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.

An audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama during Patient Care Trust’s camp for the top 21 doctors and administrators from three major supporting institutions of PCT since 2012 including AIIMS-Delhi, Safdarjung, and NITRD-Delhi, and the PCT Director, September 2023.

In 2024, the FPMT Social Services Fund, driven by a commitment to compassion to others, made a significant impact by allocating over US$501,284 to support various initiatives in India, Nepal and Mongolia. Dedicated to improving the lives of those in need, the fund focuses on vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, the sick, and the extremely poor. By providing grants for essential resources such as hospitals, health clinics, soup kitchens, substance abuse, and medical training and education. The fund supports local Indian, Tibetan, Nepali, and Mongolian communities. Through these efforts, the FPMT Social Services Fund continues its mission to alleviate suffering and foster positive change, enhancing the overall well-being of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Shakyamuni Health Clinic | Maitri Charitable Trust | Lamp of the Path | Patient Care Trust | Tibetan Heart Foundation | Rewa Youth Center | Integrated Indigenous Tribal Children Ministry of India | Karuna Hospital | How to Help

Special day of programs on women’s health issues at Shakyamuni Health Clinic.

Shakyamuni Health Clinic, a vital initiative of Root Institute for Wisdom Culture, has made impressive strides in improving healthcare accessibility in rural Bihar, India, as detailed in its 2023 impact report. Located in Bodhgaya, the clinic expanded its services significantly, seeing 34,095 patients in total —an 8% increase over the previous year. This achievement is particularly remarkable in a region where 88% of the population lives in underserved rural areas.

A key feature of Shakyamuni Health Clinic is its mobile clinic, which visited local villages 8,671 times in the last year. The clinic provides essential services such as medical tests, medication, and follow-ups. In addition, the clinic added dental services in April, providing 256 consultations despite only being open twice a month. The hope is to increase the frequency of dental care in 2024. Physiotherapy also remains a cornerstone of the clinic’s work, with 3,022 sessions conducted this year, helping patients—especially children with cerebral palsy—regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

The health clinic takes a holistic approach to care, offering allopathic, homeopathic, acupuncture, and physiotherapy treatments. A new allopathic nurse recently joined the staff, enhancing the clinic’s ability to provide comprehensive care. Moreover, educational workshops were held for adolescents at the Maitreya Universal Education School, promoting better health awareness among the youth.

Infrastructure improvements, including dental clinic upgrades and repainting the clinic, were made possible through generous donations. In 2024 the Social Services Fund contributed US$29,400, helping sustain the clinic’s operations.

Patient at a deformities camp in Imamganj.

Maitri Charitable Trust is dedicated to providing essential humanitarian services in India, focusing on healthcare, education, and social welfare for underserved communities. The trust’s initiatives encompass leprosy treatment, maternal and child health programs, animal welfare, and education for marginalized groups. Guided by compassion and Buddhist principles, Maitri’s efforts offer hope and significantly improve the quality of life for thousands in need.

The rising cost of living has heavily impacted the communities served by Maitri, leading to increased financial strain and a surge in patient attendance at their clinics. In response, staff salaries were raised to reflect the challenging environment. Despite these economic pressures, their commitment to primary healthcare remains unwavering. However, the treatment of leprosy and tuberculosis (TB) has not yet met the necessary standards for control or elimination. Maitri has intensified efforts to detect and follow up on new cases, addressing these pressing public health concerns.

Key initiatives included identifying and managing 360 new TB cases, collecting 180 sputum samples for analysis, and extending assistance to 101 under-treatment patients through monthly food rations. An Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) program raised awareness about TB across 1,052 villages. In leprosy care, 540 new cases were registered, and the Prevention of Deformities (POD) program was implemented. Awareness efforts reached 1,741 villages through community outreach and educational initiatives.

The FPMT Social Service Fund has offered US$68,600 in annual support to further bolster their initiatives in 2024.

Lamp of the Path (LOP) NGO, under FPMT Mongolia, has been a cornerstone of community service in the Amgalan ger district of Ulaanbaatar for twenty years. Operating since 2003, their soup kitchen serves 40-50 meals daily to the homeless and those struggling with alcoholism. In 2023, it provided 10,052 meals, creating a supportive and caring environment. Monthly health check-ups are conducted in collaboration with local and international medical teams, and the program also includes alcohol abuse counseling and psychological support. LOP distributes warm clothing to families and individuals, especially during the harsh winter months.

The organization grows vegetables in two greenhouses and a large garden, producing 1,301 kilograms (2,868 pounds) of vegetables last year. These are used in the soup kitchen, sold to generate funds, and distributed to needy families. The Meals on Wheels program delivers meals to 21 people in 9 families who are unable to visit the soup kitchen due to age, disability, or illness. Launched in 2023, the Children’s Program offers weekly classes on Buddhadharma, life skills, and cultural heritage to children aged 6-14. The program includes field trips and special events.

Significant upgrades were made to the LOP facilities, including a new water well, a vegetable storage unit, and a garage for the food delivery vehicle. Looking ahead, LOP expanded its services in 2024, including enhancing the Soup Kitchen and Children’s Program, and exploring new partnerships to support the community further. For instance in 2023, they have revitalized links with Alcoholic Anonymous outreach workers and initiated collaborations with organizations like the Mongolian Quilting Center and OneSky Mongolia to provide training and support to single mothers and caregivers.

Support from the Social Services Fund, amounting to US$39,200, has been instrumental in sustaining all these initiatives.

Beneficiaries of the Lamp of the Path Soup Kitchen enjoying their daily lunch.

Patient Care Trust (PCT), an NGO operating primarily in Northern India, is dedicated to providing essential healthcare services to the Tibetan community in exile. The organization focuses on supporting the ordained Sangha, elderly Tibetans, and delivering crucial social services. 

One of PCT’s notable achievements is the organization of free medical camps in collaboration with leading government hospitals such as AIIMS-Delhi, Safdarjung, and NITRD. These camps provide in-person diagnostics, minor surgeries, and preventative care to vulnerable Tibetans, particularly in remote areas like Dharamsala and Bodhgaya. To date, PCT has conducted nine medical camps, reaching hundreds of individuals and offering life-saving care.

In addition to medical camps, PCT addresses critical medical emergencies by referring patients to top hospitals, significantly reducing costs by 80-90% compared to private healthcare. Since 2020, PCT has supported over 8,500 patients, providing services ranging from life-saving surgeries to long-term treatment plans. Additionally, the NGO offers destitute aid to cover medical costs for the most impoverished patients and provides housing support for those undergoing long-term treatments in Delhi hospitals. This comprehensive approach ensures that financial and logistical challenges do not hinder access to proper care.

Looking ahead, PCT’s activities will be further strengthened by the Social Service Fund’s support of US$18,762 in 2024. 

The Tibetan Heart Foundation’s free medical camp.

Tibetan Heart Foundation is a beacon of hope, delivering comprehensive healthcare services to Tibetan settlements across India and significantly improving health outcomes for these communities. Rooted in compassion and altruism, the foundation addresses critical healthcare gaps, especially in rural areas like Bylakuppe, Hunsur, Kollegal, and the Mainpat Tibetan Settlement in Chhattisgarh.

Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to holistic and preventive healthcare, the Tibetan Heart Foundation addresses the needs of approximately 35,000 individuals annually. Its dedication to enhancing the quality of life in Tibetan communities ensures that health and well-being are prioritized for all ages and backgrounds, fostering healthier, more informed societies across these settlements.

A key initiative of the foundation is organizing free medical camps, which provide essential healthcare services and early health check-ups, thereby reducing the financial burden on patients. These camps offer a variety of medical services, including 2D Echos, ECGs, bone mineral density tests, mammography screenings, and pap smear tests. Additionally, the foundation distributes general medicines as prescribed by doctors, ensuring patients receive necessary care without financial strain.

Preventive care and health education are also central to the foundation’s mission. Their initiatives focus on educating communities about heart health and the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), particularly in Southern Indian settlements. By raising awareness and promoting proactive health management, the foundation empowers residents to take charge of their well-being.

The foundation also invests in educational endeavors, such as distributing CPR dummies to schools for training and conducting emergency medical training tours for students. These programs equip community members with critical skills and knowledge to manage health emergencies effectively.

Recent accomplishments of the foundation include successful free medical camps in Bylakuppe and Kollegal. In Bylakuppe, the camps served 150 individuals, primarily the elderly, providing services such as 2D Echos, ECGs, Pap smear tests, and distributing 89 free spectacles. Similarly, the Kollegal camp benefited 109 people, offering ECGs, Pap smear tests, bone mineral density checks, and breast examinations.

In 2024, the foundation received an offering of US$11,082 from the Social Services Fund to support its operations. This contribution is crucial in sustaining and expanding the foundation’s impactful work.

Ngawang Nyima, the Founder of Rewa Youth Center, offers a daily counseling group session.

Rewa Youth Center in Rajpur, Dehradun, India, is a dedicated initiative aimed at supporting Tibetan young men struggling with substance abuse. Established with the mission to provide comprehensive care and rehabilitation, the center has made significant efforts over the past years. Through a combination of innovative programs and community outreach, Rewa is committed to fostering recovery and personal growth among its patients.

In 2023-2024 the center has introduced several new programs, including one-on-one counseling, virtual therapy sessions, and enhanced staff training to better address addiction and mental health issues. Community outreach efforts have expanded as well, incorporating art therapy, yoga, and mindfulness training, which have been well-received by participants. The introduction of online counseling initiatives and a guitar luthier program exemplifies Rewa’s dedication to holistic recovery and skill development. Additionally, the center has expanded its educational offerings to include comprehensive addiction and recovery education, addressing root causes, triggers, and healthy coping mechanisms.

Another center’s notable achievements is the introduction of a food truck initiative, providing employment opportunities for those who have completed their treatment programs. Additionally, the center has organized outdoor activities and weekly sessions on Buddhist teachings to support spiritual growth. Over the past six months, 29 new participants have joined the program, and 19 individuals have graduated. Employment opportunities have been secured for several graduates too.

Overall, Rewa has successfully helped 55 people recover from addiction, achieving a 70% success rate. The center remains committed to providing quality care and ongoing support to ensure lasting recovery for its patients.

Financially, the center has utilized grants from various organizations to cover rent, utility bills, and hire experienced counselors familiar with Tibetan culture. The Social Services Fund offered US$14,240 to support their efforts.

With sincere thanks and gratitude to Italian Buddhist Union for providing grants for the above three initiatives that enabled this essential support.

IITCMI’s shelter is nearly finished, funded in part by a grant from Lama Zopa Rinpoche the Social Services Fund.

Integrated Indigenous Tribal Children Ministry of India (IITCMI) is dedicated to supporting homeless and orphaned children from indigenous and tribal communities. Their mission is to provide a safe, nurturing environment with access to basic necessities, education, and healthcare.

Karma Tashi of IITCMI offering thanks for the contribution from Lama Zopa Rinpoche toward the orphanage.

IITCMI focuses on creating stable living conditions for children who have lost their families or homes. One notable project is the construction of a shelter for these vulnerable children, which began in 2019. This initiative, supported by individual donations and a generous fund from Lama Zopa Rinpoche, aims to offer a secure living environment. Lama Zopa Rinpoche contributed US$50,000 through the Social Services Fund, substantially aiding the project. In 2024, significant progress has been made, with all necessary materials, including doors and windows, purchased and ready for setup. Electrical installation, painting, and fencing work are currently in progress, adding the finishing touches to the facility.

Despite the progress, the project has faced challenges, particularly due to recent riots in the area, which have affected the transportation and delivery of construction materials, causing delays. However, the team remains committed to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring the timely completion of the shelter.

In 2022 Lama Zopa Rinpoche met Dr. Ram Kumar Shrestha, who had just summited Mount Everest to raise funds for a much-needed catheterization laboratory or Cath lab for Nepal. Cath labs are used to treat patients with heart conditions minimally, without resorting to major surgeries or other invasive procedures and are an important part of treating heart conditions.

Catheterization laboratory

A cath lab is a procedural hospital room where minimally invasive tests and procedures are performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease. The procedures performed in a cath lab involve tiny, flexible tubes called catheters (which is where the name is derived from). These catheters can be used as an alternative to surgery to access the heart and blood vessels.

Rinpoche was very impressed with Dr. Ram’s efforts and understanding the need for this essential medical equipment in Nepal in 2022 and 2023, Rinpoche personally began fundraising for it and committed to give US$300,000 for the cath lab.

In 2024 we were able to fulfill Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s commitment and offered US$300,000 to The Karuna Hospital in Nepal for the cath lab system. A student of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who is a medical doctor, has also been facilitating the acquisition of the equipment at a good rate and getting it into Nepal.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the compassionate donors who generously supported the crucial projects aimed at assisting local communities in 2024. Your kindness and contributions have made a remarkable impact and are truly appreciated.

How to Help

All are welcome to offer toward the Social Services Fund, to support essential health care for those who are truly vulnerable and in need. 

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.

“The beautiful approach to Thame is completely washed away and instead there is a canyon of stones and gushing water from what are now three streams flowing through the village.”

“All these houses have suffered damage and some are damaged beyond repair.”

As previously reported, on August 16 of this year, the village of Thame, birthplace of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, was hit with a devastating flood which destroyed homes, community property, and everything owned or cherished by villagers. Remarkably, not a single life was lost, but the loss of everything else was immense. The river that used to flow next to the village now runs directly through it, taking up half the land. The ground is unstable with landslides and cracks. The future of the entire settlement remains completely uncertain. 

Venerable Sarah Thresher recently shared some photos, videos, and her reflections on the situation in Thame. This footage, and her thoughtful insight, really highlight the severity of the situation, and the need for all of our help:

“It was impossible not to feel a deep sadness surveying the damage in Thame as the whole landscape of the village has changed irreparably: potato fields are strewn with sand and boulders, houses and lodges have been swept away or irreparably damaged, and the land is cracking, unstable and subsiding.

“Right now, it’s hard to know what the future holds. But we found a community working together and striving to keep hope alive and rebuild and reopen despite the pain in their hearts—and your support really does make a difference.”

“First view of Thame … it’s still so beautiful despite the destruction. Such a special place.”

Video from the Yak Hotel, Thame Nepal:
https://youtube.com/shorts/_jPUafS4oxI?si=GzXrtG6zX8bYcXuJ

“[Regarding video]: This is the view from the back window of the Yak Hotel where I stayed in June. The dining room and kitchen were swept away along with the original house, new shower and toilet and the whole back garden and connected fields. The guesthouse is now perched over a roaring river and gutted… Behind, houses, the school, a clinic and guesthouse were washed away. It’s not even possible for the locals to say where they were located—the landscape has changed so much.”

Ruins of the Yak Hotel.

“Ruins of the Yak Hotel perched over the new river that has replaced a gentle stream flowing through green fields. To get to the hotel from Rinpoche’s house it is now necessary to climb down the bank of the river, clamber over huge boulders and then walk over a simple makeshift bridge.”

Video of view from Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s birth home and prayer wheel:
https://youtube.com/shorts/MSY4UDj1N8Y?si=oDcGUTURAP0oOBjT

“[Regarding the video]: The view from Rinpoche’s birth house and the prayer wheel. Potato fields are now strewn with sand and boulders and houses washed away.”

Ani Tsultrim praying at Rinpoche’s throne in his birth home, Thame, Nepal.

“Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s birth house which is now a makeshift restaurant and hotel for Rinpoche’s relatives who lost the Yak Hotel. Here is Ani Tsultrim praying to Rinpoche’s throne as the early morning sunlight streams through the window.”

View from Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s birth house.

“View from the prayer wheel, which was sponsored by Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Rinpoche’s sister Anila Ngawang Samten, and Rinpoche’s house.”

Video of the view of Thame from the ridge and Tara Temple:
https://youtube.com/shorts/NWsHg0PwSNk?si=hfz8BWfdn1dufrpk

“[Regarding video]: The view of Thame from the ridge and Tara Temple above. The houses hugging the ridge are okay but the view is deceptive because many of these fields and house are unstable and sinking and cracking—no longer habitable. The future is uncertain. As the camera pans around you see how the village is now cut by three rivers which have formed gullies and the upper part of the village is now fields strewn with boulders and sand.”

Kayla and Yangchen of Thame’s Yak Hotel. “We laugh and smile but there is pain in our hearts.”

“Kayla and Yangchen are trying to rebuild their lives amid all the uncertainty, making a place for trekkers and pilgrims to eat and stay. They lost their Yak Hotel in the flash flood and were lucky to be able to run for their lives and survive. ‘We laugh and smile but there is pain in our hearts,’ Kayla told me.

“No matter how much you hear about it nothing prepares you for the devastation of Thame when you see it.”

With grateful thanks to Ven. Sarah Thresher for these words, photos, and video. 

How to Help

In response to this crisis, the Thame Support Fund has been established to provide essential aid to the residents of Thame and support their future needs. The fund will be administered through Kopan’s Helping Hands, who will work directly with the community to assess and address their needs. Please consider offering support at this most critical time: https://fpmt.org/support/socialservices/thame/

Please watch and read about a recent interview with a Thame family who describe their experience, and the uncertain situation of Thame. 

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. 

One of the many houses devastated by the recent flooding in Thame, Nepal.

On August 16, 2024, the serene Himalayan village of Thame, birthplace of our kind guru Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, faced an unprecedented calamity. Two Thyanbo glacial lakes burst their banks, unleashing a devastating flood that would forever alter the landscape and lives of its inhabitants. This glacial lake outburst flood struck with fierce intensity at 1:30 p.m., leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The flood’s impact was immediate and severe. many homes crumbled under the torrent’s force, while the village’s elementary school and clinic – pillars of community life – were swept away.

Image of the flooding in Thame.

In the aftermath, the villagers found themselves displaced, their lives upended in mere moments. The disaster buried the settlement under a mountain of debris, leaving no ground for immediate rebuilding.

Yet, amidst this chaos, a miracle unfolded. Remarkably, not a single life was lost. However, while lives were spared, Thame now faces an uncertain future. The river that used to flow peacefully by the village now runs right through it, taking up half the land. The ground is still dangerous, with landslides and cracks appearing. This ongoing instability endangers even those few houses that initially escaped the flood’s wrath, making the future of the entire settlement uncertain.

Thame family at Kopan Monastery, who shared their experience, needs, and concerns following the Thame flood.

Recently Mingma Rita Sherpa and his family came from Thame to make prayers in front of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s kudung (holy body) at Kopan Monastery and we took this opportunity to interview them. Please watch the video of the interview. They explained the immediate needs now and then the longer-term needs, and that they are waiting to understand what will happen and if they can be relocated as well as possible allocated lands. We share below some of the more profound statements from this interview (lightly edited), and we encourage you to watch the full interview to understand the scope of their experience and how we can help.

Describing the experience of the flood: 

“At first, we saw that this flood is not that strong, it’s not so big, we thought we’re safe now, it’s not so much damage in the ‘village, but again, such an unfortunate thing happened, a second flood came, and this flood was much stronger, then the previous ones. … Most of the many houses have been damaged and people were unable to save their belongings, their property and many other things. Because they were so worried, and just trying to save themselves, they ran away. … We never expected these unbelievable things. Then the flood came again and then again, the third time was the strongest, from the top it slowly swept away the village and this was really a tragedy. We could not think, it was just like a dream, we could not believe it.

“People were worried and crying, they are facing so many problems and difficulties. In the location where the Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s stupa is [Thametang Stupa] and the Mani Prayer Wheel [sponsored by Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s sister Anila Ngawang Samten], that side was not affected much by the flood. We believe that it was protected because of this Mani Prayer Wheel, as that area was not affected as much.”

Explaining some of the turmoil, loss, and devastation: 

“All the things have been destroyed within a few minutes, and we were not even able to save our shoes, we just ran away, and many have even left their own shoes and had to run away. … We cannot believe it, or we cannot accept, what to really believe at first. We have been rescued by the local government and we stayed there. Of course, all the people were crying, everyone was crying, and not able to think about what had just happened. Whatever they have owned in their lifetime, everything has gone away, all has been destroyed by floods. … Unbelievable things happened, and of course we cannot imagine this, and we cannot think of this happening, and so we feel so sad, even now just remembering these things.”

Regarding the plans for rebuilding and recovering from this disaster:

“There are four or five lakes. They are not protected. Also now global warming is creating disasters everywhere in the world. … Now the government wants to rebuild Thame, but not at the same places, and they are trying to move to some other areas. Until now they have appointed the area Hungo Tengma which means upper Hungo behind southern Thame, and the government wants to rebuild Thame on the other side. That decision is not really fixed, but they are trying to rebuild Thame, but I don’t know if they will do or not. And also, ourselves we are not going to build at the moment because the route from Namche to Thame is not quiet [stable].

In Thame, half of the people are farmers, they have yaks and naaks [female yaks], and others have many other cattle. If we move to Zarog that’s too far to get cattle and that’s why some people are saying it’s a bad idea, and the best idea is upper Hungo, which is nearby, 15 minutes from Thame. But there is a problem with the drinking water. There’s no drinking water, that’s a problem, but otherwise the landscape is good really.”

A plea to take global warming and the protection of our environment seriously: 

 “In my opinion that we know, everybody in the world knows, that [the issue is] global warming, climate change, it continues to get warmer and warmer. Even in the winter we didn’t get any snow this winter, not only this winter, the last two years we didn’t get any snow in the winter. And in summer there was a lot of rain, and sometimes so hot, sometimes too much rain, and that means we are feeling the climate change. … I want to request everywhere in the world, everybody has to protect the environment. There are many, many factories, much smoke [pollution], and the countries who are strong, they create a lot of pollution. And even in our country we have to protect the environment, we have to plant more trees, and we have to protect cultures, also our culture’s environment. That’s why we also we have to protect our natural culture like Dharma and the language. … I think everybody, we all have to protect the environment.”

Insight into needs at this time:

“So now even material things, these things will not work there because the land is totally unstable, kind of unusable. If we could have [support] or some support with the money, with cash, we think that this is the best support now, and with that money we can have some other place.  At the moment the highest priority is having money, rather than material things, trying to support to rebuild our house, all this is not working. If someone helps with cash, that is most useful for us.”

Extracted and edited for reading from an interview at Kopan Monastery, September 2024. A rough transcript of the full interview is also available. Watch the full interview with Mingma Rita Sherpa and his family:

How to Help

In response to this crisis, the Thame Support Fund has been established to provide essential aid to the residents of Thame and support their future needs. The fund will be administered through Kopan’s Helping Hands, who will work directly with the community to assess and address their needs. Please consider offering support at this most critical time.

We will provide updates on the needs and how the funds are distributed. We are sincerely requesting everyone to hold the Thame families in their hearts, as they have lost everything, including their livelihoods, homes, and land. They need our help: https://fpmt.org/support/socialservices/thame/

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. 

Ven. Lobsang Tsering displays a page of the Prajnaparamita he has been writing out.

In the heart of Kopan Monastery, nestled in the beautiful hills of Nepal, a quiet yet monumental task unfolds each day. Ven. Lobsang Tsering has been entrusted with a project that embodies the very essence of continuous joyous effort and guru devotion: writing the Prajnaparamita Sutra in beautiful calligraphy in pure gold ink on archival quality paper. This project for world peace has a huge significance for the entire FPMT community and should continue for as long as FPMT exists.

Ven. Lobsang Tsering’s journey of writing out the Prajnaparamita Sutra in gold began over two decades ago when Lama Zopa Rinpoche, recognizing his potential and devotion, assigned him this important job. Since then, Ven. Tsering has devoted himself wholeheartedly to this practice with unwavering focus, patience, wisdom and compassion. As of now, he is working on the fifth of twelve volumes, a testament to the magnitude of this task.

In a recent interview, conducted by Yanzhina Bartanova at Kopan Monastery, Ven. Lobsang Tsering shared his life story and the deep sense of responsibility he feels towards this assignment. His humility and dedication shine through as he recounts the moment Lama Zopa Rinpoche entrusted him with this work. His words offer a profound insight into the importance of the Prajnaparamita Sutra and the personal transformation he has experienced over the years. This interview provides a rare glimpse into the heart and mind of a practitioner whose life is devoted to the Buddhadharma.

You can read the full interview below and also watch it on video. 

The Prajnaparamita Sutra contains the highest teachings of the Buddha and is among the most precious texts available in the world today. Due to the power of this text, writing it out is a way to generate tremendous merit, remove obstacles, and create peace in the world. 

Each year, FPMT allocates over US$50,000 for the pure gold and related expenses. This financial commitment highlights the importance of this project within the FPMT community.

While Ven. Tsering’s contribution is unparalleled in its duration and intensity, he is not alone in this virtuous activity. Jane Seidlitz, working from the USA, has also been writing out the Prajnaparamita Sutra in pure gold. Although her involvement has not been for as long or as intense as Ven. Tsering’s, her contribution is equally valued and cherished. Together, their efforts symbolize a huge commitment to preserving the teachings of the Buddha.

Pages of the Prajnaparamita that Ven. Lobsang Tsering has been writing out for over two decades.

This project is a living legacy of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s vision, a vision that continues to inspire and uplift those who come into contact with it. Rinpoche asked that the sutra is continually being written out as it is a powerful holy object. 

Interview with Ven. Lobsang Tsering

Gen la, can you please, introduce yourself?

Ven. Lobsang Tsering writing out the Prajnaparamita from Kopan Monastery.

My name is Lobsang Tsering. Actually, my hometown name is Lobsang Tsering, but my gelong name is Thubten Dawa. I’m from Manang Village. It’s a very remote area here in Nepal.

At age of eight, my parents brought me here at Kopan. I grew up here with many children. It was good. I finished my study in 1990. Then I started to serve monastery, working in the office, as a lama gyupa, making sand mandalas. I also got a chance to do some translation work. Then Rinpoche invited me to the United States, I had an opportunity to go there. Rinpoche advised me to write out Prajnaparamita Sutra.

So then I studied again, Rinpoche was showing me caligraphy and the way how to write, how to set up the motivation and the dedication. I was so fortunate. At the beginning of 2002 I started writing out the first volume. It took me 5 years. The second volume took me 5 years. This is the 5th volume I’m working on right now.

So I’m all all the way, 70% of the fifth volume. I was so fortunate that I got this opportunity and I got to carry it on. Still now, my mind is so blessed. I feel like this. I’ve decided I will do it as long as my body supports me, my eyes support me. As long as the gold is supported. I decided I will carry on. Rinpoche has mentioned to me even after His passing away I have to keep writing. Rinpoche mentioned this on a few occasions.

Can you please explain for those who are very new to Buddhism, what is Prajnaparamita Sutra?

Prajnaparamita Sutra is the the wisdom of perfection. The wisdom of perfection was taught by Buddha in Rajgir. It has many different versions, like short, medium, and long versions. Shortest one is very common, well known, is the Heart Sutra, which consists of 25 stanzas, and then when we talk about the short version of the Prajnaparamita Sutra is 8,000 verses. Rinpoche was doing that one, writing in gold letters. And then the middle one is 20,000 verses, which has 3 volumes.

And then the long one is a 100,000 verses, which has 12 volumes. So that’s what I’m working on here right now. I’m on the 5th volume out of 12 volumes. It’s slowly but steadily is going on.

When we’re talking about the Heart Sutra is mainly we’re talking about the interdependent origination and emptiness, and it’s a very crucial teaching of the Buddha. That’s why it’s so important text of the Buddha. It is very important to write with the gold so to collect merit. So all the projects of Rinpoche and the FPMT will come true. As Buddhists we believe in order to fulfill or to accomplish the wishes, we need to have merits. So that’s the main reason why we are writing out Prajnaparamita Sutra to accumulate merit so all projects can be done without any obstacles. That was the main purpose.

Can you please explain what is merits and why we need to accumulate it for those who don’t know?

Merit is some kind of the positive energy. So the more negative energy around, the atmosphere becomes negative and then everything actually becomes negative. So all we need is positive energy around. So then positive energy in, out, everywhere. So more positive energy around, the wish come true. That’s what I understand. Something like a virtue as we say, it’s virtues actions. Also, positive energy.

Can you please advise people who would like to do the same as you do, to collect merits by writing out Prajnaparamita Sutra? What they can do, how they can start, if they want to do the same as you?

To write Prajnaparamita Sutra – anybody can do it, but what I understand for us, we need to have a wish to do. That’s so important. So if we have an eager to do it or wish to do it. To have a wish, we need to understand the benefit of that. If you understand the benefit of writing Prajnaparamita Sutra, then because of that the wish will come true. You have a wish, and then you make an effort, then you need to be trained, you can train, anything can be trained. So as we say once it’s habituated, there’s nothing that cannot be done. So that’s all, we need to make an effort on that.

So to make an effort, we need to have a wish first. Then we can do anything – writing out Prajnaparamita Sutra, writing or reading, with the gold or with the ink. It doesn’t matter. While you are writing, make sure that you set up a bodhichitta motivation, it’s very important. Or fulfilling the guru’s wishes or for the sake of the Buddhadharma or Buddha’s teaching or for the sake of all mother sentient beings.

These are very important motivation that we need to set up at the beginning. And then once we done that and then whatever you do or whatever skill you have, you offer your time. So we can do it for years, keep carrying it on as your own practice. Once you carry on as your practice, gradually, maybe a year after year, after year, you keep doing that. I believe by doing that, we will create a lot of positive karma as well and same time with a lot of purification. The more we purify our negative karma, the more positive karma will raise. It felt to me like that.

So with less negative karma, more positive karma will be naturally there. With more positive karma there, your willingness will increase. Then you will be doing more and more and more. More purification is happening, more and more you turn towards the Dharma. More and more compassion is coming. More and more positive thoughts are coming.

More and more you feel devoted to your guru. You feel more kindness.

So this all automatically comes. So that’s very important. To make an effort with it. And by the way, we were saying that short term effort will make a short result, but we have to carry on.

So seriously, keep carrying on, and the rest will be okay. Since we are beginners we need to make effort without losing a hope. No matter what obstacles you may encounter or the challenge you may encounter, but thing is – it’s Dharma practice for the sake of all mother sentient beings. It’s for all Buddhadharma. So if you’re thinking this way, if you keep it in your mind, recollecting it in your mind, then the energy will come. And then you can carry on year after year, after year, after year. And then finally, after 10 years, 20 years, you will see the benefit, and then you’ll find the peace of your mind. And once you have peace of mind you will see how important Buddhadharma is.

All these are coming to you. But definitely we need to make it long. We have to plan for long term.

You discussed a lot about benefits of writing, reading, seeing Prajnaparamita. What would be the top three benefits if we narrow them down?

Lama Zopa Rinpoche working on writing out the Prajnaparamita Sutra with Ven. Tsering at his side, Aptos, California, United States, June 2017. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

First, I think is the imprint. The imprint is so important. Sometimes what I do is I play His Holiness Dalai Lama’s teachings. Because I cannot play a song here [laughing], I like playing lamas’ teachings.

So this all comes together. That gives me a lot of knowledge as well. I believe when I first began my writing I can say that I didn’t understand Dharma. I was a monk. I was happy in the monastery. So I carried on like that because of kindness of Rinpoche. But when I look back now, I didn’t understand Dharma at that time.

But luckily, while I’m writing it, I listen to His Holiness’ teachings or Rinpoche’s teachings. Then in between, there are some questions coming up and also negative questions are coming. I’m still a normal human being, so they’re all these nonsense questions are coming. But luckily, because of writing out Prajnaparamita Sutra I got all the answers, which really keeps me strong! So this is how I’m able to carry on still now, after almost 23 years. My mind is still going on maybe because of this. I will say this is the benefit of writing out Prajnaparamita Sutra and listening to teachings. So that’s the first benefit.

The second benefit, definitely, because of doing this, I feel myself very peaceful. Very satisfied with myself. Because of that I can sleep peacefully. Because of that, I can feel my body. So that’s a benefit too. Because as long as we keep our mind in peace our health will be good. Because of that, we could sleep. You can happily live with anybody around. So that’s the second benefit.

The third benefit, of course, it will guide us to the enlightenment. Rinpoche told me one time, “Tsering, because you’re writing out Prajnaparamita, this will guide you to the enlightenment!”. This is so important to me. Wow! There are so many benefits of doing this!

Can you please describe briefly your day at work?

Here at Kopan, I get up around 6 o’clock in the morning, and then I make my water bowl offering. I set up my motivation in the morning. And then do a half part of my prayers, and then go for breakfast around 7:30am. Come back and finish all my prayers.

I finish by 9 or 9:30am. Then I come here and get prepared for my day for the writing out Prajnaparamita Sutra. I prepare everything, like mixing gold with glue, paper. Make a cup of tea. Then again, I set up the motivation here. I’m writing till 11:30am, and then I have a lunch break till 1 o’clock in the afternoon, and then I’m writing from 1 o’clock till 4 o’clock. That is my period of writing Prajnaparamita Sutra. Then after 4pm, I dedicate. That’s so important practice of Dharma. When we’re setting the motivation and at the end we do dedication. If we don’t dedicate at the end, what happens is because we have a lot of delusions inside, such as anger or attachment or something like that. We don’t know when it will arise. So at the moment of anger, they say, that countless, many years of merits will be destroyed. That’s why dedication is so important. I set up dedication, that’s the end of my day. Then I make a cup of tea in my room, get rest. Then I go for a walk. I need to walk because I need to move my body, doing exercise so I will be able to carry on. We need a good health. Without a good health, it’s not possible. That’s very important for the Prajnaparamita project, for the practice of Dharma, whatever activities you are doing the health is so important. So that’s why I go for a walk maybe an hour or so. While I’m walking, I recite the mantras that I need to recite. Then around 6:30pm is dinner, then at the end, again, I have evening prayers to do. Maybe half an hour. And then rest. That is my 5 days a week, 2 days I take days off.

Another question is, you are doing this virtuous activity for more than 20 years. What encouraged you to start this activity?

At that time it was Rinpoche’s power. Rinpoche invited me to America. Rinpoche trusted me. My mind would feel bad, if I didn’t obey Rinpoche. That mind kept me there. Secondly, it’s because Rinpoche is so pure! More we serve him, we want to serve even more.

Maybe Rinpoche’s power. A lot of my friends are saying that I’m the only one who got the renunciation after going to America. Mostly people go to America and they finish their monks life. They want to live a normal life. I think most are like that. Just a few came back still as monks. I am the one of them. So that’s why I feel very blessed.

I would definitely say because of Rinpoche’s power. One reason is I’m in the mandala of Rinpoche. So I need to do well. I’m also a Kopan boy. I need to respect Kopan as well. So this kind of mind helps me to carrying on. Maybe at the beginning I didn’t understand, but because of this kind of mind it helped me. After I’ve been writing for 6-7 years I started to understand. Started to understand maybe 6-7 years after. At the beginning for many of us, we don’t pay attention because we’re young. We just go around or something like that. But once we start to understand, all answers come. Like I said I listened to His Holiness’ teachings and Rinpoche’s teachings. Then I found all the answers to my questions. Then my mind became stronger. I feel very joyous! Now I feel like if I don’t do, if I don’t write one day, I feel like I’m wasting my day.

So important to make sure your day is meaningful. As we say, we have a precious human rebirth, it is so important. If we miss this time, then next life, we don’t know where we will be reborn. As we understand all these things, it’s so important to make sure, while you have this precious human rebirth, you use it in a meaningful way. By thinking that, I’m using it as maximum as possible. So here I am.

You talked about meaningful life, happy life, not wasting your life. So what would be your one advice for people to live happy, meaningful life?

I would say don’t engage in any kind of “happy” negativities. Don’t do that. Live the life positive as much as you can. I think in that way you will definitely find a happy life. Carry on year after year, year after year. You’ll find deep satisfaction, because of your positive actions, positive deeds that you have done in your entire life. If you do some negative action somehow, somewhere you have a regret in your mind. That leading you to the problems, unhappiness, depression. Make sure your day, your month, years are meaningful in the positive way. That’s so important. Then to live in the positive, living with the bodhicitta is the most important. That’s the essence of the Dharma as we say. You live the best way with compassion, with bodhicitta. If not, then at least, restrain from the negative actions as much as you can. Even the small negative action, we have to restrain from it. You have to avoid it.

If you do that, maybe at the end of your life, you will be able to find a deep satisfaction. Then you will definitely be happy. That’s what I believe.

We offer grateful thanks to Yanzhina Bartanova for conducting this extremely moving interview. 

 As we reflect on Ven. Tsering’s journey and the ongoing efforts of individuals like Jane Seidlitz, we may be inspired to support this incredible work. Whether through financial contributions or rejoicing in this achievement, we can all be part of this extraordinary endeavor. In doing so, we create an incredible amount of merit and help ensure that the Prajnaparamita Sutra continues to shine brightly, guiding countless beings toward the path of enlightenment.

You can learn more about the Prajnaparamita Project as well as the other Charitable Projects of FPMT.

Flood of August 16 tearing through a village on the way to Namche Bazaar, Nepal. Photo courtesy of Khabarhub.

Co-director of Lawudo Retreat Centre, Frances Howland reports on the flood that struck the village of Thame, Nepal, birthplace of Lama Zopa Rinpoche:

In a tragic event, the village of Thame in the Solu Khumbu district of Nepal, was devastated by a catastrophic flood on August 16, 2024. Thame holds a special place in our hearts as the birthplace of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. It is also the home to many Kopan monks and nuns including Charok Lama, and a number of legendary mountain climbers.

The flood was triggered by a sudden glacial lake outburst. This sent a torrent of water hurtling down the mountain slopes, filled with mud and debris, the water surged down with a deafening roar, giving villagers just enough time to flee to safer, higher ground.

Miraculously there was no loss of human life, had it happened at night human casualties would likely have been unavoidable. Thame, at 12,450 feet (3,800 meters) usually has a population of 300 Sherpa people who depend mostly on trekking and mountaineering for their livelihood. Due to the off-season for tourism, there were few people in the village.

Some of the devastation from the flood in Thame village, August 16, 2024. Photo courtesy of Khabarhub.

Villagers left behind their houses, hotels, animals, and everything they owned. About half of the village has been destroyed or severely damaged, including the school and health clinic, plus vital infrastructure. The dam and hydroelectric plant that provide electricity to the whole valley, including Lawudo Retreat Centre and the main town of Namche Bazaar, were severely damaged. Several bridges were washed away and the walking trail to Thame was swept away.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s birth house, and the prayer wheel next to it, were spared. Water came up to the prayer wheel house but did not enter inside. The prayer wheel, inaugurated in 2022, contains 100 trillion mantras on microfilm. Rinpoche lived his early years in Thame village with his family, until he was recognized at a young age as the reincarnation of the Lawudo Lama, Kunzang Yeshe, who was also from Thame, but had spent his later life meditating in the Lawudo cave.

The ancient, historic Thame Monastery located high up on the ridge was unaffected by the flood.

Thame was also seriously damaged during the 2015 earthquake. Almost all of the homes in the area were damaged or destroyed and several people died. The Thame Stupa was then rebuilt under Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s financial assistance and direction, completed in 2020. It is located over the ridge in Thame Teng, this area was not affected by the flood.

The Lawudo Retreat Centre, a couple of hours walk from Thame, the home of Rinpoche’s previous incarnation, is home to Rinpoche’s sister, Anila Ngawang Samten. A number of FPMT sangha are currently in retreat there.  Lawudo has no electricity due to the flood, but it was not affected by the floodwaters as it lies further down the valley high up on a ridge. 

Immediately following the disaster, the Nepal Police and Army were dispatched to help and rescued some trapped animals. In the following days the local people salvaged any personal belongings they could find in the mud and debris that was left behind. However, questions remain about the safety of rebuilding in this area. There are several glacial lakes above Thame. These lakes forming, becoming larger, and then bursting has become increasingly common in the Himalayas due to rising global temperatures.

A video clip of this devastating flood can be viewed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwJb34aOx7Y

FPMT International Office, through the Social Services Fund, is working with Kopan Helping Hands to offer support directly on the ground in Thame, where it is most needed now and in the future as the situation and urgent needs become clearer. Please consider offering support at this most critical time: 
https://fpmt.org/support/socialservices/thame/

Please look for more information regarding this coming soon. 

With grateful thanks to Frances Howland for providing the FPMT community with this moving 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. 

Nuns of Machig Labdron Nunnery, a new Australian Buddhist nunnery, and a friend.

The Supporting Ordained Sangha Fund (SOSF) is offering comprehensive support to nunneries, monasteries, and individual monks and nuns across the globe. This essential support includes providing food, accommodation, healthcare, education, and practice resources. This fund is not limited to any specific institution, lineage, or ethnicity and benefits numerous nunneries, monasteries, and Sangha members requesting assistance.

Within the FPMT organization, the support of monks and nuns is of utmost importance as the preservation of the Buddhadharma is linked to the existence and wellbeing of the Sangha.

So far in 2024, the Supporting Ordained Sangha Fund contributed a total of US$342,986 toward the needs of our Sangha. We invite you to take a closer look at the various ways we have been able to offer this collective support.

Tashi Chime Gatsal Gumba Nunnery | Thame Dechen Chokhorling Monastery | Shalu Monastery | Idgaa Choinzinling Monastery | Gyudmed Tantric Monastery | Lhungtok Choekhorling Monastery | Nalanda Monastery |
Machig Labdron | Department of Religion and Culture | New Robes

The teachers and nuns of Tashi Chime Gatsal Gumba.

Tashi Chime Gatsal Gumba Nunnery is a small Drikung Kagyu Nunnery in Bigu, Northeastern Nepal. The nunnery has a close connection with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who visited in 2022 and commented that the nunnery feels like it is in the lap of Mother Tara. Rinpoche directly wished for FPMT to support this nunnery and in turn for the nunnery to dedicate the prayers of 100 million mani recitations (once or twice a year) for the benefit of the FPMT organization. Rinpoche personally set up this arrangement 14 years ago and we are honored to continue to fulfill Rinpoche’s wish.

To date an incredible 24 different 100 million mani retreats have been offered by the nunnery, that is 2.4 billion recitations of OM MANI PADME HUM for the benefit of all beings.

In 2024, the SOSF contributed US$20,302 to support this nunnery. This sponsorship encompasses vital necessities such as food, gas, firewood, transportation, medical expenses, and offerings to the Sangha upon completion of the retreat.

In addition, we are supporting the salaries of six teachers who teach at the small school in the nunnery, so that the younger nuns can receive a secular education, in addition to their religious training. This allows the nuns to stay at the nunnery and not have to walk the long distance to the local school and ensures they do not miss out on their education.

Thame Rinpoche and the monks of Thame Dechen Chokhorling Monastery.

Thame Dechen Chokhorling Monastery is located in the region of Solu Khumbu, Nepal. Thame was also the birthplace of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and is situated near Lawudo, where Rinpoche’s previous incarnation, the Lawudo Lama Kunsang Yeshe, practiced in strict retreat for many years.

The Thame Monastery is a small Nyingma Monastery perched upon a rock, nearly four thousand meters above sea level. It is the oldest monastery in Solu Khumbu, more than 350 years old, and is the residence of the Thame Rinpoche.

The monks of Thame Monastery offered special prayers every day during the 49 days after Lama Zopa Rinpoche showed the aspect of passing away, in front of Rinpoche’s kundung (holy body) in Kopan Monastery. They offered special prayers to Chenrezig, that is unique to their monastery. They also attended the consecration of the Victory Stupa built in Lawudo for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Since 2017, the SOSF has been providing support for three meals a day to the 22 monks residing in Thame Monastery and in 2024 we offered US$9524 for this.

His Eminence Jhado Rinpoche and the monks and participants of the Kalachakra Mind Mandala retreat held at Shalu Monastery.

Shalu Monastery in Himachal Pradesh, India, is a Sakya Monastery and is committed to reviving and preserving the Bhulug lineage tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, which was founded by the Sakya master Buton Rinchen Drub in the fourth century. Recognizing the importance of this lineage, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has blessed and supported the establishment of Shalu Monastery. This year His Eminence Jhado Rinpoche led a Kalachakra Mind Mandala approaching retreat at the monastery with over 300 participants, mostly Sangha, and including Ven. Joan from Kopan Monastery and Ven. Tsomo from FPMT International Office. 

Since 2018, the SOSF has been offering all the food for the monks of Shalu Monastery, and this year we have allocated US$15,328 for their food.  

Prayer session for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche in Bodhgaya, India, December 31, 2023. Photo by Ven. Tenzin Michael.

The monks of Shalu Monastery feel a very close connection to Lama Zopa Rinpoche and FPMT, due to the support we have offered for the last six years. They were experiencing a lot of hardship prior to this, being unable to cover the costs of food for the Sangha. Their daily prayers include the heartfelt request for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

On December 31, 2023 a powerful prayer session was held in Bodhgaya, India, under the Bodhi tree for the swift return of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, where 2,500 ordained Sangha participated including Ganden Tri Rinpoche, His Eminence Ling Rinpoche, His Eminence Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche. Over 2,500 recitations of Chanting the Names of Manjushri and Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s swift return prayer was offered.

We were honored, on behalf of the entire FPMT, to make offerings to all the 2,500 Sangha, and this came to US$17,928.

Monks of Idgaa Choinzinling Monastery.

Idgaa Choinzinling Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, shares a longstanding relationship with the FPMT organization and since 2015, the SOSF has been providing funds for all the food for the monks each year.

In 2024, US$10,800 has been allocated so that the 32 Mongolian monks are provided with nourishing meals throughout the year.

Monks at Gyudmed Tantric Monastery.

Gyudmed Tantric Monastery is a distinguished center for the study, practice and preservation of the Guhyasamaja Tantra lineage. The monastery accommodates approximately 600 monks and offers the best education, free food, and accommodation for all the monks. The monastery does not have any stable source of income, particularly for the food expenses for the monks. Realizing the need to set up a long term plan and Food Fund to support the monastery, the monastery requested Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the FPMT organization to help. Lama Zopa Rinpoche immediately accepted their request and the food fund proposal. The Food Fund was then established in 2021 and to date we have raised US$1,418,056. We are committed to continuing Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s sincere wish for the Food Fund and in 2024 SOSF contributed an additional US$100,000 toward it. The overarching goal is to raise US$3 million.

Lhungtok Choekhorling Monastery in Pomaia, Italy, is 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa. The future monastery will be built on the rock just like the monasteries of Tibet and the project envisages an ecological architecture in harmony with the surrounding area, and the use of natural and clean energy resources. The monastery aims to provide hospitality to about one hundred monks and nuns. In 2022 the building permit was signed. After 18 years of waiting and bureaucratic procedures, this was a tremendous accomplishment. Last year His Holiness the Dalai Lama personally offered a donation toward the building of the monastery and gave essential advice.

In 2024 due to the kindness of a benefactor, through the SOSF we offered US$100,000 as a matching grant for the building of the monastery. The monastery building is in a critical stage now and still needs a lot of support to be actualized. This is a precious opportunity to be part of the first Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Italy.

Participants of the first Gelug Monlam held at Nalanda Monastery, France. Photo by Sonam Sherpa.

Nalanda Monastery held the first historic Geluk Monlam in the France in February 2024. Known as the Great Prayer Festival, Monlam is regarded as one the “four great activities” of Lama Tsongkhapa’s life. Chant leaders from Sera Monastery came from Bylakuppe to Nalanda Monastery and taught the chanting to most of the Sangha and about 15 lay people. Six geshes, the chant master, forty-four sangha and about sixty lay people participated in the Monlam, chanting the profound prayers celebrating Buddha Shakyamuni, Lama Tsongkhapa, and Maitreya and concluding with the traditional procession and offering bath to Maitreya, circumambulating the main temple. 

Ven. Roger Kunsang attended the Monlam and on behalf of the FPMT organization, through the SOSF, offered US$5259 to the Sangha community on this auspicious occasion.

Building underway of two buildings for Machig Labdron, Bendigo.

Machig Labdron is a new Australian Buddhist nunnery located north of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, in Bendigo. After a lengthy planning stage, the building of the nunnery is now underway. The nunnery location is peaceful with a natural beauty surrounded by bush. Two single story buildings are planned for the site.

In 2024, the SOSF, due to the kindness of a benefactor, was happy to offer US$63,066 toward the nunnery building. The nunnery is in need of more support to be able to complete the building project.

The Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration presented and important project to assess the current challenges and opportunities in strengthening monastic institutions. The aim is to conduct surveys involving 20,000 monks and nuns across 80 larger monasteries and nunneries, comprising 18 from India and 62 from Nepal. From this survey to then categorize and identify the challenges encountered by monastic institutions and propose viable solutions to address them and also to explore opportunities for the development of the monastic education system with the aim to achieve increased enrollment and decrease dropout rates within monastic institutions and to implement improvements to the overall monastic education system and in this way to contribute to the preservation and continuity of monastic institutions.

Understanding the importance of this work, the SOSF offered US$10,215 toward this project and long-term plan to assess the overall needs within the monastic institutions in India and Nepal.

Many robes were offered to the Geshes attending the Geshe Conference at Kopan, January 2024.

One of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s wishes was to offer a set of robes to each of the resident and touring teachers who offer service in FPMT, including all the geshes, as a token of thanks for their kind service within the organization. This year, 30 sets of robes were offered and SOSF offered US$1632 to cover that.

Each of these offerings were made on behalf of the whole FPMT organization to support our precious Sangha. The ability to make these offerings each year is made possible by each and every donor who has contributed to the Supporting Ordained Sangha Fund. We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude and hope the transparency in the grants offered in 2024 is a means for rejoicing.

All are welcome to contribute to the Supporting Ordained Sangha Fund, to help ensure grants like these continue for the benefit of monks and nuns around the world. 

The Khachoe Ghakyil Ling nuns will be reciting the Kangyur on Chokhor Duchen.

Chokhor Duchen (commemorating Shakyamuni Buddha’s first Turning of the Wheel of Dharma) occurs on July 9, 2024 and is an extremely powerful day to undertake practices, as the merit is multiplied 100 million times.

In honor of Buddhas first teaching, the FPMT Puja Fund has arranged the recitation of the 100 volumes of Kangyur teachings and 100,000 verses of the Prajnaparamita Sutras. These precious teachings are from the direct instructions of Guru Shakyamuni Buddha.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has said, “The beginning of the Madhyamakavatara text says that [the perfection of wisdom] is called ‘mother’ because all the numberless past, present, and future buddhas have been born from this perfection of wisdom. Also, the numberless bodhisattvas and numberless arhats are born from this wisdom. This wisdom is what liberates numberless sentient beings from all the oceans of samsaric suffering. It is the real Dharma, the real refuge that liberates us from the oceans of samsaric suffering, whose continuation has no beginning.

“This Prajnaparamita teaching is so precious, unbelievably precious. The Buddha said, ‘Wherever this Prajnaparamita teaching is, I am there.’ The Buddha said to Kunga (Ananda) that even if other teachings are destroyed that is okay, but one should not degenerate or allow even a little bit of the teaching of the Prajnaparamita to be destroyed.”

In addition, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche has explained the unbelievable merits in making it possible to read these holy scriptures by the sangha members. The benefits are explained in The Condensed Jewel Quality:

The merit created by reading, writing, keeping, making offering to, and paying respect to the Mother Prajnaparamita and Kangyur, taught by Buddha, who possesses the Ten Powers, the benefits are infinitely greater than: building a stupa of the sorrowless state, making the stupa from the seven jewels, making as many stupas as to fill many thousands of ten million worlds equaling the number of sand grains in the River Ganges, and infinite sentient being making offerings to these stupas three times a day for eons.

We are dedicating these incredibly powerful recitations and all the practices for the health and long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in honor of His Holiness’s 89^th birthday; the swift return of our incomparably kind Lama Zopa Rinpoche; the entire FPMT organization; all those working in FPMT, the kind supporters and volunteers; anybody who needs these prayers; anyone who is experiencing any kind of obstacles or difficulties; and for peace in the world—for all of the wars, famine, disease, economic problems, torture, the dangers of fire, water, air, earthquakes and tsunamis to be pacified immediately, to pacify all the problems in the world; and for perfect peace and happiness to prevail in our hearts and in the hearts of all sentient beings of this world.

In addition to these most powerful recitations there will also be these other practices happening throughout Chokhor Duchen day:

• One Thousand Offerings to Namgyalma
• Medicine Buddha Puja
• Namgyalma Long Life Ritual
• 10,000 recitations of Chanting the Names of Manjushri dedicated to the swift return of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche
• Painting the entire Bouddhanath and Swayambunath stupas and offering new umbrellas to the stupas’ pinnacles.
• Offering a new set of robes to the holy body of the main Buddha statue in the Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya, India.
• Printing the Golden Light Sutra, Arya Sanghata Sutra, Vajra Cutter Sutra, Sutra of Great Liberation and Amitayus Long Life Sutras.
• 1,000 animals will be liberated
• Making tsa tsas of Mitukpa, the three long life deities and Kadampa stupas
• Offerings are made to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and all of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s gurus and to the 10,000 ordained Sangha who are undertaking these prayers, including those in IMI communities.

Rinpoche often reminded us that these pujas are dedicated for anybody who needs these prayers, and the merit that is created from all these prayers is also your merit, so you can dedicate these merits to having realizations and to achieve enlightenment.

This is the twenty ninth consecutive year that we have arranged these pujas, on each of the four Buddha days. Following the advice of our most kind Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who explained how important these continual prayers are for the success of the organization.

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 Chokhor Duchen and for the future Buddha 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. 

His Holiness the Dalai Lama smiling at guests gathered for a long life ceremony for His Holiness, Dharamsala, India, June 24, 2022. Photo by Tenzin Choejor, courtesy of DalaiLama.com.

Today, on July 6, 2024, the world celebrates His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 89th birthday! We’ve collected several resources for students to use in their celebration of His Holiness and in their ongoing Buddhist study. FPMT International Office wishes His Holiness a very auspicious 89th birthday and sincerely requests His Holiness to live for a very long time and to continue bringing his universal message of compassion to the world. We were so pleased to hear the news that his recent knee replacement surgery in New York was a success, and that His Holiness is expected to make a full recovery. 

Great Festival Celebrating His Holiness

Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered extensive advice on prayers and practices to do for His Holiness’s birthday, remarking that by doing these prayers and practices, students also benefit their own Dharma practice. You can find Rinpoche’s collected advice in the booklet How to Do the Great Festival of His Holiness’ Birthday in the Best Possible Way.

Long Life Prayers

The PDF booklet Prayers for the Long Life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibet contains prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and for Tibet.

Praises and Requests

“Praises and Requests to His Holiness the Dalai Lama” is a collection of praises of, comments about, and requests for His Holiness by Lama Zopa Rinpoche found in the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive Online Advice Book.

Online Teachings by His Holiness

Teachings by His Holiness are usually live streamed, and also available for viewing later as video recordings. The DalaiLama.com also has links to live web streams, scheduled events, summaries of events, and more. 

Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) Practice Materials

His Holiness is respectfully held as a manifestation of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), the buddha of compassion, by his disciples. At their request, His Holiness had composed these two Chenrezig guru yogas centering on the inseparability of the guru and Chenrezig: 

• Staircase to Potala Pure Land Guru Yoga – A Practice of Avalokiteśvara – a short Chenrezig guru yoga that references the Compassion Buddha’s pure land, was composed by His Holiness for our ease of practice. 

Additional prayers to Chenrezig recommended by Lama Zopa Rinpoche can be found under Chenrezig Practices and Mantras, including the following:

• Prayer to Chenrezig, Compassionate-Eye-Looking One Lama Zopa Rinpoche, in his English translation of this prayer, advises: “If you keep Compassion Buddha, who is enriched with supreme power, in your mind, you will be protected from all dangers.” The prayer realistically addresses the actual dangers we encounter in our daily lives, from which we need Chenrezig’s protection: our own plethora of delusions, and their karmic consequences, such as death, rebirth, sickness and poverty. The composition is by the seventh-century Dharma King of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo, who is revered as a manifestation of Chenrezig, in a lineage which continues today in the person of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Translation by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, 1999; this edition, 2021. 

To further explore the practice of Chenrezig, visit the FPMT website for more information and materials.

On behalf of all sentient beings in desperate need of your perfect example of universal love and unending compassion for others—
please, please live a very long time, Your Holiness!

For more on His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his beneficial activities, please visit DalaiLama.com.

Rending of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Stupa of Complete Victory being built at Kopan Monastery.

We are very happy to share this short update on recent progress that has been made on the Stupa of Complete Victory that is being built at Kopan Monastery for the swift return of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and actualization of all his wishes. We have three new videos we hope give a glimpse into the incredible work happening to finish this stupa. 

The building under the stupa started in January 2024, and it has now reached the second story. Now the actual foundation for the Stupa has begun.

Building site of the second story and foundations of the Stupa of Complete Victory.

Please enjoy these short videos that show the recent progress:

• In this video you can see that the foundation for the stupa has begun on the second floor of the building. You can also see around the poles for the 32 smaller stupas that will surround the main stupa.

• This short video shows the area that will be the gompa beneath the stupa. This is on the second story.

• The Kopan monks regularly help with the building. In this video you can see them joyfully carrying the soil on their backs for the building.

Kopan monks helping with the building of the Stupa of Complete Victory.

Thank you to everyone who is helping to actualize this precious holy object come into existence, all the donors, those working on the stupa, and everyone concerned.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has mentioned many times the benefits of holy objects:

“Every day, when sentient beings see stupas and statues, this plants the seed of enlightenment. It is said that even dreaming of a stupa plants the seed of enlightenment. This is mainly due to the power of the holy object. …

“Just by seeing holy objects one’s karma is purified. Holy objects purify the mind and plant seeds for the path to liberation. That’s how stupas and other holy objects liberate [sentient beings] each day. Every day, holy objects bring sentient beings to enlightenment.”

Padmasambhava explained the benefits of building stupas to King Trisong Detsen:

“Listen, Great King. Generate intense devotion. Since all the three time buddhas and bodhisattvas have actually absorbed into the holy object of the mind1 and are abiding in it, any request or prayer done to this great stupa will spontaneously and effortlessly succeed, for it is like a precious wish-granting jewel. The benefits received by any transmigratory being with a pure special attitude who does prostration or circumambulation or makes offerings are incalculable and cannot be expressed even by all the past, present, and future buddhas.

“All those who put clay on the stupa will become thousand wheelturning kings who reign over as many thousands of world-systems equal to the number of particles of clay.

“All those who brought earth and stones for the stupa will have all obstacles to a long life and dangers to their life pacified; they will have a long life, free of disease, and a good holy body.

“All those who put effort with their body, speech, and mind for the stupa will have every single blessing of the holy body, speech, and mind of the buddhas enter their body, speech, and mind.

“All those who rejoice in the stupa will generate every single quality of a buddha in their mental continuum.”

Kopan monks carrying soil for the building of the Stupa of Complete Victory.

To learn more about this stupa project and to offer support: https://fpmt.org/projects/fpmt/lzr-complete-victory-stupa/

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

Residents of Lugsam Samduling Home for the Aged and Disabled.

Since 2016, FPMT’s Social Services Fund has been offering essential support to Tibetan refugees living in elderly homes in India and Nepal. This support includes food, medical care, and upgrades to the elderly homes. 

In 2024, we granted US$141,834 to seven different elderly homes in India. This support has benefited over 280 Tibetan senior citizens and includes a contribution for the renovation of a family’s house in Tibetan settlement of Puruwala in Himachal Pradesh.

Offering support to the elderly is guided by the profound kindness of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Many of the elders in these homes have expressed how much it has meant to them that Lama Zopa Rinpoche, through FPMT, has been providing continual and sustained support and that has made a real difference in their lives.

We invite you to rejoice in our collective accomplishments this year. The ability to offer these grants is due to the kindness of many, and we are so grateful for their generosity. We are committed to continuing our support for these elderly homes for as long as possible, thereby repaying the kindness of our elders.

Residents of Jampaling Elders Home.

Jampaling Elders Home is in Dharamsala, Northern India, beneath the temple of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Jampaling has become a sanctuary for 96 elder Tibetans living in exile. The residents of Jampaling are accommodated in shared rooms, each housing two individuals. The home ensures they are provided with daily nutritional meals, clothing, and access to necessary medical facilities.

In 2024, FPMT’s Social Services Fund offered US$19,599 to support this home.  This contribution covered operational expenses, food, and medical assistance.

In addition, $8,292 was granted to drill a new well. Recently there has been significant water scarcity due to low snowfall and long periods without rain. The home only has water available for two hours each day, which is insufficient for the 73 elders, 13 staff members, and for cleaning, washing, and kitchen use.

Without enough water, the health and cleanliness of the elders’ environment are at risk. This year, it became urgent to fix this situation, and we were happy to provide a grant for this essential need. It will be used for digging a borewell and that will offer a more permanent solution.

Ven. Roger Kunsang recently visited Jampaling Elders Home, spending time with all the residents and observing how well the home is run. There is a moving video of Ven. Roger’s visit, including meeting the eldest resident, who is 99 years old.

Ven. Roger Kunsang visiting Jampaling Elders Home, May 2024.

Lugsam Samduling Home for the Aged and Disabled in Bylakuppe, South India, is one of the 14 homes operating under the governance of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). It has continued to uphold its mission of providing compassionate care to the elderly and disabled. With the unwavering support of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the home has remained a beacon of hope and support for its residents.

Currently, there are 39 elderly residents, comprising 17 females and 22 males. Despite facing the challenges of aging, most of the residents remain healthy and active. Sadly, in 2023, four cherished elders passed away due to age related ailments. The home is managed by a dedicated team of six staff members, including a director/manager, a nurse, a cook, and three caretakers who provide personalized care to each resident.

To enhance the quality of life for the residents, the home has implemented various initiatives. In October 2023, students from Sambhota Gulladhalla performed traditional Tibetan cultural dances at the facility. This event was not only a showcase of talent but also a way to bridge the generational gap, allowing the elders to connect with their culture. Two elders aged 99 and 92, were invited to the inauguration of the Hand Library at Sambhota Tibetan School Kailashpura. Their recounting of experiences escaping from Tibet to India was a poignant moment, highlighting the resilience of our elders and educating the younger generation about their history. Students from Sambhota Tibetan School and TCV, Bylakuppe, visited the home during their summer vacation. They assisted with grooming the elders, cleaning their rooms, and engaging meaningfully with them, creating lasting bonds between the generations.

The home also organized introductory talks on Buddhism, led by Geshe Lharampa Lobsang Thokmey. Additionally, elders from the home went to Sera Lachi for His Eminence the 104th Ganden Tripa’s teachings, and nine geshes from Sera Je Monastery came to the home to recite Buddhist scriptures (Zungdu and Gyetongpa) for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Recently, the home’s staff participated in a crucial medical education workshop organized by Tso Jhe Hospital, focusing on heart attacks, strokes, cardiac arrests, and choking incidents. This workshop equipped the staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively in emergency situations. Additionally, they received valuable contributions from the Mental Health Department of Tso Jhe Hospital, enhancing the staff’s understanding of mental health issues among the elderly.

In 2024, the FPMT Social Services Fund was very happy and inspired to offer a grant of US$30,924, covering the entire budget for the home.

Residents of Hunsur Old Age Home.

The Hunsur Old Age Home is situated in the Rabgayling Tibetan Settlement, Hunsur, South India, provides accommodation and care for 15 elders. In 2024, a few residents in the home faced several medical emergencies. This resulted in an increase in the home’s expenses. The residents and staff of this home expressed their deepest gratitude for the care provided by Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the FPMT family. They informed us that the elders hold prayers every day for the swift return of Rinpoche.

Residents of Dhondenling Old People Home enjoying lunch together.

FPMT’s Social Services Fund offered a grant of US$31,825 this year to support their entire year’s operational expenses. Through this financial support, we strive to alleviate the burdens faced by the Rabgayling Tibetan Family Welfare Association and enable them to continue providing essential care to those in need.

Dhondenling Old People Home, located in Kollegal, is situated in one of the most remote and underdeveloped Tibetan settlements in southern India. At present, the elderly home accommodates 21 Tibetans residents including 9 male and 12 females.

In 2024 we were pleased to offer a grant of US$14,881 to cover nutritional support for all the elders, as well as to enhance the infrastructure of the elderly home. This included replacing the mud road with 205 feet of concrete. The road improvement will provide safer and more accessible routes for residents. Additionally, the grant provided support for the maintenance of the home’s furniture, washing machine, electricity, and drinking water facility.

Residents of Old Age Home in Kalimpong with _____

The Old Age Home in Kalimpong, managed by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), provides essential care and support to elderly individuals. Kalimpong is hilly town located in the district of Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal, India. Once a main trade center between Tibet and India, today it is home to more than 3,000 Tibetans who reside scattered across the area. Many of these residents lack a steady source of income and are economically disadvantaged.

A resident of Odisha Phuntsokling Settlement Old People’s Home.

The Kalimpong elderly home was initiated in 2008 and completed in 2012. It was established to meet the urgent needs of the increasing number of individuals who lack financial assistance and family support. The home specially caters to elders from the northeast regions including Gangtok, Darjeeling, Kaimpong, Ravangla, Shillong, Sonada, and Bhutan. This year, FPMT’s Social Services Fund offered a monetary contribution of US$7,662  to cover the food and medical expenses for the 20 elders. This support is crucial for ensuring the wellbeing and care of these individuals who rely on the Kalimpong Old Age Home for assistance.

Odisha Phuntsokling Settlement Old People’s Home is in Eastern India and managed by the Central Tibetan Administration. Since 2021, we have been providing support to this facility. Recently, the home received a commitment of ongoing support from another organization, and we are delighted to know they will have this security. In 2024, the FPMT’s Social Services Fund offered a grant of US$3,176 for roof repairs for the home and a new computer. This home cares for 17 elders over the age of 85.

Dhonden Old People’s Home, located in Chauntra at the Bir settlement in Mandi district, was established in 2004. The home accommodates 23 elders, consisting of 13 males and 10 females, who are above the age of 60 and lack familial care. Many of them were former residents of Kullu-Manali Tibetan settlements, Bir Settlement, and other places. There are currently 22 elders and 5 staff.

Residents of Dhonden Old People’s Home.

In 2022, the home was rebuilt with the assistance of a grant of US$69,570 from the FPMT Social Services Fund, with the remaining budget covered by the Department Home fund. The reconstruction introduced innovative and modern facilities, including attached bathrooms and emergency alarms next to the beds. During the construction period, the elders were relocated to Jampaling in Dharamsala, and they are now ready to move back.

In 2024, we offered a grant of US$13,985 to cover the costs of the remaining furniture, including kitchen equipment, medical equipment, office equipment, computer, CCTV,  TV for the dining hall, and pooja tables for each elders room.

Residents of Paonta Cholsum Tibetan Settlement.

Paonta Cholsum Tibetan Settlement was established in 1967 at Bhuppur Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh State, initially accommodating 105 families with a population of 475 Tibetan Refugees. The Tibetan Settlement Office requested support to organize an annual picnic and outing for 55 elders in nearby Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand. The FPMT Social Services was pleased to offer US$2339 to cover the expenses for food, accommodation, and transport for the two-day event.

Roof that will be repaired at Puruwala House.

Puruwala Tibetan Settlement Office is in the Sakya Tibetan Settlement in Puruwala, close to the Paonta Sahib town in Himachal Pradesh State. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) plays a crucial role in overseeing and supporting the ongoing efforts to assist destitute families and facilitate necessary renovations within the settlement. Recently, the CTA identified a family of four who are experiencing financial difficulties and unable to repair their one-room house. In response to a request made by the CTA, the FPMT Social Services Fund provided a grant of US$4,728 to address the family’s housing needs. The grant aims to replace the current deteriorated roof with a new, more durable, and resistant tin shade, and to fix internal damage caused by the leakages.

We are happy to support these homes with grants totaling US$141,834 that provide a safe and supportive environment for our Tibetan elders. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors who make these grants possible. Your compassion and commitment have profoundly impacted many lives.

Your continued support to the Social Services Fund, helps ensure continuous assistance for elderly homes and those who are in need.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to an assembly of Tibetan young people inside the main temple, Dharamsala, HP, India, June 3, 2024. Photo by Tenzin Choejor, courtesy of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

“I would like for FPMT to offer service to His Holiness the Dalai Lama as much as possible and to be able to fulfill His Holiness’ wishes.,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche stressed continuously. “This is the highest priority for the organization.”

The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama recently released a statement concerning His Holiness’s schedule and health: 

This is to inform all concerned that no engagements, including public audiences will be scheduled from June 20 onwards until further notice. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is scheduled to travel to the United States for medical treatment on his knees. Upon his return to Dharamsala, regular engagements will resume.

We are inviting students of His Holiness to recite, individually or as part of group practice, the Medicine Buddha mantra for the successful treatment of His Holiness’s upcoming procedure. 

You can download three versions of the Medicine Buddha mantras in one practice booklet using one-click download: The Precious Long Dharani of Medicine Buddha, the long mantra, and the short mantra. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has explained, “The Medicine Buddha encompasses all the buddhas. This means that when we practice the seven-limb prayer and make offerings with the seven limbs, we receive the same merit as we would if we had made offerings to all the buddhas. Similarly, when we recite the mantra of Medicine Buddha, we collect unbelievable merit just as when we offer the seven-limb practice to Medicine Buddha.”

Students of His Holiness around the world are joining together to offer Medicine Buddha mantras at this time. In addition, Tibetans from Herbertpur, Lakhanwala, Khera, and Baluwal in India gathered in the Lakhanwala Community Hall on June 6, 2024 and recited Medicine Buddha mantras for His Holiness. 

All Medicine Buddha Practices available to you:

• A Brief Meditation-Recitation on Guru Medicine Buddha | PDF | Audio
• A Very Short Medicine Buddha Practice | PDF
• Medicine Buddha Sadhana | PDF
• Medicine Buddha Mantras | PDF | Audio
• Medicine Buddha Pujas
  * Extensive Medicine Buddha Puja: The Wish Granting Sovereign | PDF
  * Medicine Buddha Puja: The Wish-Fulfilling Jewel
  A simple puja (set of prayers) that can be performed by anyone with faith in the Buddha | English | Sinhalese

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.