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Ven. Thubten Dondrub with students Phoebe McColl, Catherine Honeychurch, Peter Koegst, Paul Kersten, Katherine Danford-Storey, Marlene Robins, Tim Eisemann, John Niessen, Judy Wagner, Sue Dixon, as well as center director Becky Geisler and center manager Fran Rowley, De-Tong Ling Retreat Centre, Kangraroo Island, South Australia, October 2018. Photo by retreatant.
Each year De-Tong Ling Retreat Centre, an FPMT center on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, offers an annual ten-day lamrim meditation retreat. Anthony Reid, one of the center’s board members, shares about the 2018 retreat.
Meditative retreat is a cornerstone of the Buddhist tradition. Retreat is the physical action of living in a quiet location; it is avoiding unnecessary conversations; and it is the process of cultivating mental focus on the Buddhadharma.
It takes special conditions for a meditative retreat to be effective, powerful, and transformative. Lama Zopa Rinpoche said, “A retreat place is not for gaining power like black magic, it’s not for a honeymoon or holiday. Also it is not a place in which to be spaced out.
“The whole purpose of a retreat place is to subdue the mind and to actualize the lamrim up to enlightenment. It is a place for a holiday from negative karma, a holiday from the three poisonous minds and the self-cherishing thought, a holiday from the self-grasping of the person and phenomena, a holiday from the wrong concepts: non-devotional thought towards the guru up to the subtle dual view of white, increasing, attainment.”
Enlightenment stupa and prayer wheel house, De-Tong Ling Retreat Centre, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, July 2018. Photo courtesy of De-Tong Ling Retreat Centre.
At De-Tong Ling Retreat Center, located on the beautiful Kangaroo Island off the southern coast of South Australia, the conditions for deep retreat are met.
Ten people joined experienced FPMT registered teacher Ven. Thubten Dondrub for the annual Ten-Day Lamrim Retreat at De-Tong Ling, from October 1-10, 2018.
Lamrim teachings and guided meditations by Ven. Thubten Dondrub were aimed at facilitating internal experience and transformation for the retreatants. With the optimal external conditions of a silent meditation hall located beneath an inspiring enlightenment stupa overlooking a turquoise blue lake and a view out across pristine native vegetation towards the distant ocean, the retreat delivered experience in abundance for the fortunate attendees.
Ven. Thubten Dondrub and students inside of the gompa beneath the enlightenment stupa, De-Tong Ling Retreat Centre, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, October 2018. Photo by retreatant.
“Being led through meditations … and reflecting on the lamrim brings the teachings alive and has deepened my understanding,” shared one retreatant.
One of the benefits of group retreat is having support of fellow attendees. One attendee noted the group energy made “the atmosphere very pleasant,” and people found courage to persist through times of difficulty and clarify their perceptions of the teachings through focused discussion.
Accommodation at De-Tong Ling was enjoyed by all, with some opting for rooms in the eco-friendly rammed earth house on adjoining Yacca Creeks land, and others for more “rustic” experience in tents. Either way the opportunity to get back in touch with nature, with the vast Kangaroo Island skies and the silence of the Australian bush, brought a new level of experience for the retreatants.
Ven. Thubten Dondrub and De-Tong Ling Retreat Centre center manager Fran Rowley, De-Tong Ling Retreat Centre, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, October 2018. Photo by retreatant.
And the conclusion? Participants were grateful for the opportunity to connect with Dharma at a deeper level. In the words of one, they “returned to mundane life with enhanced motivation to put a more concentrated and consistent effort into my practice.”
Taking the experience into daily life will be forever one of the challenges of retreat. With a clarity derived from the retreat another participant noted, “Dharma is about perfection but until then it’s about progress.”
We hope that this transition to daily life outside of the retreat setting will be made easier knowing a place like De-Tong Ling is in existence and is a sanctuary for students from across FPMT providing the perfect conditions for retreat.
For more information about De-Tong Ling Retreat Centre, visit their website:
https://detongling.org/
This story was originally published on De-Tong Ling Retreat Centre’s website:
https://detongling.org/events/
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 with Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche, Bodhgaya, India, December 2018. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
We hope you enjoy our January FPMT International Office e-News!
This month we bring you news about:
- Updates to Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Teaching Schedule
- Time to Empty Your Merit Box!
- 2019 LPP Calendar Available to Order
…and more!
Have this translated into your native language by using our convenient translation facility located on the right-hand side of the page. French and Spanish speakers will find the FPMT International Office News translated each month in the “Bienvenue” and “Bienvenidos” tabs on the FPMT homepage.
The FPMT International Office e-News comes from your FPMT International Office. Visit our subscribe page to receive the FPMT International Office News directly in your email box.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche giving last-minute advice to students Karen, Steve, Susana, Alejandra, Ven. Paloma, Ven. Begoña, Rosario, Daniel, Ven. Jesus, and Ven. Tendar gathered around him at a cafe at the Madrid-Barajas Airport, Madrid, Spain, November 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche visited Madrid, Spain, from October 16 to November 3, 2018. The visit was organized by FPMT Hispana. The FPMT Hispana community shares the story.
FPMT Hispana will host Rinpoche in Madrid again from April 26-29, 2019. Rinpoche is scheduled to give the White Umbrella (Dukkar) great initiation.
It was May 2018 that we got the news that Lama Zopa Rinpoche could come to Spain in October. We didn’t hesitate for a moment, and said, “Yes, we can organize it.” We had four months to prepare for a visit that we had been waiting for in Spain for many many years.
We worked tirelessly, sometimes day and night. We managed to have everything ready the day Rinpoche arrived in Madrid.
Volunteers Melanie and Lou on the stage, and Isabel, Karen, Toine, and Irina with a wonderful venue employee preparing Auditorio UGT for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings, Madrid, Spain, October 2018. Photo by Centro Nagarjuna Valencia.
On October 16 many people were waiting in the Madrid airport for Rinpoche’s arrival. There was so much joy and happiness in the air, and people brought many flowers. Some traveled four or five hours by car or bus to see Rinpoche before returning the same night and going to work the next day.
It felt like a dream having Rinpoche in Madrid. He took care of everyone in such a kind way, as a mother takes care of her child. When you are around Rinpoche you can feel this endless flow of love and wisdom, and you know you are in the best hands.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche greeted by students in Auditorio UGT, Madrid, Spain, October 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.
He taught October 19-21 and the following weekend, October 26-28, in a conference hall in Madrid with more than 600 people each weekend coming from every corner of Spain, other places in Europe, and even a few from the United States and Mexico.
Rinpoche gave us amazing teachings during these two weekends. As the planned White Umbrella initiation didn’t happen, he gave us the opportunity to create merit organizing everything, and we had the opportunity to request it again.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche with a person dressed in a Spider-Man costume in Retiro Park, Madrid, Spain, October 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.
Rinpoche spend some time with Tenzin Ösel Hita and his son, Norbu, and was also visited by FPMT resident geshe Geshe Lamsang, the resident teacher at FPMT center Centro Nagarjuna Valencia.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche with FPMT Spain center staff members after having dinner together, Madrid, Spain, October 2018. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
Rinpoche also had time to visit some places around Madrid. He got to walk around Retiro Park where he made new friends, connecting so easily with everyone as always, and bringing smiles to people’s faces.
Rinpoche also made time to have dinner with FPMT Hispana center directors, spiritual program coordinators, and registered teachers, giving advice to each about their centers and the organization.
On the last day in the airport, Rinpoche was incredibly generous, spending time with all the people that had gone to the airport to see him. He gave some spontaneous teachings to all the students sitting around him in a cafe in the airport.
Those three weeks felt like a dream in many many ways, and we will keep working for it to be repeated soon.
Enjoy more photos from Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s visit to Madrid, Spain:
https://fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/gallery/spain-october-2018/
For more information about FPMT Spain, visit their website:
http://fpmt-hispana.org/
Watch video recordings of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings from his 2018 European tour, which includes Spain, Germany, and Switzerland, and also find audio recordings of translations of the teachings in several languages as well as English language transcripts here:
https://fpmt.org/media/streaming/teachings-of-lama-zopa-rinpoche/europe-tour-2018/
For information about Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s 2019 activities, visit Rinpoche’s schedule:
https://fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/schedule/
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.
Retreatant Karl engaged in meditation during the lamrim retreat, Land of Joy, Northumberland, UK, November 2018. Photo by retreatant.
Land of Joy, an FPMT center in Northumberland National Park, UK, hosted their annual ten-day lamrim retreat November 2-11, 2018, led by FPMT registered teacher Ven. Mary Reavey. Retreatant Sheri Lim and fellow retreatants share about the experience.
Everyone had a fulfilling ten days at the lamrim retreat led by Ven. Mary Reavey at Land of Joy in November. The ten retreatants were from all walks of life, different countries, ages, and stages in their lives and in their understanding of the Dharma, but the environment at Land of Joy and the wonderful teaching by Ven. Mary created a warm and friendly space for everyone to grow and share together. Excellent food and care by Land of Joy volunteers made for an amazing stay—certainly no lack of biscuits and cheese!
Standing students Karl, Sheri, Carolyn, Kobe, and David, and seated students Matthew, Aline, Sadaf, and Pauline with FPMT registered teacher Ven. Mary Reavey, Land of Joy, Northumberland, UK, November 2018. Photo by retreatant. Not pictured: Matthew
Group retreats are a great way to take time out from our worldly lives and look inward, but in the company of others who also want to learn. As a result of being led by an incredible teacher whose depth of knowledge is inspiring and motivating, each person can get what is useful for them individually and carry it with them into their lives. Whether it’s varying our meditation practice, better understanding karma or emptiness, or feeling better about dying, this retreat allowed us to explore the Dharma more deeply.
Land of Joy, Northumberland, UK, November 2018. Photo by retreatant.
As we all said our goodbyes at the end of the retreat, it was clear that it has left us with a stronger commitment to expand our learning and practicing of the Dharma. We hope to see each other again at FPMT centers and future retreats!
For more information about Land of Joy, visit their website:
http://landofjoy.co.uk/
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 Thupten Wangchen burning a scorpion made out of black sesame seeds at the Jangwa Puja, Dorje Chang Institute, Auckland, New Zealand, August 2018. Photo by Mark Heron.
Each year Dorje Chang Institute, an FPMT center in Auckland, New Zealand, organizes a Yamantaka Jangwa Puja. Venerable Gyälten Wangmo, spiritual program coordinator, shares about the most recent puja which took place on August 25, 2018.
Our FPMT resident teacher Lharampa Geshe Thupten Wangchen kindly performs a Yamantaka Jangwa Puja every August.
The first part of the Jangwa Puja is for the living. Geshe-la encourages people to attend in person if possible. This includes rituals to help purify obstacles, illness, disease, and more.
Jangwa Puja at Dorje Chang Institute, Auckland, New Zealand, August 2018. Photo by Ven. Gyälten Wangmo.
It is very participatory. At one part people absorb impurities, illnesses, and pains into handfuls of dough. At another point people rinse their mouths and impurities with the ritual vase water, which is then spit out into a bowl containing everyone’s handfuls of dough.
People also have the opportunity to come up to Geshe-la’s table and exhale all of their negativities onto a scorpion made of black sesame seeds. This scorpion is then symbolically burnt up, and then at one point people stand up to do prostrations to the Buddhas.
Jangwa Puja guests receiving Buddha bath water blessings at Dorje Chang Institute, Auckland, New Zealand, August 2018. Photo by Mark Heron.
The next section of the Jangwa Puja is for those who have passed away at any time in the past. In advance of the puja people register the names of those who have passed away, including relatives, friends, workmates, or anyone they wish to include in the puja. They also have the option of submitting a photo of those who have died.
A small placard is created for each one that includes a traditional drawing on the front with the name on the lotus and photo of the deceased above. On the back is the prayer:
“Bhagavan Manjushri-Yamantaka’s hosts of deities, grant your blessings so that this person who has passed away purifies all of their negativities, obscurations and imprints accumulated in many lifetimes without beginning, and attains complete, perfect enlightenment swiftly.”
Each small placard is placed on a skewer, and then all of the skewers are stuck into a large lotus.
Geshe Thupten Wangchen at the Jangwa Puja, Dorje Chang Institute, Auckland, New Zealand, August 2018. Photo by Mark Heron.
During the second part of the Annual Jangwa Puja, Geshe-la then performs a series of rituals similar to the above to help those beings purify negativities, have good rebirths—especially in a pure land—and to meet with all conducive factors for happiness.
Audience members then have the opportunity to stand up and do prostrations on behalf of their loved ones.
At the very end, all of the placards are offered into a small fire. While this is happening Geshe-la does prayers and rituals, and the audience members make strong prayers that they all be reborn in a pure land or at least receive a perfect human rebirth with all advantages for creating the causes for happiness and enlightenment.
Guests attending the Jangwa Puja at Dorje Chang Institute, Auckland, New Zealand, August 2018. Photo by Rinchen Dhondup.
Participation in this annual puja is gaining momentum. It seems that people really appreciate having something they can do that not only benefits themselves but is something helpful and positive they can do for those with whom they have a connection. It offers a formal opportunity to do something meaningful for loved ones who have passed away even a while ago.
I feel this is rare in the West. Sometimes it is palpable how much people appreciate the chance to helped deceased loved ones.
For more information about Dorje Chang Institute, visit their website.
http://www.dci.org.nz/
You can find advice on practice for death and dying here:
https://fpmt.org/death/
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.
Driver Oyunbaatar, Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling center director Ianzhina, Bill, Elena, and Cees on pilgrimage in Mongolia, August 2018. Photo courtesy of Ianzhina Bartanova.
Ianzhina Bartanova, director of FPMT center Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, shares about an August 2018 fourteen-day pilgrimage the center organized to holy sites in Mongolia. This is a short excerpt from Ianzhina’s published online story, The Karmic Bond That Connected Us All in Mongolia.
Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling placed an advertisement in the January-June 2018 issue of FPMT’s Mandala magazine inviting readers to join us for an August 2018 pilgrimage to the holy sites in Mongolia. It was the first pilgrimage for Western Buddhists organized by Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling. Three courageous students from Bulgaria, Holland, and the US arrived in Mongolia in mid-August for the eleven-day pilgrimage, which later expanded into fourteen days.
The capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, is impressive: tall modern buildings, busy traffic, expensive cars on the roads, fancy restaurants with international cuisine including vegan and vegetarian options, comfortable hotels, and smiling people.
Driver Oyunbaatar, Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling center director Ianzhina, lama from Tuvkhun Monastery, Cees, and Bill in Mongolia, August 2018. Photo courtesy of Ianzhina Bartanova.
But the real jewels of our pilgrimage were the Mongolian monasteries, some of which were destroyed and then restored. A few survived the Communist purges of the 1930s, and are home to some hidden artifacts which were buried in the ground. Like the canvas for a masterpiece, Mongolia’s natural environment provided a framed backdrop for the holy sites, which appear like beautiful jewelry.
Together with the pilgrims, we visited approximately ten monasteries, took in a few natural sights, and made some visits related to Buddhist museums. When developing the itinerary, we recognized the importance of sharing some cultural aspects and traditions so our guests could have a richer experience of Mongolia. Therefore, we included some secular activities such as a traditional music show and a sightseeing visit to the largest Genghis Khan equestrian statue. …
Read Ianzhina’s full online story, “The Karmic Bond That Connected Us All in Mongolia,” and view more of her photos online:
https://fpmt.org/mandala/in-depth-stories/the-karmic-bond-that-connected-us-all-in-mongolia/
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.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche offering blessed pills from Tibet and holy water from Mount Kailash to Tushita Meditation Centre’s Introduction to Buddhism August 22-31 students, Dharamsala, India, August 2018. Photo by Tushita staff.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche visited Tushita Meditation Centre in Dharamsala, India, from August 29-September 8, 2018. Ven. Tenzin Kunphen, spiritual program coordinator, and Maria Nobuko Corrales, assistant spiritual program coordinator share the story.
In August 2018 our Dharma wishes came true with our precious spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche coming to Tushita, kicking off the second half of the 2018 season! Rinpoche arrived at night on August 29 through a plume of incense to an array of candle light offerings and a large group of eager students ready to greet him. We were thrilled to present Rinpoche with his updated and expanded living quarters, which he described as a “wish-fulfilling room!” It was possibly the sweetest compliment Rinpoche could give us for our efforts. We beamed with happiness for his enjoyment.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching the Tushita Meditation Centre Introduction to Buddhism August 22-31 students, Dharamsala, India, August 2018. Photo by Tushita staff.
The 110 students of our Introduction to Buddhism course had the great fortune on August 31 to receive a teaching from Rinpoche after their celebratory picnic, marking the culmination of their efforts. What an auspicious way to complete their course! Rinpoche distributed blessed pills from Tibet and holy water brought from Mount Kailash to every student. Their big smiles broadcast their appreciation of this special opportunity.
The next day Rinpoche shared more blessed pills and water with our local staff and visitors before slowly circumambulating the main gompa while explaining the significance of the mantras and images painted on the outside of the hall. Rinpoche explained that just seeing the mantras (which are painted in red and gold) creates merit and reciting them creates even more.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching about the four virtuous friends while standing outside of the Tushita Meditation Centre main gompa entrance, Dharamsala, India, September 2018. Photo by Tushita staff.
As Rinpoche continued on his circumambulation, he came to many of our monkey “landlords,” to whom he offered prayers and blessings. Later on we greeted the arrival of the precious Dagri Rinpoche who came to visit Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche offering blessings to the monkeys outside of Tushita Meditation Centre’s main gompa, Dharamsala, India, September 2018. Photo by Tushita staff.
On September 2, Rinpoche welcomed Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drönme) to Tushita for a visit. Rinpoche later demonstrated great generosity in inviting all of Tushita’s staff, volunteers, and visiting Sangha to an appreciation lunch with the precious Khadro-la. We all walked together through the monsoon forest into the village next door—Dharamkot, also known as “Little Israel”—where we enjoyed a delicious vegan buffet at a popular local restaurant. Again, grins abounded as hearts and bellies were filled, and all rejoiced in all our efforts and accomplishments.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khadro-la with Tushita Meditation Centre staff, Dharamkot, India, September 2018. Photo by Tushita staff.
We all happily attended His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s four days of public teachings at his temple September 4-7. On September 5 we held an extraordinary Guru Puja with our guru himself, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, seated on his throne. We were again blessed with the presence of Khadro-la. The Guru Puja included a condensed long-life request for Lama Zopa Rinpoche, in which both Khadro-la and Tushita offered mandalas. We earnestly pray for Rinpoche’s long, healthy life and for all of his Dharma wishes to be instantly fulfilled!
Guru Puja with Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khadro-la inside of Tushita Meditation Centre’s main gompa, Dharamsala, India, September 2018. Photo by Simon Houlton.
The next two days Rinpoche provided teachings—open to everyone—and began the transmission of the Sutra of Liberation, which we hope he will continue upon his next return. We were so grateful that Rinpoche made time to offer these precious teachings to us with his schedule already so full. Once again, Rinpoche demonstrated to us his tireless efforts and devotion to benefit all beings.
On September 8 we bid Rinpoche farewell with eager hopes for a quick return to Tushita!
Sangha bidding Lama Zopa Rinpoche farewell. Tushita Meditation Centre had the special honor of hosting a total of six Thai monks as students in three courses in 2018. Some attended multiple courses as well as our special teaching events. Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, India, September 2018. Photo by Tushita staff.
For more 2018 highlights, see Tushita News December 2018:
http://tushita.info/news/news-december-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.
Two nuns from Kopan Nunnery, nuns from Jangchub Choeling Nunnery, and nuns from Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute, Nuns’ Jang Guncho, Kopan Nunnery, Kathmandu, Nepal, October 2018. Photo by Kopan Nunnery.
Monks have held the Jang Guncho for centuries. The first Nuns’ Jang Guncho took place in Dharamsala, India, in 1995. An annual event, the Nuns’ Jang Guncho is an opportunity for nunneries to gather together to train in and practice debate. The 2018 Nuns’ Jang Guncho took place at Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery (Kopan Nunnery), a FPMT nunnery in Kathmandu, Nepal. Ani Choesang, a Kopan nun since 1994, from Chobhar, Kathmandu, Nepal, and Ani Dhekyong, a Kopan nun since 1997, from Solu Khumbu, Nepal, share about the 2018 Nuns’ Jang Guncho and the Geshema Graduation ceremony held at their nunnery.
Ani Choesang and Ani Dhekyong, Kopan Nunnery, Kathmandu, Nepal, November 2018. Photo by Kopan Nunnery.
The Nuns’ Jang Guncho (annual winter debate session) was established in 1994 under the guidance of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. It is being supported by the Tibetan Nuns Project and Central Tibetan Administration’s Department of Religion & Culture. This year was the 24th annual Nuns’ Jang Guncho.
Nuns engaged in one-on-one debate during the Nuns’ Jang Guncho, Kopan Nunnery, Kathmandu, Nepal, October 2018. Photo by Kopan Nunnery.
This year the Nuns’ Jang Guncho was hosted by Kopan Nunnery in Nepal, and it was the second time here. About 710 nuns, 17 teachers, and some lay women from ten nunneries in India and Nepal gathered for one month-long training session in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. We intensively studied the subject pramana (valid cognition) and the commentary of Shree Dharmakirti, Parmanavartika, for a month in preparation for the debate.
The nunneries represented this year were Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute (Himachal Pradesh, India), Jamyang Choling Institute (Himachal Pradesh, India), Geden Choeling Nunnery (Himachal Pradesh, India), Jangchub Choeling Nunnery (Karnataka, India), Jangsem Ling (Himachal Pradesh, India), Jampa Choling Institute (Himachal Pradesh, India), Karma Samten Ling Nunnery (Pharping, Kathmandu, Nepal), Yangtchen Ling (Himachal Pradesh, India), Thukche Cho Ling Nunnery (Swayambhunath, Kathmandu, Nepal), and Kopan Nunnery.
This year’s Nuns’ Jang Guncho started on October 3 and ended on November 3.
Lay woman and nuns from Jamyang Choeling Institute, nuns from Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute, and nuns from Jangchub Choeling Nunnery, Nuns’ Jang Guncho, Kopan Nunnery, Kathmandu, Nepal, October 2018. Photo by Kopan Nunnery.
Most days we followed the same schedule.
We woke up at 4:45 a.m. and then memorized from 5-6:30 a.m. After breakfast, we had philosophy class from 7-9 a.m. followed by morning prayers and one-on-one debates from 9-10:30 a.m. Classes then debated with each other for one hour and then we had a lunch break.
After lunch, we had four and a half hours of philosophy classes followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m.
After dinner, we recited prayers for half an hour followed by a big debate between two nunneries from 7-8 p.m. Then we had a thirty-minute break before we debated one-on-one for another hour. The final organized activity of the day was from 10-10:30 p.m. when classes debated with each other.
Evening debate session between lay woman and nuns from Jamyang Choeling Institute and nuns from Geden Choeling Nunnery, Nuns’ Jang Guncho, Kopan Nunnery, Kathmandu, Nepal, October 2018. Photo by Kopan Nunnery.
We hold two full-night debate celebrations during every Nuns’ Jang Guncho. This year the full-night debate celebrations took place on October 20 and November 2.
During each full-night debate celebration we debated from 6-10 p.m. We had four debates on October 20 and four debates on November 2.
On October 20 we assigned one class each from four nunneries to take the role of defender and assigned one class each from four nunneries to take the role of debater. The four classes in the role of debater then debated with the four classes in the role of defender.
We selected different groups of nuns for the four debates on November 2.
Lobsang Wangmo from Kopan Nunnery, Paldolma from Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute, Lobsang Choesang from Thukche Cho Ling Nunnery, and Kelsang Choedon from Jamyang Choling Institute at the October 20th all-night debate celebration, Nuns’ Jang Guncho, Kopan Nunnery, Kathmandu, Nepal, October 2018. Photo by Kopan Nunnery.
The nuns engaged in debate in front of everyone who was attending the Nuns’ Jang Guncho. Many other geshe-las and monks from different monasteries in Kathmandu—including Kopan Monastery— came to watch the full-night debate celebrations. We celebrated the last full-night debate celebration on November 3 in the presence of our venerable abbot, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Thubten Chonyi.
The debate and discussion offers great opportunities to explore experiences and skills. The practice of debate combines logical thinking with a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings. That will help nuns to preserve the Dharma and spread Buddha’s teachings in the modern world.
Nuns debated with the new geshemas during the Geshema Damcha, Kopan Nunnery, Kathmandu, Nepal, November 2018. Photo by Kopan Nunnery.
After the conclusion of the Nuns’ Jang Guncho we held a two-day celebration on November 3-4 during which we celebrated the Geshema Damcha, the final step in the geshema ceremony rituals. “Damcha” is the term given to the answering in the debate process.
Every nun from each nunnery debated during the two days of the Geshema Damcha celebration. The nuns debated on the subjects of the five major texts of Buddhist philosophy.
Geshema Graduation ceremony, Kopan Nunnery, Kathmandu, Nepal, November 2018. Photo by Kopan Nunnery.
On November 5 we celebrated the Geshema Graduation Ceremony 2018 at Kopan Nunnery. This year ten women became geshemas; seven of the new geshemas are from Jangchub Choeling Nunnery (Karnataka, India) and three are from Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute (Himachal Pradesh, India).
Geshema Tenzin Drolkar—who has been studying at Jangchub Choeling Nunnery since arriving from Tibet in 1996 at age 18—scored the highest marks and got first position out of the ten geshemas who graduated in 2018. Geshema Tenzin Drolkar took her turn, receiving a certificate from Mr. Tsultrim Gyatso, Central Tibetan Administration’s Coordinator for Tibetans in Nepal during the Geshema Graduation ceremony, Kopan Nunnery, Kathmandu, Nepal, November 2018. Photo by Kopan Nunnery.
On behalf of the entire Kopan family, we would like to extend huge congratulations to all the geshemas. We pray for them to have long lives, good health, and happiness. May their Dharma wishes be fulfilled without any obstacles.
The ten new geshemas, geshe-las from ten nunneries who served as the teachers, Tibetan Nuns Project staff member Nangsel, a nun from Thukche Cho Ling Nunnery, a nun from Jamyang Choling Institute, and an unidentified nun at the Geshema Graduation Ceremony, Kopan Nunnery, Kathmandu, Nepal, November 2018. Photo by Kopan Nunnery.
You can find more information about Kopan Nunnery on their website.
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 with a student at the Baladin Theater, Savièse, Switzerland, November 2018. Photo by Olivier Adam.
Gendun Drupa Centre, an FPMT center in Martigny, Switzerland, hosted Lama Zopa Rinpoche from November 14 until December 4, 2018. The center’s spiritual program coordinator, Séverine Gondouin shares the story with help from Caro Solloso and Sophie Lacroix.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche arrived in Anzère, a village of beautiful chalet homes in the Alps mountain range on Wednesday night, November 14. Caro Sollaso, who was helping out at the house, was there when Rinpoche arrived. She said, “The arrival of Lama Zopa Rinpoche at the chalet was impressive. He arrived by night, with candlelight and rose petals on the ground. It was magical.”
“Rinpoche is a very approachable person who is very much interested in others,” Caro said. “He wanted to know everything about the place and our country. Rinpoche was laughing with us at the table. During each meal he would ask us a lot of questions about ourselves. He also gave us a small teaching after each meal that was tailored to us. Rinpoche is so simple and so incredibly kind. We even got to watch the making of the tormas.”
“Rinpoche loves animals a lot. Although he is vegan, he asked for cheese to share with my dog Shiva during the meals. He changed the names of the animals who were with us at the chalet, saying that it was better for them to have Dharma names. Sophie’s cat’s name was changed from Shatwa to Mahamudra. My dog Shiva became Bodhichitta,” Caro said.
Ven. Lhundup Topgye, Caro Solloso with her dog Shiva renamed Bodhichitta by Rinpoche, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Ven. Anet Engel, and Sophie Lacroix, Switzerland, November 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.
Sophie Lacroix, the owner of the chalet where Rinpoche stayed in Anzère, said, “It was an extraordinary week with him.”
“Rinpoche arrived in the land of cows, mountains, and chocolate. We were there—a few students—in the night, waiting for this incredible being that Switzerland had been waiting to come for so long. We didn’t know if his visit was a dream or reality,” Sophie said.
“Some prayers flags were flapping by the light of some candles, in a silence that predicted the incredible. And suddenly, two headlights appeared in the dark. We couldn’t see anything but we knew he was here, this precious being, this jewel, this inspiration.”
She continued, “There he was. He got down from the car with tranquility, serenity, and wisdom. We were there in the mountains—1,600 meters (5,249 feet) high—with Lama Zopa Rinpoche. I held my breath wondering ‘Will he like the place?’ I opened the door of the chalet and I heard ‘Nice!’ Finally I could breathe.”
Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Shiva who he renamed Bodhichitta at the airport, Switzerland, December 2018. Photo by Séverine Gondouin.
“The first thing Rinpoche did,” Sophie said, “was sit down in an armchair and give blessings to the small dog Shiva. Everyone took possession of his room: Rinpoche, Ven. Roger Kunsang, Ven. Holly Ansett, Ven. Lhundup Topgye, Ven. Lobsang Sherab, and Ven. Anet Engel. Then it was time to see the parade of luggage. This was also incredible.”
“It was like living life in another dimension. The offering prayer before the meals took ten minutes,” Sophie recalled. “The soup that was once warm had become cold—no problem—each moment was dedicated for the benefit of all beings!”
“When the meal ended everyone there had things to do, but Rinpoche stayed there to teach us again and again. Ven. Anet cooked for us, and each meal was a masterpiece. Patience was required because the schedule was unknown. Each meal was a tsog prepared with care and attention. These were beautiful teachings of how to live our everyday life—every moment for others,” Sophie concluded.
On Friday evening, November 16, everyone was ready to listen to Rinpoche’s teachings. Rinpoche generously taught that whole weekend at the Baladin Center in Savièse, Switzerland, demonstrating great compassion for us all. He emphasized the importance of developing a good heart, cherishing others—the source of all happiness—and to change the purpose of our lives from self-cherishing to serving others.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche at the Baladin Theater, Savièse, Switzerland, November 2018. Photo by Olivier Adam.
Rinpoche also deeply taught on the nature of the mind, clearly perceiving objects, and how the “I” is merely labeled—a mere name—not existing from its own side. He taught that there is no real mind at all, that it never exists the way it appears to us, but is an extremely subtle phenomenon.
He instructed that we should clean the dust—the defilements—on the surface of the mirror so that the mirror can give a reflection. Rinpoche taught we should see the “I” on the “I” so that there isn’t anything to hold onto any longer. Look at the dream as a dream. Unify emptiness and existing without contradiction.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Gendun Drupa Center director Jean-Paul Gloor and spiritual program coordinator Séverine Gondouin at the Baladin Theater, Savièse, Switzerland, November 2018. Photo by Olivier Adam.
Rinpoche encouraged us to bring all sentient beings to enlightenment and to keep the mind in the right view, free from hallucination. He also talked about the importance of developing a good education in schools. Rinpoche said that we should focus our awareness on ending the harm we cause to ourselves and others. We usually take care of the body but not the mind. Rinpoche suggested that we help children keep their minds healthy, positive, and virtuous to benefit themselves and the world. He also insisted on practicing satisfaction.
Rinpoche emphasized that we should not keep what we learn on an intellectual level, but that we should actualize the teachings and experience them in our hearts. This way our practice becomes holy Dharma, not with a motivation attached to this life—to the eight worldly dharmas—but that we renounce. That will bring incredible peace and happiness, and also all that we do will become Dharma.
A student receiving a blessing at the Baladin Theater, Savièse, Switzerland, November 2018. Photo by Olivier Adam.
Last but not least, Rinpoche talked about devotion to the guru. To take care of our mind—this is the way to follow one’s guru’s advice and fulfill the guru’s wishes. This is the way to receive blessings. Rinpoche spoke about his own teachers who inspire him so much, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Panchen Rinpoche, and Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drönme).
We also did a Lama Chöpa tsog together on Saturday. The following day Rinpoche offered the Chenrezig Ngensong Kundrol initiation.
Ven. Losang leading a review class at the Baladin Theater, Savièse, Switzerland, November 2018. Photo by Olivier Adam.
The Swiss nun Ven. Losang (Rita Riniker) offered a review class on Saturday and Sunday morning. People were delighted by her teachings, presence, and inspiration. We thank her a lot as she did that job with all her heart. This really touched people, opened their hearts, and awakened their wisdom as well.
Some of the event volunteers with dinner cooked by Michele Fröhlich and Jean-Paul Gloor, Switzerland, November 2018. Photo by Harald Weichhart.
About two hundred people attended Rinpoche’s teachings hosted by our center. This was made possible thanks to the generosity of many people including the Gendun Drupa Center committee, who began to prepare this event months in advance, and thirty-six volunteers, who helped with food; arranged Sangha accommodation; made carpooling arrangements; organized the altar, shop, and welcome desk; and helped with the technology.
French language translator Ven. Lobsang Detchen at the Baladin, Savièse, Switzerland, November 2018. Photo by Olivier Adam.
We are also thankful to French language translator Ven. Lobsang Detchen, Italian language translator Ven. Siliana Bosa, German language translator Ven. Birgit Schweiberer, and Ven. Joan Nicell, who was transcribing from Nepal. We appreciate the audio team—Alexis Benelhadj, Harald Weichhart, and Antoine Janssen— as well as the donors, who helped us cover the event’s costs. We thank them all deeply from our hearts.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Gendun Drupa committee members following lunch in Martigny, Switzerland, November 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.
On Monday, November 19, Rinpoche met with the Gendun Drupa Center committee for a lunch in Martigny. It was an opportunity to thank everyone for their work. The atmosphere was cheerful, filled with gratitude and love.
Rinpoche then taught two evenings at Gendun Drupa Centre in Martigny. We met that second evening because it was Sophie’s birthday, and Rinpoche wanted to offer a Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga and tsog. Rinpoche also took the opportunity to bless our center and consecrate it.
Students welcoming Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Ven. Roger Kunsang to Gendun Drupa Center, Martigny, Switzerland, November 2018. Photo by Séverine Gondouin.
Both evenings were so precious—having Rinpoche in our small center, with so many people who were meeting him for the first time. It was a great gift for all students. Everyone was so happy. We finished really late that Tuesday night, but it was not a problem. We carried the energy from the evening with us when we went to work the next day.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching at Gendun Drupa Center, Martigny, Switzerland, November 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.
We also had a surprise to announce that night: Rinpoche, who planned to leave on Wednesday, decided to stay on at Sophie’s house and do a personal retreat of almost two weeks. We organized things very quickly, including visas and food. It was a great joy to be able to continue closely working for Rinpoche.
As he was still in Switzerland on his birthday, he was offered a delicious sugar and gluten-free cake baked by one of our students.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche offering toys to students at the airport, Switzerland, December 2018. Photo by Séverine Gondouin.
Rinpoche departed Switzerland for Nepal the following day, December 4, to teach the 51st month-long Kopan lamrim meditation course students. Many students came to the airport in Switzerland to say goodbye. Everyone was so enthusiastic, so grateful, and so inspired by Rinpoche’s visit to Switzerland. It will surely give a new wave of energy to our center and a greater understanding of the meaning of guru devotion.
Enjoy more photos from Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s visit to Switzerland:
https://fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/gallery/switzerland-november-2018/
For more information about Gendun Drupa Center, visit their website:
https://gendundrupa.ch/
Watch video recordings of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings from his 2018 European tour, which includes Spain, Germany, and Switzerland, and also find audio recordings of translations of the teachings in several languages as well as English language transcripts here:
https://fpmt.org/media/streaming/teachings-of-lama-zopa-rinpoche/europe-tour-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.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche, December 2018. Photo by Ven Lobsang Sherab.
Please find Season’s Greetings from Lama Zopa Rinpoche and all of us at Rinpoche’s Office, together with our latest e-News!
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Side view of Maitreya statue and throne building. Graphic courtesy of Maitreya Buddha Project Kushinagar.
Marcel Bertels, director of Maitreya Buddha Project Kushinagar, shares an update about the project. This news comes from Kushinagar, India, where Shakyamuni Buddha entered into Mahaparinirvana.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche choosing a location for the statue. Photo courtesy of Maitreya Buddha Project Kushinagar.
Maitreya Buddha Project Kushinagar has now peacefully settled onto the 170-acre site made available on a perpetual lease by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The site has been measured, clear boundaries established, and basic fencing has been completed.
Feng Shui Master Joey Yap
A meditation-cum-experience center is currently under construction near the project offices, which are located opposite the Thai Temple Complex in the heart of Kushinagar.
Two possible locations for the main monument have been identified on the basis of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s observations as well the input of world renowned feng shui master Joey Yap.
In April and May of this year, master Joey Yap made detailed recommendations for the placement of the statue and the fundamental layout of the site. The soil surveys for these locations have been completed and the final position for the statue will be decided soon.
The short-listing of possible casting companies and general contractors is taking place at this point in time.
The design of the statue is ninety-nine percent completed. Some detailing of the face of the Maitreya Buddha statue will be submitted to Rinpoche for review, and this should be finalized shortly.
Rinpoche has signed off on the basic layout for the statue and throne. The statue itself will be 150 feet (46 meters) high and will be built on a platform 50 feet (15 meters) high, making for a total height of 200 feet (61 meters), which is equivalent to a twenty-story building.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been invited to give teachings on the land, and we are anxiously awaiting His Holiness’s acceptance.
The architecture and engineering for the project will be done by Stup Consultants. Stup Consulants is an international firm with over 1,200 professionals in more than 20 offices and global project locations in India and other countries. Moreover, Stup Consultants already has extensive familiarity in the construction of bronze statues.
While historically no large bronze statues have been constructed in India, the last decade has seen the building of several large bronze statues in India and Bhutan, ranging from 150 feet (46 meters) to 716 feet (182 meters). Even taller bronze statues to be built in India are now in the planning stages. Clearly all this construction activity of building large bronze statues has increased the knowledge base and that will simplify the work for Maitreya Project.
Maitreya Buddha Project Kushinagar team members: (clockwise from upper left) Ven. Kabir Saxena, chairman of Maitreya Project Trust; Virginia Roche, executive director; Peter Griffin, art director; and Marcel Bertels, director.
The team on the ground now consists of Ven. Kabir Saxena, Virginia Roche, and Marcel Bertels.
Virginia Roche, our executive director, has many years of experience in building, construction, and finance, and successfully established one of the larger construction and engineering companies in Muscat, Oman. She is responsible for the development of the Kushinagar site as well as issues related to design, engineering, and construction. She also handles all interactions with the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Ven. Kabir Saxena is the chairman of Maitreya Project Trust and actively supports the project in many ways. Marcel Bertels is the overall director of the Maitreya Buddha Project Kushinagar. In addition to these three, experienced artist Peter Griffin is looking after all art-related issues.
With all our thanks to all past and future sponsors, benefactors, organizers and well-wishers.
For more information about Maitreya Buddha Project Kushinagar or to make an offering visit the website:
http://mbpkushinagar.org
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.
Adrian Dec and son Aaron Dec greeting Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Bern, Switzerland, November 2018. Photo by Séverine Gondouin.
Longku Center, an FPMT center in Bern, Switzerland, hosted Lama Zopa Rinpoche from November 12-14, 2018. Lama Zopa Rinpoche arrived from Munich, Germany, where Rinpoche was hosted by Aryatara Instituut. Brigitte Brunner and Andrea Meier, long-time students and members of Longku Center who co-organized Rinpoche’s Bern visit share the story.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche arrived late evening of November 12 from Munich, Germany, and stayed in Bern for two days before travelling on to Wallis, Switzerland. While offering welcome tea, Rinpoche talked about how important it is, if one encounters people who make our life difficult, to cherish them and to uphold them the most.
Longku Center board members, along with long-time students and organizers posed with Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Brigitte Brunner, Jangchub Iseli, Ueli Minder, Rinpoche, Ani Losang, Peter Iseli, Ven. Tsultrim, Andrea Meier, and Marianne Müller outside of Longku Center, Bern, Switzerland, November 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.
The next evening Rinpoche gave a very inspiring public teaching on recognizing and using our human potential, starting with how lucky we are not to be born as a tiger who has to kill others to survive. How fortunate we are to have attained a precious human rebirth, able to distinguish what is right and what is wrong, what brings happiness and what brings suffering.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching, Campus Muristalden auditorium, Bern, Switzerland, November 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.
Then Rinpoche taught on the importance of practicing patience and how everything comes from the mind. He explained how we can do this—looking at every action as merely labeled, like a hallucination or a dream. This was a very powerful teaching on emptiness!
Lhagsam Study Group coordinators Nina and Jeff with members Sandra Passardi and Theres offering Lama Zopa Rinpoche a vegan cake Theres baked, Bern, Switzerland, November 2018. Photo by Séverine Gondouin.
We had two wonderful and very blessed days with Rinpoche in Bern. Our time with him was powerful, moving, and inspiring. We are very grateful to Rinpoche for his visit and his precious teachings.
Artist Peter Iseli offered this thankga of Milarepa to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, presented to Rinpoche outside of Longku Center, Bern, Switzerland, November 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.
For more information about Longku Center, visit their website:
https://longku.fpmt.ch/fpmt7/nc/home/
Watch video recordings of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings from his 2018 European tour, which includes Spain, Germany, and Switzerland, and also find audio recordings of translations of the teachings in several languages as well as English language transcripts here:
https://fpmt.org/media/streaming/teachings-of-lama-zopa-rinpoche/europe-tour-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.