receive our newsletters
join Friends of FPMT
Holy Objects
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.
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.
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.
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.
Puja to bless the site of the Stupa of Complete Victory at Kopan Monastery
We are so excited to share the news that the Stupa of Complete Victory being built at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s swift return is well underway.
Extensive work underway for the Stupa of Complete Victory at Kopan Monastery.
In October 2023 special pujas for the groundbreaking and blessing of the area and asking permission from the local spirits were carefully conducted by Kopan Lama Gyupa monks. These elaborate pujas are very important for the overall success of the project and auspiciousness.
Video of the blessing of the site where the stupa will be located:
Area where the Stupa of Complete Victory will be built, Kiopan Monastery.
In December, the area where the stupa will be built was carefully marked out, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, Gen Tenpa Choden, and Gen Shenphen were present with the main builders for this important step.
Gen Shenphen with the main builder of the Stupa of Complete Victory.
The stupa will be 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 situated.
This stupa will be facing exactly mid-way between Swayambhunath stupa and Boudhanath stupa. Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s stupa will be built from the level below, enlarging the whole area and enabling for there to be two retreat rooms under the stupa.
In late December extensive excavation of the project began, digging into the hill, removing the vast amount of soil, and then placing the pilings and foundations for the building on which the stupa will be built.
In January 2024 the building continues, Gen Shenphen and Gen Tenpa Choden are the main people overseeing this incredible project.
Video of the building work underway:
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 then begin. The building of the stupa will take some time due to all the extensive artwork. We are hoping the stupa will be finished in about a year.
The excavation site for the Stupa of Complete Victory.
All of this effort and the building of this stupa is dedicated to the swift return of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
We rejoice in this incredible work, in all those working on the stupa, the kind donors, and in this beautiful new holy object that will soon grace the Stupa Garden in Kopan.
We will keep you updated on this progress. Please consider supporting the building and completion of this incredible stupa: https://fpmt.org/projects/fpmt/lzr-complete-victory-stupa/
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.
The incredible thangka, which is 75 feet (23 meters) high and 87 feet (27 meters) wide depicts, in stitched appliqué, the Padmasambhava merit field in the center. Displayed during Guru Bumtsog at Kopan Nunnery, December 16, 2016. Photo by Charok Lama.
For the eighth year in a row, a very large thangka of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) was displayed and an auspicious 100,000 tsog offering event (Guru Bumtsog) took place at Khachoe Ghakyil Ling (Kopan Nunnery) on December 16, 2023, in the presence of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Khenrinpoche Geshe Chonyi, Thame monks and other Sangha, Kopan monks and nuns, and local lay people. The event was even aired on the local news! Prayers were offered for all beings and for the swift return of our precious Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the actualization of all of Rinpoche’s holy wishes, and for peace in the world.
Khenrinpoche Geshe Chonyi and Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche receiving attendees of the 2023 Guru Bumtsog at Kopan Nunnery. Photo by Charok Lama.
The puja is an incredible undertaking by Kopan monks and nuns as it takes days to set up and arrange, plus lunch offered to all in attendance requires major preparation. This short video captures the energy, joy, and community involvement of this event:
Extensive offerings at the base of the large Padmasambhava thangka during Guru Bumtsog event, Kopan Nunnery, December 16, 2023. Photo by Charok Lama.
The thangka, which is 75 feet (23 meters) high and 87 feet (27 meters) wide depicts, in stitched appliqué, the Padmasambhava merit field in the center. Lama Zopa Rinpoche personally designed and oversaw the creation of this huge thangka and also raised the funds for it, thanks to the kindness of two generous donors. The thangkha was also blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
With great rejoicing we share that this will now be an annual event at Kopan Nunnery on December 3, Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s birthday, to commemorate Rinpoche’s life and fulfill Rinpoche’s wishes. Students of Rinpoche are encouraged to plan to come to this extremely joyous and auspicious event.
Lama Zopa 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.”
Guru bumtsog event with the large Padmasambhava thangka on display, December 16, 2023. Photo courtesy of Kopan Monastery.
Rinpoche also expressed that it is his wish for many FPMT centers to have huge thangkas and once a year to display the thangka and have a festival day for the public based around the holy object. During the festival day, Rinpoche requested for there to be many thousands of offerings in front of the thangka, as well as offering banners.
Young monks receiving lunch during the Guru Bumtsog event at Kopan Nunnery, December 16, 2023. Lunch was offered to all in attendance. Photo by Charok Lama.
There could be some introduction to Buddhism offered to those in attendance, and then a puja, that is based on the deity of the thangka. Then, people could offer music, dances, and so forth to the thangka (and also for everyone to enjoy). People can also circumambulate the thangka. For example, the center could have a horse and carriage and children can ride along. In this way, even the horse collects merit, as well as any animal that comes on that day and goes around the thangka. This makes their life so meaningful!
Locals enjoying the Guru Bumtsog event at Kopan Nunnery, December 16, 2023. Photo by Charok Lama.
Please rejoice in this auspicious yearly event which is fulfilling Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions and has profound effects on those in Nepal and the entire world. The costs of offering this yearly are substantial and will be covered by the FPMT Puja Fund. Anyone interested in contributing to this yearly event held on Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s birthday may offer any amount to the Puja Fund.
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.
The Holy Objects Fund offers grants to the creation of holy objects around the world.
31-foot high Amoghapasha painting on Drak Karma cliff above Lawudo, Nepal.
Twenty-five years ago, Lama Zopa Rinpoche began expressing the wish for a large painting of 1,000-Armed Chenrezig to be painted on a 100-foot high cliff named Drak Karma above Lawudo in Nepal, approximately 4,200 meters above sea level (over 13,000 feet) so everyone in proximity could see it. In the last few years Rinpoche specifically said for the painting to be of Amoghapasha—an emanation of Chenrezig.
With huge rejoicing, we share that this 31-foot high by 21-foot wide (9.5 meters high by 6.4 meters wide) painting is now complete! It 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.
Painting set up of the large Amoghapasha on a cliff above Lawudo.
As one can imagine, this was an incredible feat, an unbelievable task to complete. The whole project started a couple of months ago and it took ten days to get the scaffolding up to the site where the conditions were freezing and windy making the scaffolding and painting quite dangerous. The actual painting took seven days by Nepali artists, finished the day before Lhabab Duchen, and consecrated on the day of this merit-multiplying occasion.
Please watch this incredible video of the painting as it occurred, by Ven. Tenzin Michael:
The unbelievable benefits of merely seeing the painted holy body of Amoghapasha are mentioned in the
Amoghapasha Tantra:
Close up of the exquisite painting of Amoghapasha on a cliff above Lawudo.
Merely by directly seeing the Compassionate Eye Looking Enriched One (Amoghapasha) and the Potala Mountain with the celestial mansion, you become free from the eight great hells and the eight great fears. It even liberates you from all the suffering of having committed the five heavy negative karmas without break (having killed one’s father, mother, or an arhat; having caused blood to flow from a buddha; having caused disunity among the Sangha). It completely purifies even the very heavy negative karma of having abandoned the holy Dharma, all the obscurations, and so forth. Just seeing this deity totally purifies all the negative karmas and obscurations from having criticized buddhas and bodhisattvas. Just seeing this painted holy body totally purifies even those who are to be reborn in the lowest hot hell, Inexhaustible Suffering. You collect hundreds of thousands of times more merit than Brahma and other worldly gods. You achieve the sublime merits (good luck or good karma) of all worldly beings.
Even when you die, the Compassionate Eye Looking Enriched One directly shows his face to you and frees your breath (which means frees you from lower realms). Even after death you will be born in Amitabha’s blissful realm. You become free from obscurations and are able to remember up to fifty thousand past lives. This will be your last life in samsara (you will be freed from samsaric rebirth) and your next life only goes toward the ultimate heart of enlightenment. Just by seeing this holy body one time, you collect inconceivable merit. If you continually see this holy body, there is no question of turning back from enlightenment. You achieve the peerless happiness of buddhahood with the cessation of all obscurations and the completion of all realizations.
Rinpoche encouraged students to have an image of Amoghapasha printed as large as possible and displayed publicly due to the benefit.
Ven. Roger Kunsang joining others at the 100-foot high cliff that now is blessed with the 31-foot painting of Amoghapasha.
We are so happy to be able to accomplish this wish of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and pray that we may we be able to fulfill all of his holy wishes. Ven. Roger Kunsang, after visiting the finished work commented with great joy that, “Rinpoche would be so pleased” to see this completed.
In a speech from the Thamichowa community, they expressed the following:
“From the depths of our hearts, we pray that the merit accumulated from our pure thoughts to complete Rinpoche’s holy wishes and benefit sentient beings will be a cause for Rinpoche to quickly be reborn in our area recognized as the unmistaken incarnation!”
Please find practice materials, mantras, and other resources related to Amoghapasha to download from the FPMT Foundation Store.
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 Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Stupa of Complete Victory.
We are sharing big news about the undertaking of a new project: The Stupa of Complete Victory for Lama Zopa Rinpoche. This magnificent stupa will be 42 ft high (12.8 meters) and is being built at Kopan Monastery 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 ft (55 square meters) and a semi-basement level spanning 715 square feet (218 square meters) and we are currently in the planning stage of this project.
The stupa will be 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 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. The architect working on this project has integrated the circumambulation path to go around all three stupas and incorporating the whole area as a place for purification and creating merit.
Please watch a short video of this project to help visualize the overall vision:
Currently, we are in the process of determining the cost of all the holy objects that will be placed inside the stupa as well as collecting them. These objects include, but are not limited to, the Tengyur and Kangyur, the life tree – that goes in the center of the stupa, forty trillion mantras inscribed on nano technology film, and various other sacred items.
His Eminence Zong Rinpoche recently came to Kopan Monastery to offer prayers for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche on the 49th day of Rinpoche showing the aspect of passing, he kindly offered guidance regarding the type of stupa to build. Zong Rinpoche advised for it to be a Stupa of Complete Victory, which represents the victory of Buddha over the mara of death.
Rendering of the placement in Kopan’s garden of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Stupa of Complete Victory.
The estimated construction cost of just the stupa monument is approximately US$459,252. This estimation was provided by one of the local Nepali architectural companies and includes the architectural plan. The major expenses involved in this estimate are related to the civil works required to prepare the ground and construct the main body of the stupa, as well as the landscaping, totaling US$272,699. Additionally, the estimate covers expenses for decorative painting, ornamentation works, the construction and installation of 32 small stupas around the perimeter, as well as scaffolding.
The actual building of the stupa will start on an auspicious day and as the project moves forward, we will provide updates to keep you informed of any developments, needs or milestones reached.
May this stupa quickly create the cause for the swift return of our precious Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and for all his wishes to be actualized exactly as planned.
To learn more about this project and offer support: https://fpmt.org/projects/fpmt/lzr-complete-victory-stupa/
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.
Kopan geshes offering buddha statues to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo courtesy of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
We have incredibly joyous news to share! Last week the remaining 458 Buddha statues from the 1,000 Buddha statues that were made for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and offered during the long life puja in May 2023 have all now been offered. Please rejoice!
In early September a number of Kopan geshes traveled to Tushita Meditation Centre in McLeod Ganj to receive the remaining 458 statues that were coming overland by truck from Nepal, where they had been made.
Once all the statues arrived the Kopan geshes, with great care and joyfulness, filled each of the 458 statues and then consecrated the statues and re boxed them so they could be offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Once all the 458 statues were all completed the geshes went to His Holiness’s private office to find out the best way to offer the 458 statues and they received the incredible news that they could each offer a statue directly to His Holiness, as a representation of the 458 statues, the next day. The geshes made this incredible offering on behalf of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and FPMT the following day. The remaining statues were brought down in a truck.
Kopan geshes offering buddha statues to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo courtesy of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche mentioned that he wanted the offering of Buddha statues to be ongoing, even after these 1,000 statues are offered. We are looking forward to trying to fulfil this request, as His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers the statues to visitors and dignitaries and Lama Zopa Rinpoche wanted to be able to provide these auspicious offerings, for as long as possible, to His Holiness.
Thank you to everyone who made it possible to make this precious offering on Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s behalf and please join the entire FPMT community in this huge rejoicing.
You can read more about the inspiring history of this project: fpmt.org/projects/fpmt/holy-objects-fund/one-thousand-buddhas
Photos of the May 2023 long life puja offered by the FPMT organization can be seen here: www.dalailama.com/pictures/long-life-prayer-offered-by-fpmt
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.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa at Lawudo in process.
Anila Ngawang Samten, Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s sister, is constructing an eight level, 12-foot high and 11-foot wide Victory Stupa at Lawudo Gompa, Nepal, for the swift return and success of all Lama Zopa Rinpoche and FPMT’s projects.
We are so pleased to share an update on this stupa from Ven. Nyima Tashi Sherpa, a relative of Lama Zopa Rinpoche; and Ven. Tsultrim, a Swiss nun who has been at Lawudo since Spring 2022.
The Victory Stupa at Lawudo Gompa is being constructed according to the profound visionary instructions of Trulshik Rinpoche and carries significant implications for the global FPMT community, as well as for all sentient beings.
Ani Ngawang Samten has been unwavering in her dedication to preserve Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s legacy and fulfilling his aspirations. With a heart full of wisdom and compassion, Ani Ngawang Samten committed herself to ensuring that Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s rebirth occurs swiftly, while simultaneously upholding the visionary goals of FPMT. This extraordinary dedication extends to her ceaseless puja rituals conducted at both Lawudo and Thubten Choeling Monastery in Solukhumbu, and her recent request for a full reading of the Kangyur at Thubten Choeling Monastery to safeguard the construction of the stupa.
Ani Ngawang Samten and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Lawudo Retreat Centre, 1976. LYWA collection.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Ani Ngawang Samten, Kopan Monastery, 2018. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsag.
Ani Ngawang Samten has consulted with esteemed lamas within the Lawudo area, including Kerok Lama Ngawang Tsultrim Rinpoche, Charok Tenzing Tinley Rinpoche, and Khapa Pema, all of whom have been trained in the instructions for constructing this profound stupa by Trulshik Rinpoche, in order to ensure their support and receive their expert guidance for this monumental endeavor.
Various holy and precious objects which will reside in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.
The Victory Stupa, as per Trulshik Rinpoche’s instructions, stands as a beacon of spiritual transformation for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students and the FPMT family. This magnificent structure, adorned in red, black, and white; symbolizes love, the transcendence of ignorance, and the purity of purpose. It is a sanctuary for the perfect practice, equanimity, wisdom, diversity knowledge, and compassion. This sacred endeavor holds the power to nourish the very essence of these qualities in the hearts of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s devoted students and FPMT practitioners, fostering a radiant transformation that transcends time and space. It houses essential articles, substances, mantras, and potent tsa tsa elements that serve to shield our universe from conflict, scarcity, and natural calamities rooted in the earth, water, fire, and wind elements.
Amitayus statue from Rinpoche’s cave which Anila offered to Rinpoche during a long life puja in Lawudo, which will reside in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.
In addition, it is Ani-la’s wish that in accordance with the Mahayana tradition of reincarnation, since Lama Yeshe’s mind stream is also so precious to us, that this stupa help dispel ignorance, and protect and preserve the holy mind of Lama Yeshe so that Lama Osel can help to benefit the world.
Holy and precious objects which will reside in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.
Furthermore, illuminating the sanctity of this project is Rinpoche’s dear childhood friend, Ngawang Nyendak, a Thame monk who has steadfastly performed regular practices, such as incense pujas for FPMT at Lawudo over the past eight years. His continuous efforts, including the powerful fortune-hooking puja after Rinpoche’s parinirvana, stand as a testament to the profound dedication that supports this sacred initiative.
Set of 10-inch statues of the Buddhas of the Five Types which will reside in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.
In a most auspicious development, a precious tooth relic of Lama Zopa Rinpoche will be invited to Lawudo Gompa on the merit-multiplying day of Buddha’s return from the deva realm, November 4, 2023, Lhabab Duchen. This auspicious occasion aligns with Ani Ngawang Samten’s decision to consecrate both the renovated stupa of Lawudo Lama Kunsang Yeshe and the stupa of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The construction of the stupa began on July 11, 2023, and is now nearing completion. The stupa is 12-feet high and 11-feet wide, and has eight levels. It is located at Changtang Gombu, 200 meters below Lawudo Gompa on a well-used track and occupies a position where it dominates the landscape and can be seen from around the valley and is in a natural spot for sitting, prayer, and circumambulation.
Central channel of the Victory Stupa surrounded by tsa tsas.
Some of the holy and precious objects which will reside in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.
Eight levels of the Victory Stupa:
- The first level has different types of weapons to shield our universe from conflict and war.
- The second level has various nutritious grains to save the world from scarcity of food and famine.
- The third level contains the central channel surrounded by 400,000 to 500,000 tsa tsas of different types. Also surrounding the central shaft are various powerful mantras.
- The fourth level is “Rinpoche’s palace.” It contains various precious items that belonged to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, such as a set of complete robes used at Lawudo, a bell, dorje and damaru, a crystal rosary used by Rinpoche during long life retreat at Maratika, etc. There are also texts used by or books with Rinpoche’s teachings. Additionally, there are various offerings in Rinpoche’s palace, including a mandala set and a set of offering bowls containing the eight substances with the conch shell placed first as an auspicious gesture by Anila Ngawang Samten to be able to receive teachings from the Yangsi.
Mantras which will go inside Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.
- The fifth level contains a 14-inch Amitayus statue from Rinpoche’s cave which Anila offered to Rinpoche during a long life puja in Lawudo.
- The sixth level contains a set of 10-inch statues of the Buddhas of the Five Types from the main Lawudo Gompa.
- The seventh level contain a holy body, speech and mind offering—a 10-inch statue of Guru Shakyamuni, an 8-inch statue of Guru Rinpoche and an 8-inch Enlightenment Stupa from the cave along with a text belonging to Rinpoche from the old library.
- The top level is the symbolic Victory Banner which crowns the stupa.
Ani Ngawang Samten’s constant presence in Lawudo for over 55 years has granted her profound insights into the challenges faced by individuals journeying from all corners of the world. With deep empathy, she ardently wishes for all those who visit Lawudo–whether for retreat, meditation, pilgrimage, or a simple day’s excursion–to be bestowed with the blessings of these sacred objects. Anila envisions Lawudo as a sanctuary where the weary souls of visitors find solace, healing, and relief from the burdens of discouragement, depression, fear, anger, and frustration inherent in the human experience.
Furthermore, Ani Ngawang Samten fervently prays that the serene grounds of Lawudo become a wellspring of compassion, renunciation, and liberation from delusions. The very essence of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to building Lawudo Gompa in 1967/68 is embedded within the mud, timber, and stones that comprise this blessed place. Ani Ngawang Samten believes that Lawudo Gompa is an invaluable haven for devotees of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
May the construction of the Victory Stupa at Lawudo Monastery bring boundless benefits to all sentient beings, while propelling Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s vision for FPMT toward a future unencumbered by obstacles.
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.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Bodhgaya, India, January, 2023. Photo courtesy of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
We have incredibly joyous news to share! On May 24, 2023 Lama Zopa Rinpoche has been given the opportunity to offer a long life puja, on behalf of the entire FPMT organization, to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Namgyal Monastery, Dharamsala, India.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche is planning to offer one thousand statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, and these beautiful statues are in the process of being made, gilded in gold, filled with mantras, painted, and consecrated in Nepal. As it takes time to make one thousand Buddha statues, Rinpoche will be initially offering a few hundred statues in the actual long life puja. The remaining statues will be offered over the next few months as they are completed.
In addition, two beautiful life-size Padmasambhava and Namgyalma statues will be offered and presented to His Holiness during the long life puja.
The model of the 1,000 statues of Shakyamuni Buddha that will be offered to His Holiness.
All are invited to make an offering towards, or sponsor, one of these statues (US$300 each), which will then be offered directly to His Holiness. Any contribution towards the statues means participating in the entire offering to His Holiness. Right now, during the 15 Days of Miracles (February 21 – March 7) is also an extra special time to make offerings, when merit is multiplied 100 million times each day. Offerings are being accepted for the long life puja for His Holiness as well.
In 2019, Lama Zopa Rinpoche also offered, on behalf of FPMT, one thousand buddha statues to His Holiness. In recent teachings the statues were often seen in the livestreams, lined up behind His Holiness. These statues are not only an auspicious offering, but they are also very useful as His Holiness often gives the statues as gifts to people who visit him.
“By offering to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, you are making offerings to all the buddhas and numberless bodhisattvas. This generates limitless skies of merit—every day and every second.” – Lama Zopa Rinpoche
May this offering create the cause for His Holiness the Dalai Lama to remain in this world for as long sentient beings remain.
You can learn more about Offering One Thousand Buddhas to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and join the offering. We also invite you to read more about the Long Life Puja Fund which funds long life pujas for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
You can follow important and inspiring news about His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the official website of His Holiness:
https://www.dalailama.com/news