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Bird’s eye view of the progress on the Compassion Wheel at Vajrapani Institute.
In December 2016, Vajrapani Institute, an FPMT retreat center in Northern California, launched the 5 Trillion Mantra Prayer Wheel Project. The prayer wheel, called the Compassion Wheel and standing 7 ft x 10 ft when completed, will contain 5 trillion (5,000,000,000,000) copies of OM MANI PADME HUM, the mantra of Chenrezig, the Buddhist deity who embodies universal compassion. This request came from Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
The Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund recently disbursed a final grant of US$40,000 for this project.
Ven. Gyatso from Nalanda Monastery is helping to fill the Compassion Wheel.
Director Heidi Oehler reports:
“It’s quite a sight to see the Compassion Wheel come to life as this magnificent vision starts to become a reality. This special prayer wheel will be spun at the heart of the land at Vajrapani Institute, blessing all who visit the center, as well as the surrounding area.
“The basic structure has been framed out by our amazing carpenters. Engineers have designed, built and installed a new structurally reinforced frame and bearings system to hold the weight of the mantras and spin it with the force of one hand. We are now focused on putting together the wheel and getting it filled. As fortune would have it, a past staff member and current Nalanda monk who has been studying the Basic Program and helping Nalanda to fill it’s statues and prayer wheels recently returned to help us here! We are so grateful to Ven. Gyatso for helping to take on the project of filling the amazing compassion wheel.
Geshe Sherpa painted the painted the sky and earth mandalas which will go inside the wheel. Sky mandala is pictured here.
“Gelek Sherpa from Land of Medicine Buddha, painted the sky and earth mandalas which go inside the wheel. Ven. Tsering from Kachoe Dechen Ling will paint the mantras on the center poll. Microfilm with the OM MANI PADME HUM mantra are being printed and gradually shipped to Vajrapani now.”
Rinpoche has explained that every time you rejoice in an offering, the construction of the prayer wheel, and in the effort of all those who are working to actualize it, the merit doubles. When you rejoice the second time, the merit is multiplied by four. The third time, it is multiplied by eight. Lama Tsongkhapa said that to collect merit, the best way is through rejoicing.
“Each time you rejoice you collect skies of merit, making it such an easy way to achieve enlightenment.” – Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Please join us in rejoicing about the progress of this one-of-a-kind prayer wheel that will benefit Vajrapani Institute, all who visit, all beings in the area; contribute to world peace and compassion; as well as bless and benefit anyone who helps make it a reality or even cultivates a warm thought about the project.
Supporting the creation of prayer wheels and other holy objects is part of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for FPMT:
https://fpmt.org/fpmt/vast-vision/#pw
Find out more and give your support to the 5 Trillion Mantra Prayer Wheel Project:
http://www.vajrapani.org/prayerwheel/pw/index.php
To help ensure grants like this continue toward holy objects, all are welcome to offer a donation of any amount to the Holy Object Fund.
Sangha participating in a puja at Kopan Monastery.
Lhabab Duchen, one of the four great holy days of the Buddhist calendar when merit is multiplied by 100 million times, took place this year on November 19. We invite you to rejoice in the many beneficial activities sponsored by the Puja Fund on this auspicious day, on behalf of the entire FPMT community.
Practices Offered by Over 15,650 Ordained Sangha
- Recitation of the Prajnaparamita (three versions) offered by 650 monks of Gyurme Tantric College.
- Druk Chu Ma, Namgyäl Tong Chö, and Zangcho offered by 6,000 monks of Sera Je and Sera Mey Monasteries.
- Druk Chu Ma, Medicine Buddha Puja and Zangcho offered by 3,400 monks of Gaden Jangtse and Shartse Monasteries.
- Druk Chu Ma, Namgyäl Tsechog and Zangcho offered by 4,200 monks of Drepung. Gomang, Loseling and Deyang Monasteries.
- Namgyäl Tong Chö and Zangcho offered by 600 monks of Gyuto Tantric Colleges.
- Druk Ch Ma, Medicine Buddha Puja and Zangcho offered by the 370 monks of Kopan Monastery.
- Druk Chu Ma, Medicine Buddha Puja and Zangcho offered by the 400 nuns of Kopan Nunne
Offerings are made to all of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s gurus
Offerings are made to Sangha at IMI communities
Offerings were made to the Boudhanath and Swayambunath stupas in Nepal on Lhabab Duchen.
Offerings Made to Holy Objects in Nepal, India and Tibet
- Bouddhanath and Swayambunath stupas: Offering color and new prayer flags
- Buddha inside the Bodhgaya Mahabodhi temple: Offering a new set of robes of the most precious material
- Jowo Buddha in Lhasa’s Jokang: Offering gold and robes to the holy body of the Jowo Buddha
These activities are advised by Lama Zopa Rinpoche and 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, as well as all beings.
All are welcome to donate to the Puja Fund and directly support these most precious offerings.
Students of Sambhota Tibetan School Cauvery Valley Project, Bylakuppe, India.
Since 2014, the Social Services Fund has been offering grants to Sambhota Tibetan School Cauvery Valley Project (formerly called Central School for Tibetans CVP), located in Bylakuppe, South India. The school was established in 1971 to serve the children of refugees living at Dickey Larsoe Tibetan Settlement.
These grants are for nutritious supplemental foods for all 200+ elementary, middle, and secondary students age 6-16 who attend the school. The funds allow the school to provide a healthy diet to the students. We are pleased to have offered US$8,030 to the school this year and hope to continue to offer support for years to come.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche also sponsored the complete renovation of the school’s kitchen in 2013.
The Social Services Fund now invests in eight schools in disadvantaged areas, particularly in India and Nepal where children of Tibetan, Nepali, Sherpa, and Indian heritage are in dire need of education. This is one way that FPMT invests in the future and helps break the cycle of poverty faced among these ethnicities.
If you would like to support the Social Services Fund and help ensure grants such as this can continue, you can read more about the charitable projects this fund supports or donate any amount to the fund itself.
1,000 tsa-tsas of Lama Tsongkhapa when in progress at Chenrezig Institute’s art studio, Garden of Enlightenment.
Lama Tsongkhapa Day commemorates the anniversary of Lama Tsongkhapa’s parinirvana. It is observed on the 25th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar and, this year, which marks the 600th anniversary, falls on December 21. The Geluk International Foundation has proclaimed 2019 to be the International Year of Tsongkhapa.
Finished tsa-tsas of Lama Tsongkhapa.
In 2018 the Executive Director of the Geluk International Foundation requested Lama Zopa Rinpoche to arrange the creation of 1,000 Lama Tsongkhapa tsa-tsas to be offered to Ganden Tripa Rinpoche to offer to others.
Rinpoche happily accepted this and due to the kindness of some sponsors was able to completely cover the cost of the materials, gold leafing, and shipping of the 1,000 small statues.
The Ganden Tripa or “throne-holder of Ganden” is the head of the Gelug school. Before passing away, Lama Tsongkhapa gave his robe and staff to the first Ganden Tripa to preside over Gaden Monastery which was originally founded by Tsongkhapa in 1409 in Tibet and destroyed in 1959, then re-established in Karnataka, India, in 1996 by the Tibetan population in exile.
Garrey Foulkes and the amazing volunteer artists at Chenrezig Institute’s, art studio, Garden of Enlightenment in Australia, took on this tremendous task over the last year. First they cast the 1,000 14-centimeter tsa tsas, repaired, rolled the required mantras, filled them, painted them, applied gold-leafing to the hats of each, and then packed and shipped them.
We really thank Garrey and all the volunteers for this incredible effort and offering.
Please rejoice in the creation of these 1,000 holy objects in celebration of the 600th anniversary of Lama Tsongkhapa’s parinirvana.
FPMT Education Services recently published a list compiled by Lama Zopa Rinpoche of various prayers authored by Lama Tsongkhapa or written in his honor to help students engage in this most auspicious celebration as meritoriously as possible.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund enables Rinpoche’s compassionate service to others to flourish. All the offerings from the fund are used toward the creation of holy objects and extensive offerings around the world; sponsoring young tulkus, high lamas and Sangha in India, Nepal, Tibet and the West; supporting FPMT centers, projects and services; sponsoring Dharma retreats and events; funding animal liberations and blessings, and many other worthy projects.
Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Bylakuppe, India. Photo courtesy of Tashi Lhunpo Facebook page.
Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, located in Bylakuppe, Southern India, and seat to the Panchen Lama, has been growing significantly over the last few decades. A courtyard was added in 2012, a new prayer hall was completed in 2015, and construction of a new expansive library began in 2016.
The Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund offered US$36,412.50 toward the completion of this library which will be equipped with the latest computer technology in order to educate, encourage, and inspire monastic community as well as the needs of the Bylakuppe region in general. The mission of this library is to emulate the legacy of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery of Tibet which was once a leading center for learning. You can read more about this monastery’s rich and extensive history.
Please rejoice in the completion of this library which will benefit the monks of Tashi Lhunpo as well as the entire area.
You can learn more about the many beneficial activities of the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fundor other Charitable Projects of FPMT.
Gold being offered to the precious Jowo Buddha statue, Tibet.
The extensive range of offerings, practices, and pujas that are offered in India, Nepal, and around the world through the Puja Fund on request from Lama Zopa Rinpoche is astounding. As Charitable Projects Coordinator, Ven. Holly Ansett, commented, “It is like Rinpoche has taken on the personal responsibility to care for all the main holy objects in the world on behalf of FPMT.”
On full moons and during the four holy Buddha days, the Puja Fund sponsors robes and gold paint to the holy face of Jowo Buddha statue in Tibet. Gold is offered to the entire body of this statue once a year. This ongoing yearly commitment costs US$5,000. When possible, gold paint is offered to the very precious Chenrezig statue at Potala Palace.
These offerings are dedicated to the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; to the success of all the FPMT centers, projects, services, students, benefactors and those serving the organization in any way; as well as all beings.
About the power of statues of Buddha, Lama Zopa Rinpoche has said, “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.”
Please rejoice in this and all of the various activities of the Puja Fund. “So far, these offerings and pujas have not been publicized much, but I would like to make it available and known so that other people can participate in making these extensive offering,” Rinpoche explained. “My idea is for these offerings and pujas to continue forever. So please, if you make offerings, please think in this way and dedicate, and you can also remember on the actual day that this is happening, to rejoice and dedicate. This is the best business, the best way to create the most extensive merit.”
All are welcome to contribute to the monthly offerings of gold and robes to these most precious holy objects.
You can learn more about the beneficial prayers, practices, and pujas sponsored by the Puja Fund, or about FPMT’s other extensive charitable activity.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche meeting some of the IVY nyung na participants. They offered Rinpoche a Chenrezig statue and light appeared naturally.
Institut Vajra Yogini (IVY), in the south-west of France near the city of Toulouse, completed its eighth round of nyung nä retreats from November 2018 to April 2019 in alignment with Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for the FPMT organization to sponsor others to complete 1,000 nyung nä retreats. IVY hosts a nyung nä retreat every year and has, amazingly, facilitated over 7,000 individual nyung näs to date. Please rejoice in this incredible ongoing accomplishment!
While they typically engage in 108 nyung näs, this year they stopped after 81 so that people could join Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vajrayogini retreat hosted by IVY.
Venerable Charles did not miss any sessions and completed the entire 81 as did Valentino Giacomin. Additionally, 102 individuals from fourteen countries participated in one or more nyung näs and 1,001 individual nyung näs were accumulated. On average, twelve people participated in each session during these five months, which is more than any of the previous years. IVY reported that the energy seems to be building up, with more and more people being attracted to join the retreat each year.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche, through the Practice and Retreat Fund, was very pleased to offer € 6,444 for sponsorship of four people with food and accommodation for each round of this nyung nä retreat. Support is also provided by IVY and kind private donors.
IVY’s team is already preparing for its ninth round of 108 nyung näs which will start November 2019 and end June 2020. The practice is led in French but people do follow along in their own language. If you cannot come in person, all are welcome to rejoice by thinking about the efforts involved.
The Practice and Retreat Fund provides grants and sponsorships for students engaged in retreats such as 108 nyung nä retreats, 100 million mani retreats, recitations of sutras and long term retreat.
190 monks from Sera Je Monastery successfully passed the 2019Special Memorization Examination.
This year, annual sponsorship was offered to Sera Je Monastery for 190 monks who qualified and passed the 2019 Special Memorization Examination.
This is an incredible achievement accomplished by extremely dedicated scholars.
- 68 monks memorized Commentary on the Ornament of Clear Realization
- 74 monks memorized The Essence of Eloquence on the Art of Interpretation by Lama Tsongkhapa
- 32 monks memorized Bodhisattvacaryavatara (Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life) by Shantideva
- 9 monks memorized A Presentation of General Meaning
- 3 monks memorized General Meaning (of the) Middle Way
- 2 monks memorized Six Treatises on the Middle Way by Nagarjuna
- 1 monk memorized Five Treatises of Maitreya
A new set of robes and an offering was given to these future teachers who contribute to the preservation the Lama Tsongkhapa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in the monasteries. The memorization of these monumental works is truly something to rejoice in.
You can learn more about the beneficial activities of the Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund or the many Charitable Projects of FPMT.
Sangha members, Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery, Kathmandu, Nepal, April 2019. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
Medicine-Buddha-Peter-Iseli
According to Rinpoche’s observations, the following was determined to be the most beneficial:
- Extensive Medicine Buddha Puja offered five times by Shu Cho Khangtsen of Drepung Gomang Monastery, Kopan Monastery, and Gyuto Tantric College
- Guhyasamaja root text recited four times by Kopan Lama Gyupas
- Kshitigarbha Sutra recited one time by the nuns of Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery
- Sutra of Golden Light recited eight times by Sangha in the USA
- Arya Sanghata Sutra recited five by Sangha in the USA
- Vajra Cutter Sutra recited four times by Yangsi Rinpoche
“As far as what the scientists say about the disasters of the elements they never mention the mind, the creator who experiences the disaster,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche has said. “They explain purely the external evolution of how it happens. Even if this is correct, it is only the short-term explanation. It doesn’t really explain why the whole evolution happened in the first place. In the simplest teachings of Buddhism, you can understand where [disasters of the elements such as] hurricanes and earthquakes come from. They arise as a result of the ten non-virtuous actions.
“These karmas come from actions such as committing the ten non-virtues or the result of committing one or several of the ten non-virtues. The mind which experiences the earthquake or hurricane comes from the result of the self-cherishing thought, from either attachment or anger. But the real root is ignorance, the unknowing mind, that does not know the ultimate nature of mind, I, or the aggregates.”
This is an ongoing and consistent way that FPMT is helping to mitigate possible damage to living beings caused by disasters of the elements. Tremendous thanks to all who are donating to make this possible, and offering prayers to help fulfill Rinpoche’s request.
You can learn more about the Protecting the Environment and Living Beings Fund, keep up on the latest news, or contribute with a donation.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama being greeted by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Katoomba, NSW, Australia, June 2015. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunsang.
Recently, we shared news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s sincere ambition to offer 1,000 statues of Shakyamuni Buddha to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
After inviting the entire FPMT community to help make this offering a reality, we are pleased to share the following update:
250 statues have been sponsored and finished in India. The statue makers have cast 850 statues so far by casting 32 every day. Once all of the statues are finished with gold gilding and face paint, the monks of Kopan Monastery will fill and consecrate the statues. At that point, they will be ready to offer to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Some of the 1,000 statues in progress in India which will be offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama once completed, filled, and consecrated.
750 statues are still available for sponsorship. All are welcome to sponsor a complete statue or offer any amount one is able toward the entire 1,000 statues.
“Merely seeing a statue or form of Buddha, whether the person is Buddhist or not, creates far more merit than numberless great merits. Holy objects are so precious.” — Lama Zopa Rinpoche
You can learn more about Offering One Thousand Buddhas to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and join the offering.
Students of Sangag Dechholing Gonpa School.
Sangag Dechholing Gonpa School in Taplejung, Nepal, was established in 2007 to serve the Buddhist community in the area. Seven teachers currently educate eighty students, starting at age 3-4. The curriculum is taught in English and Nepali and focuses on modern subjects such as math and science, while being grounded in Buddhist teachings and culture.
Sangag Dechholing Gonpa School provides a modern as well as Buddhist education to the students.
In 2016, Ven. Thubten Jikdol, a Kopan monk, in conjunction with the School Management Committee and the local community, decided to expand the school to benefit more students in a bigger way. To help actualize this, three generous families donated land to the school. In the future, they intend to use this land for the school, a hostel, and an elderly home.
Students of Sangag Dechholing Gonpa School.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche was very inspired by the work of this school and donated US$53,874 through the Social Services Fund in support of their work.
This is the seventh school providing education to children of Tibetan, Nepali, Sherpa, and Indian heritage to which the Social Services Fund has offered financial assistance.
If you would like to support the Social Services Fund and help ensure grants such as this can continue, you can read more about the charitable projects this fund supports, or donate any amount to the fund itself.
Finished accommodation at Shri Sengedrak Ngedhon Samten Choeling Retreat Center.
Shri Sengedrak Ngedhon Samten Choeling Retreat Center, a Kagyu nunnery, was badly damaged in the 2015 earthquake that devastated Nepal and surrounding areas. This nunnery, located on the border of Nepal and Tibet (on the Nepal side), is under the guidance of Zigar Monastery Abbot Tinley Dorje who is one of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachers.
Destruction following t he earthquake at Shri Sengedrak Ngedhon Samten Choeling Retreat Center, Nepal.
Following the earthquake, construction was needed for thirty-five retreat houses, one main prayer hall, a retreat house for the abbot, and five standard toilets. The nuns had been living in temporary shelter, and the Social Services Fund issued a grant for US$185,000 for the necessary rebuilding.
New accommodation and landscape at Shri Sengedrak Ngedhon Samten Choeling Retreat Center.
Please rejoice that the accommodation is now complete and the nuns can continue their studies and practice without dire living conditions. Tremendous thanks to all of the kind donors who made this possible.
You can learn more about the Supporting Ordained Sangha Fund and the ways it supports monasteries and nunneries.