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

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

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

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

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

The teachers and nuns of Tashi Chime Gatsal Gumba.

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

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

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

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

Thame Rinpoche and the monks of Thame Dechen Chokhorling Monastery.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monks of Idgaa Choinzinling Monastery.

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

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

Monks at Gyudmed Tantric Monastery.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Building underway of two buildings for Machig Labdron, Bendigo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you to all who undertake these practices and those who make the offerings possible. You are welcome to join in all these offerings arranged on Chokhor Duchen and for the future Buddha Days.

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

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

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

Great Festival Celebrating His Holiness

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

Long Life Prayers

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

Praises and Requests

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

Online Teachings by His Holiness

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

Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) Practice Materials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please enjoy these short videos that show the recent progress:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Residents of Lugsam Samduling Home for the Aged and Disabled.

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

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

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

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

Residents of Jampaling Elders Home.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Residents of Hunsur Old Age Home.

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

Residents of Dhondenling Old People Home enjoying lunch together.

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

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

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

Residents of Old Age Home in Kalimpong with _____

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

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

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

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

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

Residents of Dhonden Old People’s Home.

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

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

Residents of Paonta Cholsum Tibetan Settlement.

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

Roof that will be repaired at Puruwala House.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All Medicine Buddha Practices available to you:

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

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

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.

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.