FPMT News Around the World

Geshe Thutben Rapten and Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Amy, Lozang, and Mila Hursthouse, Bendigo, Australia, May 2018. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Thanks to Amy Hursthouse, spiritual program coordinator at FPMT center Chandrakirti Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Centre in New Zealand, and long-time student Lozang Hursthouse for interviewing retreat participants during the recent Bodhicaryavatara and Rinjung Gyatsa Retreat with Lama Zopa Rinpoche at The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo, Australia.

Students were asked two questions: What is the most personally meaningful thing you have learned at the retreat, that you will take home with you? What is your favorite memory from the retreat?

“The most meaningful thing I learned about was patience,” said one retreat participant. “My favorite memory was going for an impromptu walk in the Peace Park with Rinpoche and looking at all the statues. Lama Zopa Rinpoche told stories as we went around and gave teachings about the use of prayer wheels. He also gave directions for the future animals to go in the park. That was really interesting.”

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with students in the Peace Park at The Great Stupa, Bendigo, Australia, May 2018. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Another student said, “I learned everything has to be done with bodhichitta, all of your daily activities, and all those mundane things we do in the world. We just have to change our mind and do it with bodhichitta. Then it becomes a profound practice, and it transforms your whole life.

“My favorite memory is from one of the teachings. Rinpoche was sitting on his throne wildly waving his arms in the air as he super emphatically said, ‘It’s all a dream, it’s just a dream, you’re just dreaming. This is just a dream.’ It was really like palpable that we were actually dreaming. It made me realize it.”

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Atisha Centre staff and volunteers in front of the center cafe, Bendigo, Australia, April 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Susan from Australia said, “The most meaningful part of the retreat for me was deepening the connection with Rinpoche as Buddha.”

“The most special part was being with Rinpoche. Listening to his teachings is so powerful,” Yen from Sydney said. “I also enjoyed translating and caring for students from overseas. I thought I’d come for retreat and be shut off from everyone, but actually I spent the whole time helping and serving others. I realized this is Rinpoche’s teaching. How to apply the teachings in daily life. I learned a lot from here. Serving sentient beings is so important.”

Long life puja for Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Bendigo, Australia, May 2018. Photo by Ven. Tenzin Tsultrim.

Several other students echoed the meaningfulness of doing a retreat with Rinpoche:

“Seeing Rinpoche and receiving such clear teachings, I understood better how to practice guru devotion. My favorite memory from the retreat is seeing Rinpoche. He is so amazing.”

“The most meaningful thing personally is that everything is in the mind. All of my experiences and what I believe to exist out there is all just like a movie, including the guru who is a manifestation of the dharmakaya. The guru who guides us appears through our karmic appearance, what we have the karma to see, just as Arya Asanga initially saw Maitreya as a wounded dog. We need to keep doing pure practice from the heart every day to prevent degeneration. My favorite memory is on the first night Rinpoche directly answered a question I had about how things exist. This bolstered my faith and I felt a lot of gratitude.”

“The most important thing I learned is the guru is the Buddha, and that by totally entrusting myself to him he will quickly lead me to enlightenment. The most meaningful part of the retreat was when Rinpoche give the initiation I had requested.”

“The most personally meaningful thing I have learned is that Rinpoche is my guru. My favorite memory is singing ‘Calling the Guru from Afar’ with Ven. Thubten Dechen.”

Ven. Gyalten Wangmo and Ven. Thubten Dechen offering the long life prayer composed by Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khandro Namsel Drönme) to Lama Zopa Rinpoche during the long life puja, The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, May 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

“My favorite aspect of the retreat was the group practice sessions when Rinpoche was present, like Lama Chöpa,” Anne Marie from New Zealand said. “Ven. Thubten Dechen’s voice was a highlight. It made the prayers soar. The devotion rose through the sense of sound. It was such a blessing for me to be in the presence of Rinpoche and have the inspiration of the prayers. One thing I will remember for a long time was when Ven. Joan helped us to help clean the Stupa View relics room. It felt like such a privilege. We worked really hard, and it was one of those great moments.”

“Something I will remember for a long time was when we were chanting ‘Praises to the Twenty-One Taras’ while waiting for Rinpoche,” Vurgel from Germany said. “Suddenly, I heard Ven. Thubten Dechen start to sing so beautifully. We were lifted to Tara’s pure land. Rinpoche didn’t come so we kept singing and singing. It was like a pure realm.”

Aki from Singapore said, “This is my second time attending the retreat. The most meaningful part for me was spending so much time with Rinpoche. And everyone’s energy to make this retreat happen, all the good energy and harmony.”

Ven. Thubten Tendar making tormas for the retreat, Bendigo, Australia, May 2018. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Amy from Australia and New Zealand shared, “The most memorable moment of the retreat for me was the first time we saw Rinpoche with our son Mila. It deepened my faith greatly to see Rinpoche giving blessings to students, children, and animals, and then hearing the teachings on guru devotion, the importance of the guru.

“The long life puja was one of the most meaningful days. From Rinpoche’s profound teaching, to the number of people who came, and seeing how we were all so moved in our different ways throughout the prayers. Looking around it was powerful to see people from all around the world who have had their hearts and lives transformed through meeting the Dharma, studying, offering service, taking ordination, and dedicating their lives in so many different ways to others. The puja made manifest the incredible organization of FPMT, and all that it does and stands for. And the heart of it was Rinpoche guiding us all.”

Lama Zopa Rinpoche blessing a child, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Bendigo, Australia, May 2018. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Watch all of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings from the recent Bodhicaryavatara and Rinjung Gyatsa Retreat in Australia and find transcripts and translations of the teachings here:
https://fpmt.org/media/streaming/teachings-of-lama-zopa-rinpoche/lama-zopa-rinpoche-teachings-in-bendigo-2018/

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Introduction to Buddhism course with Ven. Tenzin Drolma and Maya at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, India, May 2017. Photo courtesy of Paloma de Castro.

Acting director Archhana Kombrabail, spiritual coordinator Ven. Tenzin Kunphen, and the staff and volunteers at Tushita Meditation Centre in Dharamsala, India, shared this summary of 2017 accomplishments:

Without exaggeration, we can say that our 2017 season running from February to November was the most busy (and hopefully most beneficial) Tushita Meditation Centre has ever seen.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche on his way to meet with the Introduction to Buddhism course students at Tushita Meditation Centre with Ven. Thubten Tendar, Ven. Sangpo, and acting center director Archhana Kombrabail, Dharamsala, India, February 2017. Photo courtesy of Tushita Meditation Centre’s Facebook page.

Our 2017 season started with countless blessings by our precious guru Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who gave inspiring teachings, lungs, and advice during his seventeen-day stay before the Tibetan New Year.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Introduction to Buddhism course students at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, India, February 2017. Photo courtesy of Tushita Meditation Centre’s Facebook page.

After such an auspicious start we hosted with much energy and enthusiasm eighteen Introduction to Buddhism courses, four intermediate/advanced courses, and six group retreats. Highlights were the advanced courses with FPMT registered teachers Geshe Tenzin Namdak and Geshe Kelsang Wangmo, and courses and retreats with our resident teacher Ven. Tenzin Drolma.

Geshe Tenzin Namdak and students at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, India, July 2017. Photo courtesy of Paloma de Castro.

In addition, we were extremely fortunate to have Dagri Rinpoche teach a five-day course on Shantideva’s A Guide to Bodhisattva’s Way of Life with Dagri Rinpoche promising a continuation in the coming years. Another special six-day course was led by Geshe Lhakdor-la on Atisha’s Lamp of the Path to Enlightenment.

Brief statistics of our residential courses in 2017:

• 18 Introduction to Buddhism courses attended by a total of 1,734 students
• 1 special introduction course taught by Geshe Lhakdor-la and attended by 113 students
• 4 intermediate/advanced courses attended by a total of 136 students
• 6 group retreats attended by a total of 100 students
• 1 Pre-Ordination Course attended by 13 students

Pre-Ordination Course students with Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khandro Namsel Drönme) at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, India, March 2017. Photo courtesy of Tushita Meditation Centre’s Facebook page.

This totals thirty residential courses and group retreats attended by 2,096 students. This is a new Tushita Meditation Centre record. Most of our courses again had long waiting lists, and once again our most numerous student nationality was India.

Introduction to Buddhism students in front of Lama Thubten Yeshe’s stupa, Dharamsala, India, November 2017. Photo courtesy of Tushita Meditation Centre’s Facebook page.

Introduction to Buddhism course by Ven. Tenzin Drolma and Renato at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, India, August 2017. Photo courtesy of Paloma de Castro.

On top of all this, we hosted our very popular daily meditation sessions and other drop-in activities. These attracted thousands of visitors this season with visitors often squeezed tightly into our meditation halls and overflowing outside.

Absolute highlights of 2017 were His Eminence Ling Rinpoche’s two visits to give Rinpoche’s first official teaching at Tushita Meditation Centre on the Eight Verses of Mind Training and to convey Rinpoche’s first initiation at Tushita Meditation Centre of Long Life Amitayus. Both events were extremely popular, and we pray that many more will follow.

His Eminence Ling Rinpoche at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, India, June 2017. Photo courtesy of Tushita Meditation Centre’s Facebook page.

His Eminence Ling Rinpoche arriving at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, India, August 2017. Photo courtesy of Tushita Meditation Centre’s Facebook page.

Further highlights were teachings and initiation by Yangten Rinpoche, Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche, Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khandro Namsel Drönme), Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, and Gen Gyatso-la.

Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche entering the gompa at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, India, June 2017. Photo courtesy of Paloma de Castro.

On behalf of all of the staff and students of Tushita Meditation Centre, we most humbly offer any merits that have been accumulated through these and all other Tushita Meditation Centre activities to Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s perfect health, inconceivable long life, and the immediate, perfect fulfillment of every one of his holy wishes, particularly that the Maitreya statue projects will be completed swiftly and perfectly for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Sangha approaching Lama Zopa Rinpoche with the tsog offering during Guru Puja, February 2017. Photo courtesy of Tushita Meditation Centre’s Facebook page.

We also pray that these merits will ripen so that Tushita Meditation Centre will always flourish as a place of harmony helping to spread the Dharma exactly as Lama Zopa Rinpoche wishes. With minds going out with great compassion in whatever direction the most precious teachings have not yet spread, or once spread have now declined, may those who serve and study at Tushita Meditation Centre always uphold the Buddha’s teachings, and with every act of body, speech, and mind, may we always reveal this treasure of happiness and aid.

For information about Tushita Meditation Centre in Dharamsala, India visit their website:
http://tushita.info

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Short course participants from the Mongolian Blind People’s Association with teacher Ven. Thubten Gyalmo and interpreter Khulan Dembereldorj, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, February 2018. Photo by Ianzhina Bartanova.

FPMT center Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling and the Mongolian Blind People’s Association have come together to benefit the visually impaired community in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling’s resident teacher Ven. Thubten Gyalmo and center director Ianzhina Bartanova share their reflections on the collaboration:

Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling is delighted to share that in January and February we successfully offered a five-week meditation and relaxation course for fifteen people from the Mongolian Blind People’s Association.

Approximately sixteen thousand Mongolians experience blindness. Of this number, two thousand are living in Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar. Ninety percent of visually impaired Mongolians do not have an income, apart from a small monthly pension of 140,000 MNT (US$58) received from the government. Employment opportunities are extremely limited. Some visually impaired community members receive massage training so that they can provide massage services in various salons.

In October 2017 we met with the Mongolian Blind People’s Association after they inquired about support for families with many children. At that time, we were able to distribute some clothing, blessing strings, and vitamins. 

We learned the Mongolian Blind People’s Association consists of approximately three thousand people, with seven hundred of these being quite active members. We began to discuss opportunities for future collaboration, and tried to identify ways that Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling could benefit the organization’s community.

The social worker at the Mongolian Blind People’s Association met with us and shared how difficult things can be for visually impaired community members in Ulaanbaatar. They can be reluctant to leave their apartments due to the fear of danger. Ulaanbaatar has many unpaved footpaths that are difficult to navigate, and it is dangerous to cross the street because drivers can be unpredictable and not mindful of pedestrians.

Ven. Thubten Gyalmo was very supportive of the idea of offering a breathing, relaxation, and meditation course to visually impared community members associated with the Mongolian Blind People’s Association. The goal for the course was to reduce stress and bring about more inner contentment.

Short course participants from the Mongolian Blind People’s Association with teacher Ven. Thubten Gyalmo and interpreter Khulan Dembereldorj, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, February 2018. Photo by Ianzhina Bartanova.

To make it easier for people to attend the course, we decided to hold the course at the head office of the Mongolian Blind People’s Association on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. Ven. Thubten Gyalmo and interpreter Khulan Dembereldorj, who also serves as Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling’s spiritual program coordinator, traveled there to lead the course.

We planned to meet at the head office for the entire course. However, our collaboration was so successful that by the third class, all fifteen course participants made their way to Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling in the city center, having managed to find taxis for all.

Some course participants were accompanied by their children and spouses. We could see how much the group was enjoying the outing and were delighted when some of the participants commented on the special environment of Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling. At the conclusion of the third class everyone appeared relaxed and so pleased to have made the effort to come to Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling.

The wonderful outcome was that the group continued to make their way to Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling for the remaining two classes of the five-week meditation and relaxation course.

Short course participants from the Mongolian Blind People’s Association, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, February 2018. Photo by Ianzhina Bartanova.

At the end of the course we offered a few copies of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s book Ultimate Healing to the organization. The Mongolian Blind People’s Association coordinator, Degi promised that the book will be read aloud during their future meetings.

We are now arranging for audio recordings of Ultimate Healing in Mongolian, so we can then offer these to the Mongolian Blind People’s Association. We agreed to continue our cooperation with the Mongolian Blind People’s Association at the earliest convenience.

For more information about Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling visit their website:
http://www.fpmtmongolia.org/shedrub-ling-center/

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Geshe Lobsang Yonten, Ven. Kartsön (Yaki Platt), H.E. Ling Rinpoche, Geshe Ngawang Sonam, and Ven. Tenzin Khentse in King’s Park, overlooking the city of Perth and the Swan River, Perth, Western Australia, March 2018. Photo courtesy of Kirsti Kilbane.

His Eminence Ling Rinpoche traveled to Perth, Western Australia, in March upon the invitation of FPMT center Hayagriva Buddhist Centre, spending one week in the coastal city. Ros Charron, newsletter editor at Hayagriva Buddhist Centre, shares the details of his visit:

His Eminence Ling Rinpoche arrived in Perth, Western Australia, on Tuesday, March 21, 2018. Upon arriving at Perth Airport Rinpoche was warmly greeted by Hayagriva Buddhist Centre resident teacher Geshe Ngawang Sonam, center director John Waite, and students.

Geshe Ngawang Sonam, H.E. Ling Rinpoche, Geshe Lobsang Yonten, center director, and students at Perth Airport, Perth, Western Australia, March 2018. Photo courtesy of Ven. Tenzin Khentse.

We were so thrilled to have Rinpoche come to Perth. His planned activities included a public talk, “The Buddhist Science of Happiness,” at the University of Western Australia, as well as a two-day teaching on Lama Tsongkhapa’s prayer The Foundation of All Good Qualities and a Je Rig Sum Chig Thus jenang at the Metro Hotel Perth.

We were all touched by Rinpoche’s warmth, his gentle and easy going manner, and how amazingly generous he was with his time during his week-long stay here.

H.E. Ling Rinpoche greeted at Perth Airport by Kirsti Kilbane, Perth, Western Australia, March 2018. Photo courtesy of Jude Milan.

In the course of the week H.E. Ling Rinpoche attended a lunch with members of Hayagriva Buddhist Centre. The lunch was hosted by Vietnamese restaurant owner and generous Hayagriva Buddhist Centre benefactor Sony Tang. Afterwards Rinpoche went for a boat ride on the picturesque Swan River.

H.E. Ling Rinpoche, Ven. Tenzin Khentse, Geshe Lobsang Yonten, Ven. Kartsön (Yaki Platt), and John Waite enjoying a boat ride on Swan River, Perth, Western Australia, March 2018. Photo courtesy of Kirsti Kilbane.

On Thursday, March 22, H.E. Ling Rinpoche visited Hayagriva Buddhist Centre. We are so grateful for the statue Rinpoche donated to the center that day. This exquisite Lama Tsongkhapa statue is filled with many rare and difficult to obtain holy objects, including pieces of robes that belonged to His Holiness the Sixth Yongzin Ling Rinpoche, who passed away in 1983.

The following day H.E. Ling Rinpoche visited the University of Western Australia’s campus, where he gave a public talk on “The Buddhist Science of Happiness” at the Octagon Theatre. More than two hundred people came to hear Rinpoche speak at this event on campus.

H.E. Ling Rinpoche then spent the weekend teaching on Lama Tsongkhapa’s prayer The Foundation of All Good Qualities at the Metro Hotel Perth.

H.E. Ling Rinpoche teaching at the Metro Hotel Perth, Perth, Western Australia, March 2018. Photo courtesy of Kirsti Kilbane.

On the second day of the two-day teaching Rinpoche conferred the Je Rig Sum Chig Thus jenang.

Geshe Ngawang Sonam, Oi Loon Lee, Jude Milan, Nora Daniels, and John Waite making a mandala offering to H.E. Ling Rinpoche at the Metro Hotel Perth, Perth, Western Australia, March 2018. Photo courtesy of Kirsti Kilbane.

Rinpoche visited the Hayagriva Buddhist Centre the following day, blessing us with his presence as we engaged in the practice of Guru Puja also known as Lama Chöpa.

During his time with us H.E. Ling Rinpoche liberated Western Australian rock lobster, a species native to the Western Australian coast, purchased by Hayagriva Buddhist Centre from a local fish market.

The Government of Western Australia, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development confirmed it was suitable to release them onto the reef at Cottesloe Beach in Perth. Rinpoche was assisted by students, who carried the Western Australian rock lobster from the shoreline into the Indian Ocean.

H.E. Ling Rinpoche with Ven. Tenzin Khentse, Geshe Lobsang Yonten, Geshe Ngawang Sonam, and Nora Daniels liberating Western Australian rock lobster, Perth, Western Australia, March 2018. Photo courtesy of Kirsti Kilbane.

Rinpoche also paid a visit to AQWA, the Aquarium of Western Australia.

H.E. Ling Rinpoche, Geshe Lobsang Yonten, and John Waite at the Aquarium of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, March 2018. Photo courtesy of Ven. Kartsön (Yaki Platt).

H.E. Ling Rinpoche visited Hayagriva Buddhist Center one final time before departing Australia from Perth Airport. Rinpoche gave a short talk to volunteers and organizers who assisted with his visit to Perth.

H.E. Ling Rinpoche with volunteers and organizers at Hayagriva Buddhist Center, Perth, Western Australia, March 2018. Photo courtesy of Ven. Tenzin Khentse.

We pray for H.E. Ling Rinpoche’s very long life and perfect health, and for all of Rinpoche’s holy wishes and precious Dharma activities to be accomplished instantly and without any obstacles in order to bring great benefit to all sentient beings. We hope and pray that Rinpoche will return to Perth to teach and bless us again very soon!

For more information about Hayagriva Buddhist Centre visit their website:
http://hayagriva.org.au

For the latest news about H.E. Ling Rinpoche’s schedule visit Rinpoche’s website:
http://lingrinpoche.info/schedule.php

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama teaching at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa with Geshe Tashi Tsering, resident geshe at Jamyang Buddhist Centre, and Fabrizio Palliotti, providing interpretation, Pomaia, Italy, June 13, 2014. Photo by Olivier Adam.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has appointed Geshe Tashi Tsering abbot of Sera Mey Monastery in Bylakuppe, South India. A long-time FPMT resident teacher, Geshe Tashi Tsering will be relocating from the UK to India, returning to the monastery where he began his monastic education.

Born in Purang, Tibet, in 1958, Geshe Tashi Tsering and his parents fled to India one year later. He entered Sera Mey Monastery in Bylakuppe, South India, at the age of thirteen. After receiving his Geshe Lharamapa degree from Sera Mey Monastery in 1987, he studied at Gyuto Tantric College for another year.

Medicine Buddha Retreat with Geshe Tashi Tsering, UK, 2017. Photo courtesy of Jamyang Buddhist Centre’s Facebook page.

Geshe Tashi Tsering has been teaching at FPMT centers for more than twenty-five years. In 1994, after teaching at Nalanda Monastery in France for several years, Geshe Tashi Tsering became the resident teacher at FPMT center Jamyang Buddhist Centre in London, England.

Geshe Tashi Tsering with students, UK. Photo courtesy of Jamyang Buddhist Center Leeds’ Facebook page.

In addition to teaching in London, Geshe Tashi Tsering travels to teach at other FPMT centers and study groups in the UK.

Geshe Tashi Tsering teaches on buddha nature to the students of Jamyang Bath Study Group, UK, October 2014. Photo courtesy of Sandra Whilding.

His willingess to travel to Leeds, UK, to teach enabled FPMT center Jamyang Leeds to establish itself twenty-one years ago.

Retreat with Geshe Tashi Tsering, UK, 2011. Photo courtesy of Jamyang Centre Leeds’ Facebook page.

Geshe Tashi Tsering has created The Foundation of Buddhist Thought, a two-year, six-module correspondence course. He is the author of a six-volume series by the same name, published by Wisdom Publications.

Geshe Tashi Tsering teaching at Jamyang Buddhist Center, UK. Photo courtesy of Jamyang Buddhist Centre’s Facebook page.

To learn more about FPMT’s study programs visit:
https://fpmt.org/education/programs/

FPMT.org brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Geshe Tenzin Zopa at Oxford University, Oxford, UK, January 2018. Photo courtesy of FPMT Australia’s Facebook page.

FPMT touring teacher Geshe Tenzin Zopa recently completed an eight-week So-Wide Visitorship for Traditional Scholars in the Tibetan and Himalayan Studies program, part of the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Oxford University in the UK.

A small group of master’s and doctoral students in the Tibetan and Himalayan Studies program are learning the Tibetan language so that they can work with Tibetan texts. Geshe Tenzin Zopa met with a group of students once per week for eight weeks, guiding them through the reading of a Tibetan text. He was also busy giving public talks, meeting with students to discuss their projects, and leading meditations. The students also had the opportunity to watch the film Unmistaken Child.

Geshe Tenzin Zopa at Oxford University, Oxford, UK, January 2018. Photo courtesy of FPMT Australia’s Facebook page.

Geshe Tenzin Zopa spent some time getting to know the Oxford faculty and their teaching styles through attending lectures.

The Visitorship was offered to Geshe Tenzin Zopa by the nonprofit So-Wide (The Society for the Wider Understanding of the Buddhist Tradition) in association with the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies and the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Oxford University.

Oxford University campus, Oxford, UK, January 2018. Photo courtesy of Geshe Tenzin Zopa’s Facebook page.

While at Oxford, Geshe Tenzin Zopa resided at the Oxford Buddha Vihara, but traveled the UK to give talks at FPMT centers.

In March, Geshe Graham Woodhouse and former Jamyang center director Marcos Troia traveled to Oxford for Geshe Tenzin Zopa’s farewell event. They attended a talk he gave to thirty people about the traditional monastic system and Sera Je Monastery. Geshe Graham Woodhouse contributed his experience as a Westerner in India. Geoff Bamford, who organized the Visitorship for Geshe Tenzin Zopa on behalf of the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies and So-Wide, also spoke at the event.

Reflecting on his experience at Oxford, Geshe Tenzin Zopa had this to share:

“Om Ah Hum! … After learning a bit of history about how this place has developed as a great learning institution, it reminds me in many ways of, and makes me feel a deep appreciation for, the great ancient Nalanda University in ancient India, as well as the Tibetan monastic universities like Sera.

“It made me feel so proud of myself and those who have had the privilege of studying in great monastic universities like Sera, Drepung, and Ganden. We are so extremely fortunate to have such extraordinary learning institutions within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Rejoice, rejoice, we must rejoice.”

Geshe Tenzin Zopa is now attending Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s  Bodhicaryavatara and Rinjung Gyatsa Retreat at The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo, Australia.

Geshe Tenzin Zopa with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Bendigo, Australia, April 2018. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Watch Lama Zopa Rinpoche teach during the Bodhicaryavatara and Rinjung Gyatsa Retreat at The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo, Australia, March 30-May 12, 2018.

• Find links to watch teachings LIVE:
  https://fpmt.org/media/streaming/lama-zopa-rinpoche-live/
• Watch, read, and listen to all of Rinpoche’s teachings from Bendigo at anytime: 
  https://fpmt.org/media/streaming/teachings-of-lama-zopa-rinpoche/

FPMT.org brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Ven. Tenzin Tsultrim partakes in a souvenir photo session with two Tibetan mastiffs beside Yamdrok Lake, en route to Shigatse, Tibet, June 2017. Photo courtesy of Ven. Tenzin Tsultrim.

Ven. Tenzin Tsulrim, a long-time member and student at FPMT Center Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore, shares a video she made in 2017 about her practice of circumambulation around holy objects:

Since receiving ordination from His Holiness the Dalai Lama in March 2009, I have served ABC in various ways, including as media editor and video producer. Currently, I lead the on-going Medicine Buddha, Tara, and Guru pujas at ABC, and am a student in the FPMT Basic Program.

Ven. Tenzin Tsultrim outside of Lama Tsongkhapa’s retreat hermitage above Reting Monastery where he composed Lamrim Chenmo, Tibet, June 2017. Photo courtesy of Ven. Tenzin Tsultrim.

By watching this video, made using a pocket-sized video camera over an eight-month period, you can follow me as I traverse several sacred Buddhist sites across Asia in footsteps that pay homage to the Buddhist practice of circumambulation and its significance for enabling all sentient beings to accumulate merit. From one degree north of the equator in Singapore, to the high altitudes of Tibet, my path traces a circle inspired by unity and hope.

Ven. Tenzin Tsultrim at the inner courtyard of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, June 2017. Photo courtesy of Ven. Tenzin Tsultrim.

Creating the video was as much an exploratory journey for me as the actual pilgrimages I made to the holy places and doing the circumambulations. I hope by watching this video many people will be inspired to visit these precious places, and create their own circles of merit!

Watch Ven. Tenzin Tsultrim’s video on circumambulation here:
https://youtu.be/5JUjEhcBsqg

Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Advice on Circumambulation, compiled by Ven. Sarah Thresher, is available for download through the FPMT Foundation Store:
https://shop.fpmt.org/Circumambulation–Lama-Zopa-Rinpoches-Advice-PDF_p_2149.html

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching at The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Bendigo, Australia, April 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche is currently leading the Bodhicaryavatara and Rinjung Gyatsa Retreat at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo, Australia. The six-week retreat began on March 30 and is scheduled to conclude on May 12, 2018.

Lama Zopa Rinoche is teaching on Shantideva’s A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life and will give the optional tantric empowerments of Chakrasamvara and Rinjung Gyatsa. This is Rinpoche’s third teaching retreat on this topic in Australia, having commenced in 2011.

Ian Green, director of The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, shares details about preparations made in advance of the retreat:

The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion at sunset, Bendigo, Australia, March 2018. Photo courtesy of Ian Green’s Twitter page.

Preparations for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s retreat inside of The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Bendigo, Australia was a complicated logistical exercise.

Eighteen months before the retreat, we set up massive scaffolding inside of The Great Stupa, which stood fourteen meters tall by twenty meters wide (forty-six feet tall by sixty-six feet wide). Once the scaffolding was in place we began our work finishing the walls, light wells, and main arch of the north side of the gompa. That construction work took more than twelve months.

Lucy Wang and Ven. Lobsang Konchok holding an image of a dakini inside of The Great Stupa, Bendigo, Australia, January 2018. Photo courtesy of Ian Green’s Twitter page.

The next phase was the creation of the artwork following Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s advice, by highly skilled Tibetan artist Ven. Lobsang Konchok.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Ven. Lobsang Konchok discussing artwork for The Great Stupa, Bendigo, Australia, April 2018. Photo courtesy of Ian Green’s Twitter page.

It took Ven. Lobsang Konchok and his assistant Lucy Wang six months to paint the eight by six meter (twenty-six by twenty foot) arch. The result is a spectacular presentation of the Dharmachakra surrounded by eight offering dakinis.

The Dharmachakra surrounded by eight offering dakinis in The Great Stupa, Bendigo, Australia, March 2018. Photo courtesy of The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion’s Facebook page.

One of the eight offering dakinis adorning the arch inside of The Great Stupa, Bendigo, Australia, March 2018. Photo courtesy of The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion’s Facebook page.

While the Tibetan artwork was being completed twelve meters (thirty-nine feet) above the floor, plasterers and painters were at work on the lower levels. The last paint strokes were made two weeks prior to the commencement of the retreat.

The next phase was the dismantling of the scaffolding. This took one week.

Ten days prior to the start of the retreat, we were well into the massive clean-up phase. We devoted the final week to decorating The Great Stupa’s gompa with holy artwork.

Holy relics set up inside of The Great Stupa, Bendigo, Australia, March 2018. Photo courtesy of Ian Green’s Twitter page.

Since the retreat began, Lama Zopa Rinpoche has viewed relics displayed inside of The Great Stupa, teaching how to transform difficult situations into the path by seeing the benefits and training the mind.

The most spectacular artwork inside of the gompa is the fourteen-meter (forty-six foot) high thangka of the Twenty-One Taras.

The Twenty-One Taras thangka done by Peter Iseli on display inside of The Great Stupa, Bendigo, Australia, April 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

The thangka was created by artist Peter Iseli, commissioned by Lama Zopa Rinpoche for Tara Institute, the FPMT center in Melbourne, Australia.

Peter Iseli, Ven. Lobsang Konchok, Jangchub Iseli, and Ven. Thubten Gyatso at The Great Stupa, Bendigo, Australia, February 2018. Photo courtesy of Ian Green’s Twitter page.

Heath Penbrook, marketing and events coordinator for The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion shares about the return of the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace to The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion:

The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace is the largest Buddha carved from gemstone quality jade in the world. The size and beauty of the statue makes it a wonder of the world. The Buddha was carved from a rare boulder of translucent jade (“Polar Pride”), which was discovered in Canada in 2000.

The Jade Buddha surrounded by floral offerings after the unveiling at Yen Phu Temple, Hanoi, Vietnam, June 2016. Photo courtesy of Ian Green’s Twitter page.

The Jade Buddha is 2.5 meters (eight feet) high and sits on an alabaster throne of close to 1.6 meters (five feet) high. The Jade Buddha itself weighs around four tonnes (8,800 pounds) and is considered to be priceless.

The Jade Buddha finished the final leg of its nine-year world tour in South Korea in early March.

A Buddhist nun and young girl with the Jade Buddha, Busan, South Korea, March 2018. Photo courtesy of Ian Green’s Twitter page.

Ian Green flew over to South Korea to ensure the safe packaging and shipping of the Jade Buddha to its home at The Great Stupa in Bendigo, Australia.

Ian Green and friends with the Jade Buddha, packed and ready for shipment, Busan, South Korea, March 2018. Photo courtesy of Ian Green’s Twitter page.

We expect the Jade Buddha to arrive in mid-April during the Bodhicaryavatara and Rinjung Gyatsa Retreat at The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion. We are hoping to be able to place the Jade Buddha upon its throne and consecrate it during the retreat, thereby welcoming the Jade Buddha to its new home.

To learn more about The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion and the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace visit the website:
https://www.stupa.org.au

Watch Lama Zopa Rinpoche teach during the Bodhicaryavatara and Rinjung Gyatsa Retreat at The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo, Australia, March 30-May 12, 2018.

• Find links to watch teachings LIVE:
  https://fpmt.org/media/streaming/lama-zopa-rinpoche-live/
• Watch, read, and listen to all of Rinpoche’s teachings from Bendigo at anytime: 
  https://fpmt.org/media/streaming/teachings-of-lama-zopa-rinpoche/

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

Foundation Service Seminar in Guadalajara, Mexico, February 2018. Photo courtesy of Gilda Urbina.

FPMT service seminars provide support and training to those offering service, and those wishing to offer service, within FPMT centers, services, and projects. The seminars help develop a shared understanding of the FPMT mission set out by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and a firm basis to serve effectively and joyfully within the organization.

Gilda Urbina, Foundation Service Seminar registered facilitator and FPMT Mexico National Coordinator, shares her story about the recent Foundation Service Seminar that took place in Mexico in February 2018:

We had the great opportunity to participate in the Foundation Service Seminar (FSS) in Guadalajara, Mexico. It was attended by twenty-six volunteers from four centers and five FPMT study groups in Mexico.

It was facilitated by François Lecointre, a senior FSS registered facilitator and director of Institut Vajra Yogini. His kind and lovely presence helped to create a relaxed and yet attentive environment. With his help, Mar Portillo and I, as facilitators-in-training felt confident and motivated to keep on learning the “know how” of this noble activity.

Foundation Service Seminar facilitators François Lecointre, Gilda Urbina, and Mar Portillo in Guadalajara, Mexico, February 2018. Photo courtesy of Gilda Urbina.

In an environment of great harmony and joy, we analyzed and deepened our understanding of the valuable information offered to us through the FSS. Through observing the groups, I could see there was a spirit of teamwork and collaboration.

While working in the groups, participants were able to review the functioning of their FPMT center or study group, recognize areas of opportunity, and generate new ideas to further professionalize their work.

Foundation Service Seminar in Guadalajara, Mexico, February 2018. Photo courtesy of Gilda Urbina.

I could see that the people attending the FSS have a deep devotion to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, as well as a desire to contribute to his Vast Visions. Together, we reached specific conclusions regarding actions we can take that are consistent with the four skillful means to draw beings to the Dharma.

Through participating in the FSS, we gained clear ideas for how we can better welcome and engage new people who come to FPMT centers and study groups.

We also reviewed the Inner Job Description, which is an invaluable tool reminding us to go within ourselves and keep practicing, so we can benefit others through example.

Foundation Service Seminar in Guadalajara, Mexico, February 2018. Photo courtesy of Gilda Urbina.

When we heard about the amazing activities performed by FPMT centers, projects, and services around the world we were all inspired, and rejoiced.

Moreover, the information offered about FPMT programs and to teach according to the level of the student was an excellent aid for those of us organizing the teaching program at FPMT centers and study groups.

Foundation Service Seminar in Guadalajara, Mexico, February 2018. Photo courtesy of Gilda Urbina.

In summary, the FSS was an invaluable learning experience where the family feeling was always present. All agreed that these tools will definitely help us as we strive to professionalize our internal work; our work for the centers and study groups; and encourage us to work in a harmonious environment.

I am so grateful to be a part of the FPMT family.

For more information on the Foundation Service Seminar and to find out how to register for future events, visit the FPMT Service Seminar webpage:
https://fpmt.org/education/training/

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Centro La Sabiduría de Nagarjuna has a new center, Bilbao, Spain, February 2018. Photo by Centro La Sabiduría de Nagarjuna community.

FPMT center Centro La Sabiduría de Nagarjuna (Nagarjuna’s Wisdom Center) in Bilbao, Spain, began as an FPMT study group in December 2012 with four members. They affiliated and became an FPMT center in April 2016, and now have twenty-five members.

In December 2017, Centro La Sabiduría de Nagarjuna moved out of the space they had occupied for the previous three years in preparation for a move to a new home. Center director Koke Muro brings us the news:

We are delighted to share with you that on Saturday, February 24, 2018, we inaugurated our new center in Bilbao, Spain.

Geshe Lamsang, center director Koke Muro, and guests during the inauguration of Centro La Sabiduría de Nagarjuna’s new center, Bilbao, Spain, February 2018. Photo by Centro La Sabiduría de Nagarjuna community.

Over the past five years since our founding, thanks to our amazing members, volunteers, and benefactors, as well as the kind care and guidance of our dear lamas and teachers, the center has been developing and blossoming like a beautiful flower.

The old center was getting too small to host all of the beautiful people and holy objects, and it was on the third floor of a business building. Following the advice of our most kind Lama Zopa Rinpoche, we started looking for another place. We feel really fortunate that this amazing location appeared. Our new center exists due to the enthusiastic work of many, many people. Our wish is that it becomes a source of peace in the city for everyone.

Volunteers painting the ceiling of Centro La Sabiduría de Nagarjuna’s new center, Bilbao, Spain, February 2018. Photo courtesy of Centro La Sabiduría de Nagarjuna’s Facebook page.

After nine months of hard work—and thanks to the unbelievable kindness of our lamas, more than two hundred benefactors, and an amazing team of volunteers—we had a great weekend.

Centro La Sabiduria de Nagarjuna volunteers preparing for the inauguration, Bilbao, Spain, February 2018. Photo by Centro La Sabiduria de Nagarjuna community.

Geshe Lamsang, resident teacher at Centro Nagarjuna Valencia, consecrated our new center. We also began the lamrim module of the Basic Program, taught by Geshe Lamsang that same day.

Geshe Lamsang in front of the entrance to Centro La Sabiduría de Nagarjuna, Bilbao, Spain, February 2018. Photo courtesy of Centro La Sabiduría de Nagarjuna’s Facebook page.

We enjoyed traditional welcome dances, food, a touching video about the volunteers who made our move possible, songs, gifts for everyone, and lots of tears of happiness and rejoicing. The joy was shared by the nearly fifty people who attended our inauguration, including members from other Dharma centers.

Centro La Sabiduría de Nagarjuna has a new center, Bilbao, Spain, February 2017. Photo by Centro La Sabiduría de Nagarjuna community.

It was an unforgettable day. We want offer all this to our precious guru Lama Zopa Rinpoche so we can always please him and follow his advice for the sake of all beings. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Please come soon!

To learn more about Centro La Sabiduría de Nagarjuna visit the center’s website. Watch the video about the volunteers who made their move possible:
https://youtu.be/Lm5gzyc8VvM

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Root Institute thirtieth anniversary celebration, Bodhgaya, India, January 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

On January 14, 2018, FPMT center Root Institute for Wisdom Culture celebrated its thirtieth anniversary, which occurred on May 27, 2017.

Over 150 guests attended the event, including Ling Rinpoche, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khandro Namsel Drönme), Dagri Rinpoche, Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche, Ribur Rinpoche’s reincarnation, and Geshe Sengye’s reincarnation. Also in attendance were visiting dignitaries including Richard Gere, Root Institute’s resident geshe Geshe Ngawang Rabga, other visiting geshes and lamas, the FPMT Sangha and lay community, as well as a group of pilgrims who had recently completed Root Institute’s first meditative pilgrimage to the eight holy sites of the Buddha.

During the event, Ven. Kabir Saxena, Root Institute’s first director, recalled when Lama Zopa Rinpoche came to Root Institute in 1989 to give his first teaching there:

“When we first brought Rinpoche to the land, we were walking down the path and Rinpoche looked in the distance. It was all fields in those days and Rinpoche said, ‘Oh, it’s like the beach here, it’s like the beach. You know, it’s kind of very relaxed.’ But then immediately Rinpoche said, ‘But we don’t come with the attitude of going to the beach.’ And as soon as Rinpoche came to the gates (well, there weren’t gates there in those days), Rinpoche blew a conch shell very loudly. I think that that Dharma is still reverberating now.”

Ven. Kabir Saxena continued, “I remember once when His Holiness the Karmapa came, he said, ‘So many blessings on this land. This land has so many blessings, you don’t realize it.’ By then, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and many of the great lamas had already been here.”

Current director Ven. Tenzin Paldron thanked Root Institute’s local Indian staff for their tireless years of service and reminded guests of the contributions of the Indian people to the center. “As Sahid our foreman, who has worked at Root for over twenty years, said to me, ‘Madam, directors come and go, but it is the Indian staff that have been the main branches of Root.’”

Lama Zopa Rinpoche during Root Institute’s thirtieth anniversary celebration, Bodhgaya, India, January 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche spoke on Root Institute’s contributions to sentient beings. “By teaching lamrim and so forth, they liberate sentient beings from samsara.”

“Because we have been in samsara, the lower realms have been our resident home from beginningless rebirths. This time we have received a perfect human rebirth and an opportunity to no longer be in samsara and suffer. Dharma centers are so important; there are many teachers in the center teaching the philosophy, lamrim. Basically, all to subdue the mind.”

He added, “Not only that, but they teach the Mahayana teachings, bodhichitta, the Mayahana path to peerless happiness, liberation, cessation, and the completion of realizations, causing sentient beings to acheive enlightenment. That’s what the center does; that’s what Root Institute does.”

Filmmaker Marc Israel documented Root Institute’s rich history and ongoing activites—including service projects Shakyamuni Buddha Health Care Clinic, Maitreya School, Tara Children’s Project, and spiritual programs—and its vision for the future in a seventeen-minute film premiered at the celebration.

Watch “ROOT INSTITUTE: From The Ground Up” on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/g9ipm09qXLs

To read more about the Root Institute’s history and spiritual programs offerings, visit the center’s website:
http://www.rootinstitute.ngo/

To watch the thirtieth anniversary celebration, including remarks by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, you can watch Bill Kane’s recording of the event:
https://youtu.be/QxIfNF2H9KQ

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Guru bumtsog at Khachoe Ghakyil Ling, Nepal, December 2017. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

A new 15-minute video captures the sounds and scenes of a beautiful and auspicious 100,000 tsog offerings event for Guru Rinpoche done at Khachoe Ghakyil Ling, also called Kopan Nunnery, in December 2017. The Guru bumtsog took place in conjunction with the display of an enormous Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) thangka. The new video shares detailed images of the thangka, extensive offerings, and puja.

This was the third year that the very large thangka was displayed at the nunnery with a Guru bumstog. The thangka, which is 75 feet (23 meters) high and 87 feet (27 meters) wide, hung from a large scaffolding and depicts in stitched appliqué the Padmasambhava merit field in the center.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche attended the event with Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, who is the current abbot of the nunnery, and the reincarnation of Trulshik Rinpoche. Losang Namgyal Rinpoche and Thubten Rigsel Rinpoche, the reincarnation of the former abbot Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup Rigsel, were also in attendance along with more than a thousand Kopan Sangha, local Tibetans and Sherpas, and foreign students.

Watch “Guru Bumtsog at Khachoe Ghakyil Ling” on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/uoYmfrHOQ-k

Learn more about the Kopan Nunnery, Khachoe Ghakyil Ling, online:
http://www.kopannunnery.org/

FPMT.org brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.