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.

Residents of Jampaling Elders Home meeting with Ven. Roger, May 2024.

Recently, when Venerable Roger Kunsang was in Dharamsala meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he also took the opportunity to visit Jampaling Elders Home.

This home is located on the circumambulation path that surrounds the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Namgyal Monastery. There are 73 Tibetan elders living in the home, comprising 31 females and 42 males.  Jampaling is one of the 14 elder homes operating under the governance of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Through the FPMT Social Services Fund, we have been supporting this home since 2016, providing grants totaling US$392,087. These funds have been used for food, medical care, and infrastructure improvements, including a retaining wall, roof, heating system, and recently, a new well. The well became urgently needed due to recent low snowfall and prolonged dry periods, which resulted in the home having water available for only two hours each day—insufficient for the 73 elders and 13 staff members need for cleaning, washing, and kitchen use.

Ven. Roger Kunsang’s visit to Jampaling Elders Home, Dharamsala, May 2024.

Please enjoy this moving video of Ven. Roger’s visit to this home, where he met each of the residents personally and reviewed the accommodations, kitchen, and dining room. The eldest resident is 100 years old! The home has many prayer wheels on each dining room table and outside, providing many opportunities to create merit, which the residents utilize in the best way.

Ven. Roger’s Visit to Jampaling Elders Home:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg_HQg82JHY

Ven. Roger remarked that it was very moving to see the care of the staff and the facilities. Offering support to our elders has been an important part of the FPMT Social Services Fund and a priority of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, as he laid out in his Vast Visions for the organization.

We are happy to support this home that provides 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.

All are welcome to contribute any amount to the Social Services Fund, helping us ensure continuous support for elderly homes and 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.

Precious Tara statue offered by Lama Zopa Rinpcoche to Rangjung Neljorma Khandro Tseringma (Khadro-la).

Saka Dawa falls on May 23, 2024, and is a very special day to create merit and offer prayers and practices*.

On behalf of the entire FPMT organization we have arranged a full day of merit making practices undertaken by 10,000 sangha.

100,000 Praises to the Twenty-One Taras will be recited twice at Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery and Sera Je and Sera Mey Monasteries

In addition, we have arranged for the recitation of the entire Prajnaparamita Sutra, Medicine Buddha pujas, 1,000 Offerings to Buddha Namgyalma, and over 10,000 recitations of Jampal Tshen Jo (Chanting the Names of Manjushri) as well as many other pujas and practices.

Offerings will be made to the 10,000 sangha undertaking these different practices and to all of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s gurus.

The stupas of Boudhanath and Swambyunath in Nepal will be freshly painted, and the umbrellas at the pinnacle of each stupa will be replaced and a new set of robes will be offered to the Buddha statue in the Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya.

My idea is for these offerings and pujas to continue forever or for as long as the monasteries exist. Please if you make offerings, you can also remember on the actual day that the pujas are happening, rejoice, and dedicate. This is the best business, the best way to create the most extensive merit. —Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the Twenty-One Tara altar at Longku Center, Bern, Switzerland, 2018. Photo by Lobsang Sherab.

For the last 29 years, through the FPMT Puja Fund, we have been arranging extensive pujas for the whole FPMT organization. The specific pujas and dedications were set up by Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, to ensure that we are continually creating merit for the organization, by sponsoring the pujas, making offerings to the individual sangha, and supporting the monastic communities and we are committed to fulfilling Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s request.

All these prayers are dedicated to the swift return of our most precious guru Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, for the success of all the FPMT centers, to all the kind donors, students, and volunteers and specifically for all the supporters of the FPMT Puja Fund.

This is a very special opportunity to be part of these collective prayers and we would like to offer everyone the opportunity to join in the extensive merit from these prayers and pujas, by offering any amount, but also (and most importantly), by remembering that these pujas are happening, rejoicing in the activities, and dedicating the merits.

MAKE AN OFFERING

*All the prayers are happening on Saka Dawa, any merit created on that day is multiplied 300 million times, as it commemorates Shakyamuni Buddha’s three major life events.

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.

Rending of the finished Stupa of Complete Victory as it will look at Kopan Monastery.

We are so happy to share with you an update on the progress of the building of the Stupa of Complete Victory at Kopan Monastery. This stupa is being built for the swift return of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and for all his wishes to be actualized exactly as he planned.

In May, the building work was completed up to the second story. This was a huge task due to the extensive excavation, foundations, and pilings. In the next months, the actual building of the stupa will begin on top of the second story. You can view a short video of the progress. 

Stupa of Complete Victory in progress at Kopan Monastery.

The estimated cost for the entire project has been updated, as previously we did not have the completed budget for the overall project. The major expenses involved are related to the civil works required to prepare the ground, including the excavation, and building up from the lower level, the construction of the stupa, the extensive landscaping, as well as all the decorative painting, ornamentation works on the main stupa, and the construction and installation of an additional 32 small stupas that will go around the perimeter. This is a short animated video showing the plans for the stupa.

We have raised just over 34% of the funds needed to complete this project, which is incredible! Thank you to everyone who has contributed to date. We also offer tremendous thanks to all those working on the actual stupa.

This is a short video of the Kopan monks carrying the soil on their backs for the building of the stupa: https://youtu.be/2FTFyU1vSOA?si=ZZUoj6zjCHlEhnxf

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

 “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.”

 “Holy objects make it so easy for sentient beings to achieve realizations and enlightenment,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche has explained. “No matter how much negative karma they collect, and how many negative deeds they do, they give hope in life. We can see very clearly what an incredible opportunity and hope we have in our life. Through holy objects, the resulting benefit of every single action is inconceivable and immeasurable, creating the cause of happiness, because the object has inconceivable qualities, like the limitless sky. Because of that, everything you do regarding a holy object, such as prostrations, making offerings and so forth, has benefits as vast as the sky.” 

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.

Statue of Lama Yeshe for the main altar of Langri Tangpa Centre, Australia, per the advice of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The statue was designed by Denise Griffin. Photo courtesy Langri Tangpa Centre.

The International Merit Box Project began in 2001 as a generosity practice for the international FPMT community. For many years, students and centers kept Merit Boxes close by so they could gradually make offerings throughout the year, before sending them in to be used for annual grants to FPMT centers, projects, services and study groups, and any project aligned with the FPMT mission.

Although we are now in a digital age and no longer distributing new physical Merit Boxes for student use, the Merit Box Project continues to receive generous support from FPMT students and communities around the world. Since 2001, an amazing US$1,239,580 in funding has been distributed through 354 Merit Box Project grants. We invite you to rejoice in the immense generosity received from thousands of students around the world!

This year we have already received over a dozen new applications for 2024 grants. All Merit Box offerings collected until April 30 will be used for this year’s grant awards.

As a means of rejoicing and outlining one project that has benefited from the International Merit Box Project, we are sharing today a recent update from a Merit Box grant recipient about their successful project. Laura Laakso, the director of Langri Tangpa Centre in Brisbane, Australia, shares her report:

Langri Tangpa Centre Shares their Merit Box Report

The Centre commissioned Denise Griffin to sculpt a statue of Lama Yeshe to complete Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s instructions regarding the Centre’s main altar. Peter Griffin was involved in certain steps and one is the gilding of the statue. The grant was to cover this step of the project.

The accomplishment is an awe-inspiring statue of Lama Yeshe that Lama Zopa was very happy with.

Denise Griffin wrote an email to Ven. Roger on February 22, 2023, and said in part “I have been working on a new Lama Yeshe Statue for Langri Tangpa Center, Brisbane, to be one of the statues on their altar. They have generously said once the statue is complete, for me to make a mould of the statue (so there is the possibility for casts being made by others). Also as part of this commission, they would like Venerable Lama Zopa to have the opportunity to give feedback on the artwork, and for me to make any requested changes.”

Ven. Roger replied in email dated February 28 to say, “Rinpoche said this is very good! very good! this is excellent, on the basis of this you can make life size! this is extremely good!”

The process involved:

1. Denise finishing the statue and implements to the point photos were sent to Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
2. Peter then made the mould of the statue.
3. A cast was made from the mould and this was gilded by Peter, see photo below.
4. Denise painted the face and other finishing touches.
5. The statue is now ready to ship to the Centre from the Griffin’s studio in France.

Peter griffin applying the gold guilding to the beautifully crafted statue of Lama Yeshe by Denise Griffin. Photo courtesy Langri Tangpa Centre.

The grant received in 2021 was US$1,000. It was used for the labour of gilding for US$743 and made a contribution of US$257 to the materials for gilding, the gold leaf and Nepalese powdered gold, which had increased in cost with COVID to US$861.

A key reason for the delay in the timing for this statue was the priority on the time of Denise Griffin to complete a large White Tara statue to be offered to Rinpoche during the long life puja in December 2022.

Denise visited Kopan in mid-November for two weeks. She took a cast to show Ven. Roger and discuss the process of having other centres knowing about the statue and the ability to commission. Denise is very appreciative of the fact that Langri Tangpa Centre has funded the cost of the mould to enable this to happen.

We rejoice and share our thanks for all the positive effects and generosity shown through the Merit Box Project and the kind support of all the Merit Box practitioners, coordinators, and friends. All are welcome to support the continuation of these grants. Support received until April 30 will be used for this year’s grants.

The International Merit Box Project is a charitable project of FPMT International Office. You can learn more about the Merit Box Project or offer support for future grants, or explore our many other FPMT Charitable Projects.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche welcomed by the children of Sangag Dechholing Gonpa School on arrival at Taplejung, Nepal, March 3, 2023. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Last week we shared FPMT International Office’s 2023 Annual Review, Repaying the Kindness, Looking to the Future.  We hope you have enjoyed reading about our various accomplishments from the past year. Today we would like to bring your attention to the Charitable Work section of this report. 

The FPMT Charitable Projects exist to benefit others in the most extensive ways possible. In 2023, US$3,486,569 was offered to initiatives including: supporting ordained Sangha, investing in the main teachers of the Lama Tsongkhapa tradition; providing essential support and health care to the elderly, children, and disadvantaged in India, Nepal, and Mongolia; sponsoring holy objects such as statues, stupas, and prayer wheels; and offering continuous prayers and practices for the success and benefit of the entire FPMT organization and all beings.

Young students of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery School with new school supplies.

 In this year’s Annual Review you will read details about the following accomplishments in 2023:

• The Social Services Fund offered US$263,938 in support to eight different schools in Nepal and India that benefited over 1,500 students; US$169,067 in grants for operations expenses to hundreds of Tibetans living in six different homes for the elderly in India; and US$219,091 in support for health and essential services to those disadvantaged in Mongolia, Nepal, and India. 
• US$529,466 was offered to support the precious ordained Sangha with food, accommodation, education, practice support, and medical expenses. 
• The Puja Fund and other funds arrange and sponsor continual prayers for all within the FPMT organization and beings. US$397,697 was offered toward these activities, including offering to thousands of Sangha who undertake the practices. 
• Due to the power of the holy objects, one can purify negativities and create merit simply by making contact with them. US$930,405 was offered  toward holy object creation around the world. 
• Through the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund, US$960,228 were offered in grants to monasteries, nunneries, and Sangha around the world; to FPMT centers, projects, and services; and for prayers, practices, pujas, and much, much more. Many of these grants were requests that Rinpoche made right up until early April 2023, and we are trying to fulfill his wishes to the best our ability.
•  US$18,930 was offered through the Animal Liberation Fund which offers support for saving animals from untimely death and to  different to organizations that are saving animals from death and caring for them with food, medicine, and shelter for the rest of their lives. 
• US$173,156 was offered through the  Education and Preservation Fund in support of contributions to the development of Buddhist education programs and the preservation of the Dharma through the publication of practice materials and translations, as well Dharma education. 

We invite you to read more information about these initiatives and how the various funds were used in the Charitable Work section of our 2023 Annual Review. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche blessing six goats that were purchased and saved from the butcher. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Lamp of the Path, Mongolia soup kitchen offering meals to those in need.

Please read more about all of the FPMT Charitable Projects. 

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.

Rendering of the Stupa of Complete Victory being built at Kopan Monastery.

The Fifteen Days of Miracles (Feb 10-24 this year) is an auspicious time when merit is multiplied by 100 million each day.

We want to take this opportunity to invite everyone who wishes to, to support the building of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Stupa of Complete Victory. 

The 42-feet high (12.8 meters) Stupa of Complete Victory is being built at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, for the swift return of our most precious and kind teacher Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. It is also fulfilling Rinpoche’s wishes for building many large stupas around the world for the benefit of all beings.

Rendering of the placement in Kopan’s garden of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Stupa of Complete Victory.

We invite you to take a virtual circumambulation of the stupa.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has explained:

“If you go around the stupa thinking that it is your root guru, the merit is far greater than just going around a stupa, a statue, a scripture. Going around the stupa without thinking that still col­lects the most unbelievably powerful merit, but by thinking of the stupa as the guru, there is no comparison, it’s like the difference between the earth and the sky.

 The merit that you collect by seeing the stupa, statues, scrip­ture as the guru is unbelievable, unbelievable, the most extensive merit. And it also becomes the most extensive purification, purify­ing all the defilements.”

Holy objects bless the land and plant the seed for enlightenment. Every time beings see holy objects; their minds are purified. Just by seeing a stupa, you collect numberless merits. In addition, if you make offerings, you collect much, much more merit.

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

Lama Zopa Rinpoche in front of Boudhanath Stupa, Nepal, June 2021. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

“All the three-time buddhas and bodhisattvas have actually absorbed into the holy object of the mind 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.

 “Anyone who sees the stupa with their eyes closes the door of rebirth in the lower realms.

 “Anyone who hears about the stupa with their ears leaves the seed of supreme enlightenment.

 “Anyone who remembers the stupa is saved from the harms of craziness and paralysis and generates a special concentration in their mental continuum.

 “All those who treat the stupa as a Guru will become a holder of tantric realizations having control over life.

 “All those who put clay on the stupa will become thousand wheel-turning 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.”

Rendering Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Stupa of Complete Victory.

Please consider supporting the building of the Stupa of Complete Victory for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s swift return:
fpmt.org/support/lzr-stupa-complete-victory/

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.

15-inch gold stupa containing Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s holy tooth relic. Photo by Ven. Tenzin Michael.

Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche always emphasized the importance of holy objects and how they are wish-fulfilling. This is evident in the amount of teachings that Rinpoche has given on their benefits and importance, how to make extensive offerings to them, circumambulate, prostrate, and how to regard holy objects.

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

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

An incredible US$930,405 was granted for holy objects in 2023 and we are so happy to share some of the new holy objects that have come into being recently, and how the funds of the Holy Objects Fund and others such as the Stupa Fund, Padmasambhava Project for Peace, One Thousand Buddhas Fund, Prajnaparamita Project, have been utilized, for rejoicing in.

 One Thousand Buddhas

Offering the one thousand Buddha statues offered directly to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

One of the most amazing achievements in 2023 was the creation and offering of one thousand statues of Shakyamuni Buddha. Lama Zopa Rinpoche wanted to make this offering during the long-life puja that was offered by FPMT to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The work started in February 2023 with the commission of one thousand statues to be created by various statue makers in Nepal. The art of the statues had been carefully checked by Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the statue makers created each statue based on this. Each statue was gold gilded, faces painted, and carefully filled and consecrated before they were offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. How amazing that we were able to create one thousand statues of Buddha and how unbelievably fortunate to be able to offer these to His Holiness the Dalai directly. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.

Holy Objects in Lawudo

Victory Stupa

The 12-foot tall Victory Stupa built for Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lawudo. Photo by Ven. Tenzin Michael.

In Lawudo Retreat Centre, Solo Khumbu, the Everest region of Nepal, fourteen thousand feet above sea level, we offered most of the funds to build the 12-foot high Victory stupa, this beautiful stupa was consecrated on Lhabab Duchen with fifty-five monks and nuns as well as the three main lamas in the valley—Thame Rinpoche, Charok Lama, and Kyarok Lama—along with locals and foreign guests. Inside the stupa is Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s holy relic.

Kalachakra Statue

Kalachakra statue at Lawudo, to create the cause for future Zangdog Palri.

In addition, a new seven-feet high Kalachakra statue was commissioned for Lawudo. Lama Zopa Rinpoche had indicated this statue was needed first, in order to create the causes to build the future Zangdog Palri . Zangdog Palri refers to the Glorious Copper Colored Mountain, and is the pure land of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the great tantric master who brought Buddhism to Tibet. This ambitious project will span several years as all of the building supplies for the four storey three dimensional pure land palace needs to be carried up to Lawudo.

The new Kalachakra statue, which took a few years to be made, was carried to Lawudo this year and now graces the gompa.

31-Foot Tall Amoghapasha Painted on a Cliff 

31-foot tall Amoghapasha painting on Druka Karma Cliff, Lawudo.

We rejoice in the incredible 31-foot tall Amoghapasha on Drak Karma Cliff Above Lawudo. For many years Lama Zopa Rinpoche had expressed the wish for this new holy object. The deity has been painted directly on the cliff face overseeing the whole area. Funds for this project were raised by the Thamichowa community; Anila Ngawang Samten (Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s sister) provided all the necessary materials and tools needed for painting; and Ven. Nyima Tashi, Ven. Thubten Tendar, and Pasang Dekyi helped to actualize this incredible project. It was an incredible feat and an unbelievable task to complete. For instance it took ten days just to get the scaffolding up to the site, there the conditions were freezing and windy making the scaffolding and painting quite dangerous. The actual painting took seven days by Nepali artists and was completed the day before Lhabab Duchen and consecrated on the day of this merit-multiplying occasion. 

114-Foot Tall Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in India

In March 2023, Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered $150,000 towards the building of a new 114-foot tall (34 meters) statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in Dhondeling Kollegal, India. The foundations for the statue are currently underway. Lama Zopa Rinpoche was very moved when he heard about this project and immediately wanted to help with funds and was very happy about the size of the statue and the amount of benefit it will bring the area. We will provide updates as the statue progresses.

New Tara Statue in USA

New Tara statue made in the USA.

A long-time student of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche passed away in 2023 and Lama Zopa Rinpoche advised that a 3-foot tall statue of Tara was important to be created for her future rebirth. Immediately also Rinpoche wanted to sponsor the statue and we rejoice that this beautiful new Tara that has come into being and now resides in the USA.

Displaying the 75-Foot High Guru Rinpoche Thangka Twice in 2023 in Nepal

Large Guru Rinpoche thangka displayed at Kopan Nunnery.

In 2023 we had the incredible fortune to display the very large thangka of Guru Rinpoche two times at Khachoe Ghakyil Ling (Kopan Nunnery). The thangka, which is 75 feet (23 meters) high, and 87 feet (27 meters) wide is stitched in appliqué, and depicts the Padmasambhava merit field in the center. Lama Zopa Rinpoche personally designed and oversaw the creation of this huge thangka and also raised funds for it. Creating and displaying huge thangkas is also one of the Vast Visions of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, as well as dedicating a day to display the thangka with a puja and extensive offerings, as well as offering dances and music and a meal to all who attend.

Rinpoche explained that displaying large thangkas is an auspicious way for anyone in the area to make a Dharma imprint and connection to the deity depicted. “You may think that a statue or thangka is just a statue or thangka,” Rinpoche has said, “but it is the transcendental wisdom of dharmakaya, which understands and directly sees absolute truth, as well as conventional truth.” Both of the events displaying the thangka in 2023 were entirely sponsored, including the 100,000 tsog offerings and lunch to all who attended. The puja is an incredible undertaking by Kopan monks and nuns as it takes days to set up and arrange and the cost in 2023 for these two pujas was over US$34,000.

Writing the Prajnaparamita Sutra

Lama Zopa Rinpoche checking the writing of the Prajnaparamita sutra in Nepal in 2022 with Ven. Tsering and Jane Seidlitz

The live creation of the Prajnaparamita sutra, which is being written out daily in beautiful calligraphy in gold ink is in its eighteenth year. Lama Zopa Rinpoche explained in a teaching in Bendigo, Australia, his clear wishes for the writing of the Prajnaparamita sutra to continue for as long as FPMT exists. Even when completing the twelve volumes of the sutra currently in process, Rinpoche asked that this project begin again and in this way the sutra is continually being written out as it is a powerful holy object. Currently Ven.Tsering is on the fifth volume and Jane Seidlitz in the USA is writing out the second volume. The gold for the sutra costs about $10,000 a year.

Even writing one letter or syllable from the Prajnaparamita, the benefits you receive are unbelievable, unbelievable, more than making skies of extensive offerings to all the buddhas for so many eons. The merits are far more greater than that. — Lama Zopa Rinpoche

New Padmasambhava Statue in Pokhara Nepal

The planned new Guru Rinpoche statue in Pokhara Nepal.

We have the incredible news that a new statue of Guru Rinpoche statue is being built in Pokhara Nepal. The comprehensive cost of this remarkable project encompasses both land procurement expenses and the construction of a grand monument and is expected to be US$2,993,217.  Situated alongside the esteemed Annapurna Cable Car, the Guru Rinpoche statue, to be erected in Pokhara, will seamlessly blend with the surrounding natural landscape, creating a serene and captivating environment.

Covering a total site area of 3,226 square miles (34,728 square feet), the project includes various features such as a meditation hall capable of accommodating 100 individuals, additional rooms and a prayer hall, a mantra wall, vast green areas, and a magnificent 15-meter-tall statue that gracefully rises 1556 meters above sea level. The land was successfully acquired in 2023 and through the Padmasambhava Project for Peace we were able to offer US$285,000 to this amazing project.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche Stupa of Complete Victory at Kopan Monastery

The Stupa of Complete Victory being built at Kopan Monastery.

We rejoice in the beginning of the work for building of the Stupa of Complete Victory in Kopan Monastery.  This magnificent stupa will be 42-foot high (13 meters) and is dedicated to the swift return of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

The intention is to create a significant monument situated on ground level covering an area of 180 square feet (55 square meters) and a semi-basement level spanning 715 square feet (218 square meters). The stupa is located on the northeast side of the Stupa Garden at Kopan Monastery where the stupas of Geshe Lama Konchog and Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundup are also situated. This stupa will be facing exactly mid-way between Swayambhunath stupa and Boudhanath stupa. While maintaining the vastness of Kopan’s beautiful gardens, Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s stupa will be built from the level below thus enlarging the whole area and enabling for two retreat rooms under the stupa. We expect that the building below the stupa will be finished in about 4-5 months and then the building of the actual Stupa of Complete Victory will begin. The building of the stupa will take some time due to all the extensive artwork, but we are hoping the stupa will be finished in about a year.  

Ksitigharba Statue Arrival at Kopan Monastery

We also rejoice in the beautiful new Ksitigharba statue that was completed and placed in a beautiful house on the top of the hill at Kopan Monastery. Lama Zopa Rinpoche had advised for this statue to be made. One of the incredible benefits is from protection from earthquakes among any other things. The statue has been placed on the highest part of Kopan Monastery.

New Ksitigharba statue at Kopan Monastery.

Maitreya Project in Kushinagar, India

Funds were also sent for the master plan and ongoing work for the Maitreya Project in Kushinagar India. In 2023 the new Master Plan was completed, and a number of important meetings happened such as with the Director General of the International Buddhist Council (the key office that plans and executes all the support work for Buddhist projects in India and internationally), when the Master Plan was presented. Work was done to bring special statues of Sixteen Arahants, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Twenty-one Taras, that Lama Zopa Rinpoche had commissioned many years ago for Maitreya Project, from Nepal to Kushinagar as well as to bring the 24-foot high statue of Maitreya that has graced the land in Bodhgaya to Kushinagar.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has explained:

“Every time you look at holy objects – pictures of the Buddha, statues, scriptures, stupas – they plant the seed of liberation and enlightenment in your mental continuum. So, every time you look at them they purify your mind. How? When you look at them, they plant a seed or positive imprint on your mental continuum so that later when you meet Buddhadharma, either in this life or in future lives, you are able to understand the words and the meaning of the teachings. From that, you are able to practice the meaning of the Dharma you have understood, which causes you to cease the gross and subtle defilements by actualizing the path and then your mental continuum becomes omniscient mind. This is what is meant when we say that by seeing holy objects it plants the seed of enlightenment on the mind – it contains the whole path from guru devotion and the three principles up to the two stages of tantra and enlightenment.”

Thank you to all who supported these different projects that enable the creation of new holy objects around the world for the benefit of all beings. In 2024 we will be mainly focusing on actualizing the Stupa of Complete Victory for Lama Zopa Rinpoche and appreciate any support.

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

FPMT Basic Program students at Nalanda Monastery, France.

In 2023, an incredible US$173,156 was disbursed in grants from the FPMT Education and Preservation Fund to promote the development of Buddhist education programs and the preservation of the Dharma through the publication of Buddhist practice materials and translations. We invite you to read some of the activities supported this year below and rejoice!

Santiniketan Bengali Translation Team with newly translated Bhavanakrama text. Visva-Bharati University, Department of Indo-Tibetan Studies, West Bengal, India.

• US$4,607 in grants were provided for translation projects of Dharma texts from Tibetan into Bengali and Hindu, to the Indo-Tibetan Translation Team at Visva-Bharati University of West Bengal, India. West Bengal was the birthplace of great masters such as Shantideva, Lama Atisha, and Shantarakshita, and the intention for the translation projects was to aid in the revival of Mahayana Buddhism in the region. One of the translations sponsored was the Bengali translation and editing of Bhavanakrama by Kamalashila. The other translation from Tibetan to Bengali and English was of Bodhipathapradipam (Atisha’s Lamp of the Path to Enlightenment), Suhrllekha (Nagarjuna’s Letter to a Friend), and The Thirty-Seven Practices of the Bodhisattva. The books were completed by teams of university translators and advisors. The translated Bhavanakrama text was also offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Bodhgaya recently.
• Further grants were given for the development of new FPMT education programs and materials, including support of FPMT educational activities in Mongolia.
• Grants were given this year through the Translation and Scholarship Fund for the translation of Vajrayogini self-initiation, Heruka Chakrasamvara Body Mandala commentary by Trijang Rinpoche, and A Precious Garland: A Commentary on Engaging in the Deeds of a Bodhisattva (Bodhicaryāvatāra). In addition, ongoing translation progress continues on the following texts: Sutra of Golden Light (21 Chapter, 29 Chapter, and 31 Chapter), Chittamani Tara practice texts, A Detailed Commentary on the Six Yogas of Naropa, Sunlight That Causes the Lotus of Faith to Blossom: A Guidebook to the Supreme Sacred Place of Clear and Cool Mountain, and Ornament of the Essence.  
• Grants were also issued in support of the FPMT Masters Program scholarship and toward the support and education of a geshe studying in a University in the UK.

We rejoice in all these inspiring activities, the work of all those involved, and in the kind generosity of supporters to the Education and Preservation Fund, which provided the much-needed resources for these projects.

Learn more about the Education and Preservation Fund, and all of our FPMT Charitable Projects that are working to build a more compassionate world.