1,500 to support this initiative.

Bird feeder with the Namgyalma mantra under the rooftop.

Blessing the lakes with Namgyalma mantra.

One of the local monks regularly fills a bird feeder with water infused with the powerful Padmasambhava mantra. When birds drink or bathe in this water, it creates conditions for them to attain enlightenment in a single lifetime. The monks also add finely powdered mani pills, blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, to the water. Additionally, a loudspeaker plays recordings of holy sutras and mantras continuously, purifying the birds’ minds and planting seeds for enlightenment.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche actively blessed lakes and other bodies of water to liberate the animals and fish residing within them. Sangha in Washington continues to carry on these virtuous activities according to Rinpoche’s advice. These blessings aim to alleviate suffering, free animals from the cycle of rebirth, and guide them towards Buddhahood. Methods include extensive prayers, recitation of mantras, placing laminated mantra papers on the water’s surface, and playing recorded mantras near the water. Blessing fish food before offering it also contributes to the well-being of aquatic beings.

Please watch this video of scenes from Buddha Amitabha Pure Land and the blessing of all beings in the lakes with Venerables Tharchin and Tenzin taking a small boat out with mantra flags and mantra board in order to bless all the beings:

Sangha blessing the animals in the Washington house.

The monks also practice charity to ants, following Rinpoche’s detailed instructions. They mix water, tsampa (roasted barley flour), sugar, butter, and crushed mani pills into a fine powder, which they sprinkle onto ants’ nests while reciting mantras, benefiting the ants.

Additionally, the monks built a worm pit to continue their animal liberation practices during winter. When performing these liberations, they offer powerful prayers for the ill, recently deceased, and those who have requested prayers, sharing the generated merit among many beings.

Since 2005, Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s unique approach to liberating animals has led to the liberation and blessing of over a million beings, including crickets, mice, worms, fish, ants, birds, and goats.

Heartfelt gratitude is extended to each and every compassionate donor who has supported the Animal Liberation Fund in the past and will continue to do so in the future. Your generosity is truly remarkable, and immense joy is felt as the positive impact of your contributions is recognized. With great appreciation, all the merits accumulated through animal liberation and blessing are dedicated towards the great enlightenment of all sentient beings. Thank you for your kindness and dedication to this auspicious cause!

Please explore more resources and inspiration for benefiting animals:
fpmt.org/education/prayers-and-practice-materials/benefiting-animals-practices-and-advice

All are welcome to contribute to the Animal Liberation Fund to help ensure that our work sponsoring animal rescue, care, and liberation continues. 

Monks offering puja at Kopan Monastery.

The merit multiplying day of Lhabab Duchen (commemorating Guru Shakyamuni Buddha’s return to Earth from the Realm of the Thirty-Three), occurs on November 22, 2024 this year. On this day, up to ten thousand Sangha will be engaging in powerful prayers and practices for the benefit of all beings and in particular for the swift return of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and our FPMT family—all the centers, services, and projects and all the members, volunteers, and kind benefactors.

The Sangha will be reciting the entire Prajnaparamita, offering Medicine Buddha pujas, One Thousand Offerings to Namgyalma, and many other practices. During the pujas, with great respect, a monetary offering will be made to all Sangha engaged in the prayers.

Rinpoche explained during the Four Kadampa Deities Retreat, Institut Vajra Yogini, France, 2003: “The Puja Fund was not revealed for quite a number of years, but then somebody thought that maybe it’s a good idea to let other people know, in case somebody wants to put some donation in the fund. So, then they get this chance to collect all this merit, of having made offerings, even if what the person donated is very little, but it covers all this, offering to the same gurus’ disciples, to all the Sangha in the monasteries. … It’s like putting a drop into the ocean then it gets mixed with the rest of ocean, so until the ocean finishes, the drop that you put in the ocean doesn’t finish. … These pujas will go on forever, for as long as these monasteries last. Even if one is in the hell realm, but the pujas are still going on … even when one is born as ant, crawling on the ground or on the trees, these pujas will still be going on in the human world.”

Rinpoche further explained in 2003: “These pujas  happen on the special days, on Buddha days where you collect one hundred million merits. So, if you offer one rupee, you collect the merit of having offered one hundred million rupees. If you offer one cup of tea to the Sangha, you collect the merit of having offered one hundred million cups of tea.”

Regarding the offerings to the stupas and Buddha statue in Bodhgaya, Rinpoche said: “To do all these offerings. It is unimaginable, incredibly fortunate, so fortunate to be able to do that. It’s such unbelievable merit, to offer to these actual manifestations of the Buddhas and these holy objects.”

Monks offering puja at Sera Lachi Monastery.

Rinpoche explains that he set up the pujas in his gurus’ monasteries, “because if you offer to your guru’s disciple, even if it is just a glass of water or one cup of tea, you collect merit far greater than having made offering to all the numberless Buddhas, numberless Dharma, numberless Sangha, numberless statues, numberless stupas, numberless scriptures, all the holy objects. Making offerings to one’s guru’s disciples or the guru’s dog, giving even one biscuit to the guru’s dog, you collect far greater merit than having made offerings to numberless Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, and the statues, stupas, scriptures.

Therefore, these pujas are arranged in Sera, Gaden, Drepung, Gyudmed, Gyuto and Kopan monastery and nunnery, where there are many, many thousands of Sangha and they are all His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s disciples. By remembering the guru, if you offer to each Sangha, you collect far greater merit than having made offerings to all those holy objects.

It is the same at the center. There are so many people there who are also your gurus’ disciples, so if you offer tea (including to lay people), if you offer food at the center, drinks during puja, or any offerings to them at any time, you collect more merit than having made offerings to numberless Buddhas, numberless Dharma, numberless Sangha, numberless statues, stupas, scriptures, all the holy objects. So therefore, there is an unbelievable, incredible opportunity right at the center where one studies Dharma.

You are most welcome to be part of this vast offering to the Sangha, and to be held within their extensive dedications, by contributing any amount.

The prayers, pujas, and offerings sponsored on Lhabab Duchen:

Robes offered to the main Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya, India.

• The monks of Gyudmed Tantric College will be reciting the Prajnaparamita (three versions).
• The monks of Sera Lachi, Ganden Lachi, Drepung Lachi and Gyuto Tantric College will be offering Medicine Buddha puja, One Thousand Offerings to Namgyalma and Namgyalma Long Life puja, Sixty-four Offerings to Kalarupa, and King of Prayers.
• The Sangha of Kopan Monastery and Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery will be offering Medicine Buddha pujas.
• All ten thousand Sangha will recite the Names of Manjrushri for the swift return of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
• Offerings will be made to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and all of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s gurus, such as Jhado Rinpoche, H.E Ling Rinpoche and many others.
• A monetary offering will be made to the ten thousand Sangha, as well as all Sangha residing in the IMI monastic communities around the world.
• New robes will be offered to the Buddha statue in Bodhgaya; and saffron paint, umbrellas, and banners will be offered to Boudhanath and Swayambhunath stupas, with strong prayers.
• Animals will be liberated and there will be the printing of precious sutras such as The Golden Light Sutra, Arya Sanghata Sutra, Vajra Cutter Sutra, Amitayus Long Life Sutra and Sutra of Great Liberation.

Thank you to all who undertake these practices and those who make the offerings possible. You are welcome to join in all these offerings arranged on Lhabab Duchen and on all the future merit multiplying days.

The Puja Fund was established by Lama Zopa Rinpoche to provide resources for continuous pujas dedicated to the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to the success of all the FPMT centers, projects, services, students, benefactors and those serving the organization in any way. You can learn more about the Puja Fund, or FPMT’s other extensive charitable activity. 

Sagarmatha Secondary School students, May 2024.

Since 2012, the FPMT’s Social Services Fund has been a cornerstone of support for schools in India and Nepal, catering to students from Tibetan, Nepali, Sherpa, and Indian backgrounds. This initiative ensures that these schools can provide quality education at no cost by covering essentials such as food, uniforms, school supplies, and teacher salaries. In 2024 alone, the fund allocated US$213,052 to seven schools, positively impacting nearly 1,500 children. This remarkable effort not only delivers essential modern education but also preserves cultural heritage and Buddhadharma teachings.

Sagarmatha Secondary School | Sambhota Tibetan School CVP Bylakuppe | Ngari Institute | Shree Sangka Dhechholing Gonpa School | Maitreya School | Rolwaling Sangag Choling Monastery School | Gaden Jangtse Monastic College | How to Help

Sagarmatha Secondary School, located in Chailsa, Solukhumbu, Nepal, is dedicated to providing holistic education to its students. The school emphasizes academic excellence, cultural heritage, and personal development through a variety of enriching programs and activities.

In 2023 Sagarmatha School admitted 25 new students, bringing the total to 235. A dental campaign improved students’ oral health, and an English debate competition saw Grade 9 and 10 students tie for first place. The school bid farewell to Director Ven. Thupten Khedup and welcomed new Director Ven. Lhundup Tsundue.

In May and June 2023, the school organized a Nepali elocution competition, with Grade 10 students securing top positions. Republic Day was marked with calligraphy and essay writing competitions. A prayer session was held on the 49th day of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s passing. An English poem recitation competition and a student club election were also conducted.

October and November 2023 saw an inter-house English drama competition. A new martial arts class in karate was introduced. Students participated in the “Thank You Solukhumbu” program and received warm clothes for winter. Students also attended the Guru Bhumtsok offering.

In February and March 2024, Losar was celebrated, and Saraswati Puja was performed for wisdom. They held an open art and craft exhibition as well that showcased students’ creativity.

These activities not only fostered a sense of community and learning but also provided students with opportunities to develop various skills and celebrate their cultural heritage. The school’s commitment to holistic education is evident through these diverse and enriching programs. The Social Services Fund, which has been supporting the school since 2015, and in 2024 we have allocated US$48,000, further aiding the school’s development and initiatives. With thanks also for the kind help of grants from Yeshe Norbu Association and Unione Buddhista Italiana (U.B.I.), enabling us to offer this support.

Sambhota Tibetan School students enjoying their lunch.

Following the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959, thousands of Tibetan refugees fled to India, Nepal, and Bhutan. To address the urgent need for education among refugee children, the Tibetan government in exile, with support from Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, established the Central Tibetan Schools Administration. In 1999, the Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society (STSS) was formed to manage schools previously overseen by the Department of Education, now overseeing 56 schools with a mission to foster wisdom, compassion, and innovation.

Sambhota Tibetan School CVP Bylakuppe, located in the Tibetan Dickey Larsoe Settlement in Karnataka, was taken over by STSS on May 5, 2018. Established in 1971, currently, it runs classes from one to ten, with Tibetan as the medium of instruction at the primary level and English from class six onwards.

The Social Services Fund has been a consistent supporter of the school in Bylakuppe. In 2024, it extended its assistance to US$6,081 to cover the vegetarian lunch program for 125 students, comprising 69 boys and 56 girls, ensuring their nutritional needs are met.

Nestled in the remote, desert-like region of Ladakh, the Ngari Institute plays a crucial role in preserving Tibetan culture, religion, and way of life. Ladakh, known for its stunning high-altitude landscapes, is home to a significant Tibetan community. Over the decades, many Tibetans have sought refuge in Ladakh, especially after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959. This has led to a rich blend of Tibetan and Ladakhi cultures.

Ngari Institute students.

Founded in 2010 and inaugurated by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in 2016, the Ngari Institute currently supports 62 students and is staffed by a dedicated team of 21 regular and 9 temporary members. The institute aims to eventually educate 200 children, focusing on orphans, children of single parents, those from impoverished backgrounds, and young monks.

Primary school students attend government public schools, while intermediate and secondary students are enrolled in private schools, with all fees covered by the institute. After school, hired teachers help students with their homework, and resident monks teach Tibetan language and meditation practices. The institute provides essential provisions such as room, board, tuition fees, books, clothing allowances, and medical care.

In addition to its educational efforts, the Ngari Institute is constructing a Buddha Relics Temple and retreat rooms. They are also working on extending the Girls’ Hostel and planning to plant 1,000 trees. Their mission is to preserve Tibetan Buddhism of the Nalanda Tradition and Tibetan culture.

The Social Services Fund has been supporting the institute since 2013, sponsoring their annual food budget with a contribution of US$30,556 in 2024.

Shree Sangka Decholing Gonpa School’s students, March 2024.

Shree Sangka Dhechholing Gonpa School is located in Taplejung, Nepal, an area renowned for its proximity to Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, adding to the natural beauty that surrounds the school. Registered in 2007, Shree Sangka School faced challenges in its early years and was not able to function properly until 2014. It was during this time that Ven. Thubten Jikdol, a senior Kopan Monastery monk, took the initiative to run the school, gradually expanding the grounds in 2016. Over the span of seven years, the school faced various obstacles that are common for schools in the Himalayan regions. These challenges included developing new curriculums, establishing monastic schools for monks and nuns, as well as creating schools for the lay communities. The aim was to incorporate Buddhist teachings, focusing on love, compassion, joy, and equanimity, with the goal of nurturing a caring society and fostering the development of good human beings.

Since 2019, the school has been receiving support from the Social Services Fund. Moreover, the responsibility for the school has now been taken over by Kopan Monastery, further solidifying its commitment to the school’s growth and development. Currently, eleven teachers educate 171 students, including 86 girls and 85 boys, who start at age three. The curriculum, taught in English and Nepali, focuses on modern subjects as well as Buddhist teachings and culture, ensuring a well-rounded education for the students. Classes are offered up to Grade ten.

In 2024, the Social Services Fund offered US$36,042, which covers the entire budget of the school for the year, demonstrating our continued support and dedication to the school’s mission and development.

Students of Maitreya School wearing their new uniforms.

Maitreya School, a project of the Root Institute in Bodhgaya, India, is dedicated to providing quality education while fostering the overall growth and well-being of its 263 students. The school integrates academic excellence with cultural awareness and personal development through a variety of enriching programs and activities.

The Maitreya School Report for 2023 highlights numerous activities and events that underscore the school’s commitment to holistic education and student development. One significant initiative was the Girls Hygiene Awareness program, where eighth-grade girls, along with their teachers and volunteers from Days for Girls, educated local girls about menstrual hygiene and distributed sustainable menstruation kits to over 200 girls. The school celebrated Republic Day and Saraswati Puja on January 26, 2023, with traditional rituals and festivities.

A farewell party for the eighth-grade students was held on March 4, 2023, featuring performances, games, and heartfelt speeches. The school also conducted a successful Parents-Teacher Meeting, fostering communication between parents and teachers. Students participated in a procession to the Mahabodhi Temple for Buddha Jayanti on May 5, 2023, engaging in meditation and chanting.

Other notable activities included a Hindi essay competition, a cyber security workshop, a French song performance, and Children’s Day celebrations. An educational tour to Patna provided practical learning experiences, including a visit to the Patna Zoo.

The Social Services Fund has supported the school since 2013 and was delighted to offer US$29,400 in 2024, and on behalf of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who used to annually visit the school and at that time offer new school uniforms, bags and shows, Ven.Roger Kunsang offed an additional US$4800 for this year’s purchase of new uniforms for all students. This ongoing support has been crucial in enhancing the educational experience and overall development of the students at Maitreya School.

Rolwaling Sangag Choling Monastery School’s students, teachers and Kopan monks.

The Rolwaling Sangag Choling Monastery School, located in the Rolwaling Valley of Nepal, is a community-run free school providing both secular and Buddhist education. The school is serving 26 students and supporting senior students in their Ngondro preliminary practice.

Key activities in 2023 included the purchase and transportation of food supplies, collection of timber for firewood, and potato plantation, ensuring the school’s self-sufficiency in essential resources. Students participated in significant religious and cultural activities, such as the Dumji festival and Manyen prayer ceremony, preserving local traditions. Senior monk-students completed their ngondro practices under the guidance of Ngawang Lapsum Rinpoche and undertook a pilgrimage and educational tour to sacred Buddhist sites in India and Nepal, enhancing their spiritual and educational experience.

The academic year, running from March to December, included three main examinations. The school benefited from the contributions of volunteer English teachers, which improved students’ language skills and confidence.

The Social Services Fund has supported the school since 2014 and in 2024, it offered US$20,200 to cover their annual expenses covering salaries, food supplies, uniforms, books, transportation, internet, electricity, emergency medical rescue, and firewood collection wages. The school continues to play a vital role in the community, providing education and preserving cultural heritage.

Gaden Jangtse Monastic College’s students with their new textbooks.

Gaden Jangtse Monastic College, located in South India, is a prominent institution within the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The college focuses on educating and training monks in Buddhist philosophy, scripture, debate, and meditation, aiming to preserve and promote Tibetan Buddhist teachings and values. The Gaden Jangtse School, part of the college, currently has 570 students and 15 salaried teachers, with an additional 15 volunteer teachers who are senior monks.

The school has had an eventful past months. They announced the annual examination results and distributed new textbooks and notebooks to all students. A significant highlight was the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 89th birthday in July, which brought together teachers, staff, and students for a joyous occasion. Recognizing the importance of health and hygiene, the school completed a new toilet and bathroom project in July, ensuring better facilities for the students.

Additionally, the school maintained its commitment to staff welfare by ensuring timely payment of teachers’ salaries. The Social Services Fund has been a crucial supporter, offering US$37,973 to cover teachers’ salaries in 2024. With thanks also for the kind help of a grant from Unione Buddhista Italiana (U.B.I.) that enabled us to offer this support.

How to Help

All are welcome to offer toward the Social Services Fund, to support the education of those who are truly vulnerable and in need in India and Nepal. 

The Social Services Fund, established to support Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for the FPMT organization, focuses efforts primarily in India, Nepal, Tibet and Mongolia. Funds help children, the elderly, sick, and very poor.

Progress on the Stupa of Complete Victory (right) being built at Kopan Monastery. Photo by Ven. Tenzin Tsultrim.

As we have previously reported, a Stupa of Complete Victory is being built at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, for the swift return of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and actualization of all his wishes. Venerable Tenzin Tsultrim was recently at Kopan Monastery and provided these beautiful photos showing the progress. We are very happy to share a short update on recent progress that has been made on the stupa and share these new photos, as well as some of the meanings of stupas, and the benefits of building these holy objects. 

Progression of the Stupa of Complete Victory at Kopan Monastery. Photo by Ven. Tenzin Tsultrim.

The stupa build has reached the section of the precious vase. The vase sits on four round levels which represent the four mindfulnesses. On top of the throne is the circle of the lotus flower, which is the highest realization of the previous set of attainments: the five powers. The dome-like round part symbolizes the vase where the actual Buddha is situated and represents the celestial mansion of enlightened beings.

From Statues and Stupas: Benefits and Practices Related to Statues and Stupas:

“The actual stupa has the entire representation of how Buddha, from the very basis or beginning, trained on the path and finally perfected himself. So, it reveals the entire path traveled and the results of the practices engaged in by Lord Buddha Shakyamuni. If one builds a stupa that has all the qualities that have been described, then in that particular place where the stupa is built, all the beings that live in that area will receive numerous benefits. They will have a peaceful atmosphere, much harmony and happiness, and good livelihood. …”

“The entire stupa represents the ultimate qualities of the Buddha’s mind and is therefore a very precious and holy object. By making prostrations and offerings to it and circumambulations around it, one receives huge virtue. …”

Stupa of Complete Victory progression at Kopan Monastery. Photo by Ven. Tenzin Tsultrim.

“The benefit we get each time we see a statue of Buddha, a picture of Buddha, or a stupa is like the limitless sky. It causes us to achieve all the realizations from guru devotion up to enlightenment and to achieve all the numberless qualities of the Buddha’s holy body, speech, and mind. …”

“Holy objects leave only positive imprints, no negative imprints. When we watch TV or go sightseeing in the city, many of the things we see leave negative imprints on our mind, depending on how we look at them. But the benefit that we get from looking at holy objects is like the limitless sky. Thus, it is very important to have as many holy objects as possible outside the house and inside the house. …”

View of the levels of the Stupa of Complete Victory. Photo by Ven. Tenzin Tsultrim.

“Pabongkha Dechen Nyingpo mentioned in the lam-rim teachings that one should treat holy objects as though they were the actual living Buddha and not as material things. Every time you look at your altar, think that these holy objects are the actual living Buddha, but for the time being the only karma you have is to see Buddha in these forms, as statues or pictures. Later, when you achieve the path of accumulation of merit, you will see them as the actual living Buddha. Your view changes as your mind progresses. That is why it is said that holy objects are manifestations, that Buddha manifests as stupas and so on.”

Padmasambhava explaining the benefits of building stupas to King Trisong Detsen:  “All those who rejoice in the stupa will generate every single quality of a buddha in their mental continuum.”

We still need funds to complete this beautiful stupa, please consider supporting in whatever way you can:  https://fpmt.org/projects/fpmt/lzr-complete-victory-stupa/

Please read more about the holy objects supported through the Holy Objects Fund.