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Fire puja after the 108th nyung nä session of Institut Vajra Yogini’s fourth annual nyung nä retreat, Marzens, France, June 22, 2015. Photo courtesy of Institut Vajra Yogini.
Each year Lama Zopa Rinpoche, through the Practice and Retreat Fund, personally sponsors up to 10 people willing to do 100 nyung näs – an intensive and demanding two-day Chenrezig retreat – at Institut Vajra Yogini (IVY) in France. Institut Vajra Yogini started a yearly retreat to help make one of Rinpoche’s Vast Visions come true – that some practitioners might complete 1,000 nyung näs during their lifetimes. François Lecointre, center director, shares news about the completion of IVY’s fourth annual nyung nä retreat.
Six people tried to do all 108 nyung näs, but only Ven. Charles managed to do every single session. The other five people all had to miss a few for various reasons (sickness, lung, family problems, etc.), but the five of them accumulated a total of 450 nyung näs.
These five “Dharma heroes” are:
- Norman Gröning, a young lay Dutch man who had already done 100 last year. He did 96 this year at IVY, but had done 43 alone just a few months before.
- Toine Janssen, a long-time Dutch lay resident at Nalanda Monastery, did 102.
- Nathalie Lecrux, a quite new but very enthusiastic French student, did 106.
- Rowena Fish, a British woman, did 64.
- Thomas Geldern, a German man and Rowena’s partner, did 82.
Collage of last nyung nä session, Marzens, France, June 22, 2015. Photo courtesy of Institut Vajra Yogini.
Sixteen other people completed eight nyung näs or more: Pierre Cristiani (40), Christophe Adell (40), Patrice Castaing (15), Philippe Sudre (13), Annie Boyer (13), Antony Darreux (11), Dani Villalta (10), Franz Millier (10), Christine Motta (10), Corinne Pian (10), Marie Vaysse (10), Conor Downes (9), Laurette Laboureur (9), Didier Hosotte (9), Yann Dulac (8) and Sharon Overbey (8).
101 other people did one to seven nyung näs.
If we add up everybody, there were 123 different participants from mid-November 2014 to the end of June 2015 and 1,028 individual nyung näs have been accumulated. On average, we have had between 7 to 15 people participating in each single session.
We want to thank Rinpoche for giving us this wonderful opportunity to practice and to organize and to serve such a wonderful and beneficial retreat. May Rinpoche bless us so that we’ll be able to fulfill his wishes. We want Rinpoche to know that we particularly wish to dedicate all the merits that have been generated to his long life, good health and the immediate fulfillment of all his holy wishes.
Collage of various nyung nä sessions, Marzens, France, November 2014 – June 2015. Photo courtesy of Institut Vajra Yogini.
A fifth round will be organized from mid-November 2015 to the end of June 2016. Please contact Institut Vajra Yogini if you are interested in participating in any way, to simply learn more or to offer to sponsor a retreatant.
Mandala brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from nearly 160 FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche making offerings to the Mahabodhi Stupa, Bodhgaya, India, February 2015. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunsang.
Ven. Tenzin Legtsok, an American monk in his 12th-year of geshe studies at Sera Monastery in India, discusses the power of stupas and other sacred objects in Mandala‘s newest online feature: “How Do Holy Objects Work?” Ven. Legtsok begins with an explanation of a common teaching story about a fly benefiting greatly by unintentionally circumambulating a stupa.
“The story, told in Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand, is about an old man named Shrijata who wanted to leave his home and take ordination. Venerable Shariputra refused to give Shrijata novice vows, explaining that he didn’t have the roots of virtue to be able to keep ordination. Shrijata was utterly disappointed. Shakyamuni Buddha saw the situation through his clairvoyance, appeared to Shrijata and told him that he does have the roots of virtue to take ordination, but that this virtue is so subtle that Shariputra could not see it. This virtue, the Buddha said, was created in Shrijata’s past life when as a fly – following a cartload of dung – he unknowingly circumambulated a stupa.
“… But a question remains: how does an inanimate object – no matter how sacred – affect sentient beings regardless of their motivation? This is not so easy of a question to answer. If you’re in doubt that the Buddha taught this, the idea is reiterated in the King of Concentrations Sutra, where it says that even looking upon a drawing of a stupa with a mind of anger creates the cause to see millions of buddhas in the future. Similar statements are made in other sutras – such as the Sutra of Golden Light or the Sanghata Sutra – about how hearing merely a few lines from these sutras purifies negative karma collected over eons and helps a practitioner accumulate inconceivable amounts of merit. Lama Zopa Rinpoche has explained that such effects are due to the power of prayer. ‘It’s like mantra,’ Lama Zopa Rinpoche says. ‘A mantra has power because a buddha blesses it to have power. A mantra is powerful because a buddha makes it powerful. This [ability], the power of prayer, is one of a buddha’s 10 powers.'” Read more …
In case you missed last month’s online feature, “A Many-Splendored Thing: Anne Carolyn Klein on the Transmission of Tibetan Buddhism,” you can read it now. If you like Mandala’s online features, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work as well as the education programs of FPMT.
We invite you to read the July edition of our FPMT International Office E-news!
In this month’s e-news, you’ll find:
- Celebrating His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th Birthday
- News from the Nepal Earthquake Support Fund
- New Materials from FPMT Education Services
- Merit Box Grants have been Awarded
- Foundation Store New Products
Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching in Moscow, Russia, July 2015. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunsang.
Fireworks during the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion’s Festival of Lights, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia, May 30, 2015. Photo by Pic Nhung Tran via JadeBuddhaPeace on Twitter.
On May 30, 2015, the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo, Australia, celebrated its Wesak Festival of Light during what in Tibetan is known as Saka Dawa, the holiday celebrating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and parinirvana. The celebration included the interfaith sharing of peace flags made by Bendigo schoolchildren, lively cultural dances and drumming performances, fireworks, and the unvailing of Tummo, the inner-fire breathing dragon, installed on the stupa to protect it and its visitors. Liz Martin caught the festivities on film.
Watch Wesak Festival of Light at the Great Stupa from Liz Martin on Vimeo.
The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, directed by long-time student Ian Green, will be the largest stupa in the Western world once completed.
Mandala brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from nearly 160 FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Dorje Chang Institute celebrating His Holiness’ 80th birthday, New Zealand, July 2015. Photo by Raul Cornejo Reyes.
Last week, we shared stories of how FPMT centers, projects and services were celebrating His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday. Since then, we’ve received a few more updates, which means more rejoicing for us all!
Community lunch after offerings and prayers for His Holiness at Dorje Chang Institute, New Zealand, July 2015. Photo by Raul Cornejo Reyes.
“The Dorje Chang Institute community joined by members of the Auckland Tibetan community and Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Association celebrated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday with long life prayers, light offerings, Tibetan song, a Tibetan tune on violin, a shared community dinner and homemade cake,” wrote Ven. Gyalten Wangmo, the spritual program coordinator (SPC) at Dorje Chang, which is in Auckland, New Zealand. “Auspiciously, one of the members of the Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Association offered a scrolled poem inspired by His Holiness that he composed at Wu Tai Shan (Five Peak Manjushri Mountain) in China.”
Offerings for His Holiness’ birthday at Longku Center, Bern, Switzerland, July 2015
Doing animal liberation for worms at Longku Center, Bern, Switzerland, July 2015
Ven. Tenzin Chogkyi at Gendun Drubpa Buddhist Centre, B.C., Canada, July 2015
Aryatara Institut, Munich, Germany, July 2015
“The Aryatara Institut in Munich celebrated the birthday of His Holiness by creating tsa-tsas followed by an animal liberation,” shared Robert Schwabe, SPC at Aryatara Institut. “Starting at 6 p.m. more than 17 people came to create tsa-tsas of Shakyamuni Buddha, Green Tara, Padmasambhava and Buddha Maitreya. The participation was higher than we expected. We even ran out of tsa-tsa molds, so people had to wait a little until the molds had dried and could be used again.
“At 7:30, we paused the tsa-tsa creation with performing an animal liberation from the FPMT prayer book. Some people brought their own dogs from home. The Aryatara Institut bought 240 house crickets from the pet shop that were meant as food for reptiles. We recited prayers and mantras for the benefit of these animals while some people circumambulated a stupa. One participant later said that she felt happy and a strong connection to the crickets she was holding during the circumambulation. The house crickets were later freed by the participants in a nearby park.
“After the liberation, people stayed to continue creating more tsa-tsas and also to paint them in gold.
“It was a very joyful event. People were very happy to have come and reported looking forward to the next opportunity to create tsa-tsas and liberate animals.”
Aryatara Institut, Munich, Germany, July 201
FPMT.org shares news of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like our news updates, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Kopan monks and nuns worked with several charities and individuals to distribute much needed aid to villagers in upper Tsum.
The Tsum Valley, which is located in the northern border area of Nepal close to Tibet, was badly affected by the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks that struck Nepal earlier this year that toppled homes, temples and other buildings, resulting in the death of over 9,000 people across the country. Many charities have formed to help care and provide for those in need following the destruction. Recently, several individual charities have been working together to provide aid for the Tsum region of Nepal.
Villagers in Tsum Valley experienced extreme devastation and this aid provided to them will make a huge impact on over 500 families’ ability to survive.
Aid of tents, sleeping bags, and cash were arranged for over 500 families in upper Tsum. The monks and nuns of Kopan have helped distribute this aid from Rachen Nunnery with the help of several charities including 16 Navigators Nepal Earthquake Relief Mission and individuals including Geshe Tenzin Zopa, Geshe Tenzin Lundrup, Dhawa Gyanjen Tsumba, and others.
Please rejoice in this incredible collective effort of generosity and kindness.
With many contributing to a collective effort of aid, over 500 families from Tsum were supported.
You can offer your support to Kopan Helping Hands so that the monks and nuns can contribute to help distribute aid to those in Tsum Valley: http://www.kopanmonastery.com/earthquake
To learn more and offer support to FPMT’s Nepal Earthquake Support Fund, which will be used for immediate relief and rebuilding: https://fpmt.org/support/socialservices/
For “Prayers and Practice for Earthquake in Nepal,” see:
https://fpmt.org/edu-news/prayers-and-practices-for-earthquake-in-nepal/
For continuing updates and news from Kopan Monastery and other FPMT centers and projects in Nepal affected by the earthquake, please visit our “Updates from Nepal after the Earthquake” page:
https://fpmt.org/nepal-earthquake/
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Lama Yeshe during His Holiness’ visit to O.Sel.Ling Centro de Retiros, Spain, 1982. Photo courtesy of the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.
From “FPMT’s First Request to His Holiness,” Mandala October-December 2011:
“In 1979, FPMT made its first official request to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to give teachings in centers of the newly forming organization. FPMT repeated the invitation in 1980 and again in 1981. Upon the last request, His Holiness accepted. When Lama Yeshe heard the good news, he commented that his ‘job had been successful.’ His Holiness visiting Lama Yeshe’s centers guaranteed their future growth and the success of Lama’s work to establish Buddha’s teachings in the West.
“During the tour, which occurred in September and October 1982, His Holiness visited three European FPMT centers – Nagarjuna Institute in Spain, Institut Vajra Yogini in France and Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Italy. It was by all accounts a tremendous, auspicious success. Since this first invitation, many FPMT centers worldwide have been blessed to host His Holiness for public talks and empowerments.”
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at Chenrezig Institute, Eudlo, Queensland, Australia, June 2011. Photo by Bonnie Jenkins.
After His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s first visit Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in 1982, Lama Yeshe had this to say about the visit’s significance:
“For His Holiness to come to the Western world is the insurance that Buddhism has been established culturally in the various countries and centers, that Buddhism is not some kind of trip. It is insurance that Buddhism is something cultural, something truly and sincerely involved in serious work, and is becoming part of the future for the Western world. I really feel that His Holiness coming to Europe is like Guru Shakyamuni coming to this earth to make firm the Dharma, the wisdom light that is the path to liberation for all European people. …
“I think His Holiness is the light to purify all kinds of negativities that are vibrating – objectifying Buddhism and, within Buddhist circles, holding on to sectarianism. I think His Holiness is the completely equanimous representative of not only the Tibetan tradition, but of the entire world’s religions: he is the universal representative.
“Therefore, especially at this critical time, I think His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s coming is very important for all people, not only for religious people, but even non-religious people, to make the world community harmonious. His Holiness’ message, from my understanding when listening to his lectures, is universal love, universal compassion, and for each of us to take universal responsibility to bring universal people to happiness. Somehow everybody understands that message.
“I think the Dalai Lama’s coming is an incredible, incredible blessing. I and the Western people really feel something very unusual now that His Holiness has come. There is some kind of incredible harmony and good understanding between everyone in our global community. I think this understanding brings better peace, liberation and harmony to the world. I think it is very important because His Holiness teaches the best way for harmonious development, individually and universally.”
Lama Yeshe’s complete comments are available on Bringing Dharma to the West, a DVD from the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive featuring Lama Yeshe’s 1982 interviews with Geoff Jukes and Brian Beresford about Buddhism coming to the West, the development of FPMT centers and related topics.
FPMT.org shares news of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like our news updates, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Italy, June 2014. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
“[I would like] for FPMT to offer service to His Holiness the Dalai Lama as much as possible and to be able to fulfill His Holiness’ wishes. This is the highest priority for the organization,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche said, outlining his Vast Vision for FPMT. Throughout the past several decades, FPMT centers, projects, services and students have been involved in organizing and sponsoring His Holiness’ public talks and tours, supporting His Holiness’ projects, helping the Gelug monasteries in India and creating interfaith dialogues around the world, among other activities.
“FPMT’s Relationship to His Holiness the Dalai Lama” in Mandala October-December 2011 illustrates further the special relationship between His Holiness and the broader FPMT organization:
[Lama Zopa] Rinpoche is someone who follows my guidance sincerely, very expansively and with one hundred percent trust. He possesses unwavering faith and pure samaya; not only has he pure samaya and faith but whatever I instruct, Zopa Rinpoche has the capability to accomplish it. So whatever dedications Lama Zopa Rinpoche makes, I also pray to accomplish this and you should do the same thing. – HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA, DECEMBER 2006
Whenever possible, FPMT adopts His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice. And when appropriate, FPMT acts to help support Tibet’s struggle for autonomy as advised by His Holiness.
As explained by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, FPMT’s relationship with His Holiness is definitive: “The most important thing, the heart thing for FPMT, however many billions of projects we have, the most important thing is to do what pleases most His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”
This respect and gratitude for His Holiness held by FPMT also extends to all Tibetans. “It is important to repay the kindness of the Tibetan people, who have preserved the complete Buddhadharma, not only Vajrayana but the whole path; they have preserved all the teachings for a long time,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche commented in 2008. “Due to this we non-Tibetans are able to receive the complete teachings, enjoy and make our lives meaningful.”
Every year, FPMT offers a long life puja for His Holiness and supports His Holiness’ efforts.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama during a visit to FPMT International Office, May 2013. Photo by Leah Nash.
Over the years, His Holiness has visited many FPMT centers, including Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa last year, FPMT International Office and Maitripa College in 2013, Kurukulla Center in the United States in 2012 and Chenrezig Institute in Australia in 2011.
Through the merit that is being created by all the service being offered to His Holiness and all the celebrations for His Holiness’ 80th birthday that have taken place at FPMT centers, projects and services around the world, may the relationship between FPMT and His Holiness continue to flourish.
You can read more stories about His Holiness’ activities and visits to FPMT centers on FPMT.org and Mandala.
FPMT.org shares news of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like our news updates, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
A cake for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday at Tara Institute, Australia, July 2015. Photo courtesy of Tara Institute.
There were no shortages of beautiful cakes and offerings at the celebrations for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday that took place at FPMT centers, projects and services around the world.
Tara Institute in Melbourne, Australia, wrote:
“We celebrated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday with our annual puja for His Holiness and afterwards the Tara Institute Study Group cooked and served lunch for the community. It was also the occasion of the 80th birthday of our resident geshe, Geshe Doga, a week later for which we also had a cake. So two birthday cakes!”
Geshe Doga with Tara Institute students at birthday luncheon, Australia, July 2015. Photo courtesy of Tara Institute.
80th birthday cake for Geshe Doga, Tara Institute, Australia, July 2015. Photo courtesy of Tara Institute.
Panchen Losang Chogyen Gelugzentrum in Vienna, Austria, was hosting Dagri Rinpoche during their celebration of His Holiness’ birthday, which included a puja.
Dagri Rinpoche leading puja at Panchen Losang Chogyen Gelugzentrum, Vienna, Austria, July 2015. Photo courtesy of PLC on Facebook.
Offerings at Panchen Losang Chogyen Gelugzentrum for His Holiness’ 80th birthday, Vienna, Austria, July 2015. Photo courtesy of PLC on Facebook.
Land of Medicine Buddha in California, US, celebrated His Holiness’ birthday at the Mahabodhi Stupa that they are in the process of building.
“Ven. Drimay led a motivation and practice in front of an altar for His Holiness. We then went for a pilgrimage around our Eight Verses Trail. We stopped at each verse to read and reflect on the verse and how to bring the Dharma into our lives. At the end we returned to the stupa site to make light offerings and prayers that His Holiness remain with us for a long time and dedicated the merit of our practice to that,” Land of Medicine Buddha shared on their Facebook page.
“Eleven-year old Mia Stafford began her offering of running 108 laps (miles) around our Eight Verses Trail to benefit our Mahabhodhi Stupa project. Such immense compassion generated by a young girl! #withcompassion.”
Land of Medicine Buddha, July 2015. Photo courtesy of LMB on Facebook.
Shantideva Meditation Center in New York City, US, shared this about their gathering for His Holiness:
“The celebration started at 7 p.m. with a guided meditation on Chenrezig. We continued with the Four-arm Chenrezig practice and chanted the Chenrezig mantra for 20 minutes. Afterwards we all sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to His Holiness and shared a delicious cake.”
Shantideva Meditation Center, New York, July 2015. Photo courtesy of SMC on Facebook.
Many other FPMT centers, projects and services honored His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 80th birthday, doing practice and prayers and making offerings. There is so much beneficial activity in which the international FPMT community can rejoice. Please join us in appreciating and sharing joy for these celebrations.
Celebrating His Holiness’ birthday at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Italy, July 2015. Photo courtesy of ILTK on Facebook.
FPMT.org shares news of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like our news updates, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Celebrating His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday at the National Circus, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, July 2015. Photo courtesy of FPMT Mongolia.
FPMT Mongolia and Gandan Do Ngag Shedrup Ling Center participated in a big 80th birthday celebration for His Holiness the Dalai Lama organized by all the Buddhist organizations in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. They write:
“It was a first time we had a big celebration like this and was initiated by Özer Rinpoche. The event was held at the National Circus. Gandan Do Ngag Shedrup Ling Center offered the publishing of the prayer books for the celebration. Many of our friends and students attended the event.”
Kurukulla Center’s resident geshe, Geshe Tenley, releases a lobster during an animal liberation event for His Holiness’ birthday, Massachusetts, US, July 2015. Photo courtesy of Kurukulla Center.
Kurukulla Center in Massachusetts, US, had two birthday events. Geshe Ngawang Tenley, resident geshe at the center, sent this message about the first event, a lobster liberation:
“Happy Birthday to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
“All dear brothers and sisters, [on Sunday] we performed a wonderful animal liberation in the Atlantic Ocean. We liberated 361 lobsters (over 500 pounds). Thank you for joining with us. This is a gift from all of us for His Holiness’ 80th birthday. To save the lives of sentient beings is the best practice for long life. We dedicate all our merits for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and all our teachers. All friends please REJOICE! Rejoicing is the best practice. Lama Tsongkhapa said the least effort, most merit is to rejoice in the merit of others.”
Kurukulla Center students and Geshe Tenley doing animal liberation practice before releasing the lobsters, Massachusetts, US, July 2015. Photo courtesy of Kurukulla Center.
Scott Buquor, from Kurukulla Center, shared this about the second event:
“In the early morning of July 6, the Tibetan community of the Boston area gathered at Kurukulla Center in honor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday. Sponsors arrived at 6 a.m. to prepare tea and sweet rice. About 200 members of the Tibetan community arrived soon after. Geshe Tenley led the procession to usher in the portrait of His Holiness to the gompa, and the community performed many prayers and offered khatas to His Holiness. After the puja, everyone gathered outside for sangsol (incense offering). Birthday cake was enjoyed by all, as well as traditional songs and dance. All of these offerings and prayers were dedicated to the long life of His Holiness. Many people stayed through the morning to relax, enjoy the friendly community, and do circumambulation around the Kalachakra stupa.”
Kurukulla Center celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday, Massachusetts, US, July 2015. Photo courtesy of Kurukulla Center.
Judy Wagner, spiritual program coordinator at Buddha House in Australia, wrote:
“On the evening of July 6 Buddha House had a wonderful celebration to honor the 80th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Students practicing at Buddha House, Australia, July 2015. Photo courtesy of Buddha House.
“Our resident teacher Ven. Thubten Dondrub led us in the sadhana ‘The Inseparability of the Spiritual Master and Avalokiteshavara.’ This beautiful sadhana was actually written by His Holiness.
“Over 30 people attended and we were also pleased to have Jampa Choephel join us. There were some new students, some older students, and even a couple who had no Buddhist experience that had attended the Learn to Meditate session earlier and felt such a wonderful atmosphere in the gompa that they asked to stay and join the celebration.
“After the sadhana and long life prayers for His Holiness, Ven. Dondrub and Jampa Choephel blessed the food and we all continued to celebrate over supper.
“Donations were collected for the FPMT Nepal Earthquake Support Fund.”
Hanging prayer flags with Geshe Lamsang at Centro Nagarjuna Valencia, Spain, July 2015. Photo courtesy of Centro Nagarjuna Valencia.
Centro Nagarjuna Valencia in Spain shared this:
“To celebrate His Holiness’ 80th birthday we got up early and hung up many prayer flags. Geshe Lamsang, our resident geshe, did an incense puja, offering clouds of billowing aromatic white smoke. In the afternoon, we offered an auspicious sweet rice dish and tea, and watched together some videos of His Holiness, including the celebrations at the Glastonbury music festival in the UK. This was followed by Lama Chöpa puja with tsog offering, sandwiches and a birthday cake. To finish off a very enjoyable day, there was a present for everyone and Geshe-la gave out a special protection amulet from Ganden Monastery. Geshe-la spoke of the incomparable kindness of His Holiness and we made extensive prayers and dedications for his long life.”
Students at Centro Nagarjuna Valencia, Spain, July 2015. Photo courtesy of the Centro Nagarjuna Valencia.
Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds shared this report of their celebration:
“Jamyang Leeds hosted a party to celebrate the 80th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The day started with a Medicine Buddha puja and long life prayers. The center looked resplendent with offerings of flowers and food; it’s a wonder the tables could stand the weight! Next to the shrine was a lovely, large, smiling picture of the Dalai Lama draped with a white khata. We took time to reflect on everything he does to benefit all beings and to rejoice in his efforts! Shared lunch was a social event with masses of Tibetan food kindly supplied by Leeds-based Tibetans. We watched a series of videos of His Holiness, learned how to put on a Tibetan chuba, tried some Tibetan dancing and had a rousing chorus of ‘Happy Birthday to You’ and ‘For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.’ Who knew we were such a melodious and enthusiastic bunch! Some people had traveled quite a distance to join in the celebrations so were sent home with food packages and leftover momos were still in the fridge for Geshe Tashi’s teachings the next day. Do have a look at the video our Facebook page to feel part of the day.”
Continuing this week, we’ll have more stories on celebrating His Holiness’ birthday and FPMT’s long-time commitment to supporting the realization of His Holiness’ wishes. You can also find more photos and stories on FPMT’s Facebook page.
FPMT.org shares news of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like our news updates, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Losang Namgyal Rinpoche during His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday celebration in Kathmandu, Nepal, July 2015. Photo courtesy of Kopan Monastery.
News of celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday by FPMT centers, projects and services around the world are pouring in.
Kopan Monastery in Nepal participated in a huge birthday celebration organized by all the Gelug monasteries in Kathmandu. Thousands of people attended and made prayers and offerings under blue tarpaulins that were spread out as it was raining heavily. The event was at the Namgyal Middle Boarding School in Swayambu. Kopan monk Losang Namgyal Rinpoche carried the begging bowl in the procession.
Portrait of His Holiness by Lisa Sawlit
The Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive is making a special offer to recognize His Holiness. They write:
“To celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday, we are offering everyone a free ebook: His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Illuminating the Path to Enlightenment, which includes His Holiness’ commentary on Atisha’s A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment and Lama Tsongkhapa’s Lines of Experience. Ebook versions for every reader freely available through Friday, July 10 from Smashwords.*
“We are also happy to announce that Audible has just released the audio book version of Illuminating the Path to Enlightenment. This audiobook is also freely available if you sign up for a one-month free trial on Audible. Or, if you are already an Audible member, you can use this month’s free credit to download the book. (http://bit.ly/AudioBook-Illuminating-The-Path)
“It is also a great day to enjoy the spectacular portrait of His Holiness that was created by artist Lisa Sawlit, in partnership with the Archive. To read the story about the creation of this amazing portrait and frame, see our website.”
Chandrakirti Centre in Nelson, New Zealand, wrote:
“We are in the middle of winter, so in the morning we recited the Golden Light Sutra and late afternoon we cuddled up by the fire at the center’s lounge and had a potluck dinner, did a Chenrezig practice with mani recitation, recited the long life prayer for His Holiness and had two lam-rim presentations on the precious human rebirth, and, impermanence and death.”
Birthday cake for His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Gyalwa Gyatso Center, California, US, July 2015. Photo courtesy of Gyalwa Gyatso Center.
Gyalwa Gyatso (Ocean of Compassion) Buddhist Center in Campbell, California, US, celebrated FPMT North America’s annual Compassion Day with a compassion meditation led by Ven. Drolma of Vajrapani Institute and followed with a birthday cake and movie with His Holiness, Transcending Negative Emotions to Create Happiness in Our Lives. They concluded the day with “Prayers to Control Earthquakes” led by Ven. Corradi of Tse Chen Ling Center. All students were encouraged to bring a canned food donation to their ongoing food drive or a donation for the Nepal Earthquake Support Fund.
Jinsiu Farlin celebrating His Holiness’ birthday, Tapai, Taiwan, July 2015. Photo courtesy of Jinsiu Farlin.
Jinsiu Farlin, FPMT center in Taipei, Taiwan celebrated His Holiness’ 80th birthday with resident teacher Geshe Gyurme and resident teacher of Heruka Center Geshe Tsethar. The center wrote:
“We began the celebration by reciting 16 Arhats puja, and concluded with the long version of His Holiness’ long life prayer. Then the center offered lunch for all the Sangha and participants.
“Starting from Saka Dawa this year, FPMT Taiwan inspired students to recite and accumulate Chenrezig short mantra dedicate for His Holiness’ long life. By July 6, FPMT Taiwan collected 16,488,492 mantra counts from Taiwan students and more mantra counts are still being sent in. FPMT Taiwan has presented the mantra counts with a small token of cash offerings to His Holiness’ office in Taiwan on July 5.”
His Holiness’ throne and birthday offerings at Jinsiu Farlin, Tapai Taiwan, July 2015. Photo courtesy of Jinsiu Farlin.
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Continuing this week, we’ll have more stories on celebrating His Holiness’ birthday and FPMT’s long-time commitment to supporting the realization of His Holiness’ wishes. You can also find more photos and stories on FPMT’s Facebook page.
FPMT.org shares news of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like our news updates, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama admiring the large birthday cake presented to him during celebrations honoring his 80th birthday at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, USA on July 5, 2015. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL via dalailama.com.
Celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday, which is July 6 on the Western calendar, are taking place around the world. His Holiness is spending his birthday in Southern California in the US at the Global Compassion Summit. (For news and photos of the events, see #WithCompassion on Facebook and DalaiLama.com.)
FPMT spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche, in a praise for His Holiness, said:
“Your Holiness is the great treasure of infinite compassion embracing all us sentient beings, the sole source of benefit and happiness of all us sentient beings, the sole refuge of all us sentient beings. Your Holiness is incomparably kinder to us than all the past, present and future Buddhas. We the fortunate disciples who have been fortunate to see your holy body and hear your holy speech make the following request.
“The kind Guru Shakyamuni Buddha, out of his great compassion, descended to this world of Dzambu in the Arya land of India for the sole purpose of bringing benefit and happiness to migratory beings by leading us to liberation and full enlightenment. … (Read the complete praise as a PDF.)”
Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi and Amitabha Buddhist Centre students doing Namgyälma puja for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday, Singapore, July 2015. Photo courtesy ABC.
Following the inspiration of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, FPMT centers, projects and services have been celebrating His Holiness’ birthday. Many have organized special events and picnics. Ven. Tenzin Tsultrim shared what happened in Singapore:
“Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore dedicated a full and meaningful day of prayers and practice in honor of His Holiness’ 80th birthday. Starting in the late morning, we organized a special animal liberation practice and with generous contributions from our members and friends, were able to liberate about 492,800 ‘la-la’ shellfish at sea. In the afternoon from 1:30 to 6 p.m., a large group participated in the recitation of the Golden Light Sutra. Never mind that today is Monday, people made the effort to take time off from work for the practice.
“We capped our all-day celebration with a Namgyälma puja in the evening, led by our resident teacher, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi and ABC’s sangha. Everyone who attended could take part in this puja of the long-life deity Namgyälma as we have the practice available in English. We had an enthusiastic turnout with about 200 ABC members and students coming to our prayer celebration. In addition, the just-published July/August issue of our newsletter, TASHI DELEK, pays special tribute to His Holiness with a cover feature highlighting a topic that our precious guide in the Dharma holds dear – compassion. We send our heaps of prayers for His Holiness to remain with us forever.”
Losang Dragpa Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, had a night of offerings and mani mantra recitation for His Holiness’ birthday.
Tara Institute in Melbourne, Australia, celebrated His Holiness with a birthday puja on July 5 and combined it with a celebration of Geshe Doga, their resident geshe, who turns 80 next week.
Buddha House in Adelaide, Australia, celebrated His Holiness on July 6 doing the practice “The Inseparability of the Spiritual Master and Avalokiteshvara,” which was written by His Holiness. Afterwards they had coffee, tea and cake.
Lama Yeshe Ling Centre in greater Toronto, Canada, is celebrating His Holiness’ 80th birthday with a picnic at Dundas Valley. Center director Deborah Klassen wrote, “We are encouraging everyone to bring their friends and family. There will be singing, games, walking meditations and a lot more.”
FPMT North American centers, projects and services are celebrating His Holiness’ birthday as Compassion Day. Check out Compassion Day on Facebook – www.facebook.com/CompassionDay – for photos and stories.
Continuing this week, we’ll have more stories on celebrating His Holiness’ birthday and FPMT’s long-time commitment to supporting the realization of His Holiness’ wishes.
FPMT.org shares news of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like our news updates, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.