FPMT Community: Stories & News

Tenzin Ösel Hita, Losang Dragpa Centre, Sengalor, Malaysia, February 2015. Photo courtesy of Ldc Fpmt Facebook.

On February 19, Tenzin Ösel Hita, the recognized reincarnation of FPMT founder Lama Yeshe, made a surprise visit to Malaysian center Losang Dragpa Centre to participate in its Guru Puja for Losar, Tibetan New Year. Just before the puja began, Ösel gave a short talk and answered a few questions, which were transcribed by Carolyn Chan and edited by Yeo Puay Huei and Mandala for publication on FPMT.org. He began the question and answer portion saying, “I will try to answer as best as I can and if you have opposing views, then better still as we can then debate and understand better.”

Malaysia went through a lot of difficulties last year that affected a lot of young people too. The world is also seeing more terrorists. We get upset at all this, but at the same time, we are supposed to be like our guru. How do we gain a positive mind towards such harmful people?

Ösel: Very, very modern, ah. (Laughter) Very, very good question. To tackle this question, one point of view is the absolute bodhichitta mind. You slap me and I offer the other cheek. Then both of my cheeks will get red. Just joking.

One side is the bodhichitta mind where you give love even if you are beaten up. I think on the one hand, this is very good to do, but the extreme is not good. So, one has to put a limit. You can take the abuse up to one point and if you keep accepting this abuse, then it is not good for the abuser either. They might think they have the right to abuse people, and this will not help them. You are not really creating the cause for them to see their mistakes. If you always go, “OK, OK,” they keep doing the same. You have to cut the vicious pattern.

Some people say that the way to cut the cycle is to get more aggressive than the aggressor, in order to wake him up. But the solution to violence can never be violence. And even if you use aggressiveness to help the aggressor, it should come with love. It should be just a wake-up call for the aggressor. Everybody has their own point of view, but I think I would say that the solution to violence can never be violence. It leads to more suffering. My advice to you is to pray for the aggressor’s bad karma to clear away and for her to be able to recognize the fact that making other people suffer is bringing on more suffering for herself. For the one receiving the aggression, be aware of the need for balance. Don’t go to extremes. It is the middle path. That is what the lam-rim teaches.

Tenzin Ösel Hita at Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Singapore, November 2012. Photo courtesy of Amitabha Buddhist Centre.

Could you please share some insight about your predecessor? Have you seen your predecessor in your dreams?

Ösel: Actually, Lama Yeshe is my best friend. If it were not for him, I would probably work in a bar and be a singer. Thinking about life, “OMG, life is so complicated. What should I do? Should I try to read a book or search for a teacher? I am confused.” At least, I have some information due to my education. I have some answers to my questions. I have the luck and the blessing to be in contact with Buddhism and with some people.

I have only seen Lama Yeshe in photos and videos. And I love him very much. He is my best friend. He helps me a lot. Thanks to him, I have the luck to return.

What are your future plans?

Ösel: Right now, I am organizing a pilgrimage to India with Beatrix. [The pilgrimage took place in April 2015.] She is the work designer and also the organizer for the pilgrimage. Please, if any of you want to know, this is publicity time. (Laughter) We are organizing a pilgrimage to India, starting with Delhi, then to Dharamsala. In Dharamsala, we will be staying at Tushita Meditation Centre, then visiting Norbulingka and proceeding to the mountains. We will be going to Bodhgaya, Mahabodhi Stupa, Vulture’s Peak, Nalanda, Varanasi, Sarnath, Lumbini, Kathmandu, Kopan Monastery and Kopan Nunnery and thereafter Boudhanath and Swayambunath and Mahakala Caves. There will be talks along the way.

The group will be small. Because it is the first time I’m doing this, I want it to be as smooth as possible. But I also want to warn you, it will be hard practice and not just happy, happy. You have to do some hard work and put your mind into practice. It is going to be a practical way and will last for a total of 15 days.

And this is the first pilgrimage I am organizing, and I do not know whether it will be the last. Hopefully, it won’t be the last. But you never know. So, this is the opportunity to invite you and also to tell your friends. That is my project now. I think it will be a practical way to help people and at the same time form part of my practice, to donate to monasteries and to other projects we have.

Beatrix also knows Ayurvedic therapy. We hope to start an Ayurvedic school because medicine is important education for people. Ayurveda is one of the early medical systems dating back thousands of years. The other thing for me is to create an education system to not only teach you how to work, but also teach you how to live, basically. That’s my future idea. And maybe do a movie. I want to do a good movie, that is why I want to take my time. It will be about quantum mechanics, quantum physics, and emptiness coming together, through graphics. I don’t know. That’s an idea for the future. Thank you, Thank you. I am leaving Malaysia very soon but I feel very strong connection with the center. I want to thank everyone. 

The Big Love Fund supports Ösel‘s educational endeavors. You can follow news and updates about Ösel on the Ösel Hita news feed.

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.

Tushita Retreat Centre, Arbúcies, Montseny, Spain. Photo courtesy of Tushita Retreat Center.

In the recently published online edition for Mandala July-December 2015, you can read about the achievements of Tushita Retreat Center:

“In 2015, Tushita Retreat Center in Spain celebrates 20 years in the FPMT. Tushita is located at the heart of the Montseny Natural Park, a region in southern Europe characterized by its extraordinary biodiversity, distinctive Mediterranean beauty and rich cultural history. However, for those of us who know the center, Tushita is simply Tushita, a place that many of us consider enchanted, where we find the peace and beauty that nourishes the hope and joy we need for a good life. For those who are part of Tushita, whether as students, teachers, volunteers, employees, managers or simply as friends, the center is, in many ways, a home, a place to return after the difficult day-to-day struggles, a refuge where we can rediscover those truths that inspire and move us.

“Due to its proximity to the cities of Barcelona and Girona and its accessibility, and because it’s located in a relatively isolated place suitable for contemplative practices, the center offers to many students a privileged space to deepen their meditations and practices. …”

Read the entire article “Spain’s Tushita Retreat Center Celebrates 20 Years” on FPMT.org/mandala.

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.

Langri Tangpa Centre opened their doors to local community members of all faiths, Brisbane, Australia, March 2015. Photo courtesy of Langri Tangpa Centre.

“Langri Tangpa Centre in Brisbane Australia rejoices in the success of its very first open day on March 29, 2015,” said committee member Carolyn Mason. “The motivation was to offer loving-kindness, blessings and benefit to all by opening our doors and inviting in the broad community to meet us and know our work with the Buddhadharma. About 130 people attended, with at least 80 being first-timers to the center. Following the example of His Holiness, special invitations were sent to all major spiritual traditions. Representatives of the Islamic community attended, and apologies were received from the Christian community as it was Palm Sunday.

“The thought and planning going into the program of activities paid off with people’s interest and attention being held. On the agenda were tours of the center both morning and afternoon, each ending with at least 30 enthusiastic people crammed in the small gompa for a short meditation. The morning talk on Buddhism by Chenrezig Institute resident Geshe Tsultrim connected well with the over 80 people through his intellect, kindness and humor.

Nuns offered to bless attendees with a Buddha relic and holy text, Brisbane, Australia, March 2015. Photo courtesy of Langri Tangpa Centre.

“The Sangha provided blessings with the center’s Buddha relic and holy books. Other blessings came from bathing the Buddha and writing out at least four lines from the precious Sutra of Golden Light in gold pen. A community dedications book was popular and the dedications read out at the Tara puja held after the open day. A children’s program was popular and appreciated by parents.

“The two local government counselors for the area attended, and one offered to put an article in their community newsletter about the center’s program – which they have already done. The center’s volunteers worked autonomously and in a very friendly, relaxed manner, providing a wonderful model of how we work together harmoniously. The chai, cheesecake and conversation in the lounge was very animated, and everyone happily had their handout package. The day ended on a musical note with a jazz-fusion concert.

“The center has experienced the benefit of the open day with new attendees at our weekly classes and meditations and has decided to make it an annual event.”

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.

Ven. Margaret McAndrew at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, 1976. Photo courtesy of Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.

We are sadden to share the news that Ven. Margaret McAndrew has passed away of cancer In Australia. Affectionately know as Ani Marg, she was a long-time student of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, first arriving at Kopan in Nepal in 1974. 

Ven. Margaret ordained in 1976. After spending time in Nepal and India, she returned to Australia in 1978, where she lived at both Tara Institute and Chenrezig Institute for several years (and worked as a cook in both places). She spent six months in the Dorje Phagmo Nunnery in France before finally settling at Chenrezig Institute in the late ‘80s. She was one of the founding members of Chenrezig Nuns’ Community (CNC), which was formally established in 1990. Since then she has been resident there apart from stints as a visiting teacher in Taiwan as well as in Adelaide, Gosford and Sydney in Australia. For several years, she served as the CNC gekyö (disciplinarian). She was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in 2012. 

You can read more about her early experiences with the Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche in “I Realized That My Life Couldn’t Be the Same Again”: 
https://fpmt.org/mandala/archives/mandala-for-2013/october/ani-margaret-mcandrew/.

While reading obituaries we can also reflect on our own death and impermanence prompting us to live our lives in the most meaningful way. More advice from Lama Zopa Ripoche on death and dying is available, see Death and Dying: Practices and Resources (fpmt.org/death/).

To read more obituaries from the international FPMT mandala, and to find information on submission guidelines, please visit our new Obituaries page (fpmt.org/media/obituaries/).

We hope you enjoy our June FPMT International Office E-News.

In this month’s e-News you’ll find:

• Highlights of News, Activities and Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche
• Introducing the just-published Mandala magazine
• New mantra card from FPMT Education Services
• Update about our Work a Day for Rinpoche campaign

…and more!

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with koalas, Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia, June 2015. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunsang

Korean Jade Buddha tour office, Incheon, Korea, April 2015. Photo courtesy of Ian Green.

“The official Jade Buddha for Universal Peace tour office has opened in Korea,” reported director Ian Green. “Located in Incheon, near the South Korean capital city of Seoul, the office will organize the tour of the Jade Buddha which will involve showings in most large cities in South Korea from  March 1 to August 31, 2017.

“The office is hopeful that the Jade Buddha tour will also include a showing in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. The stated aims of the Jade Buddha Korea committee are to further the causes of peace and unification for Korea. Korean residents and Korean speakers are welcome to support the tour. More information can be obtained from eunghwan2065@daum.net (Korean) and info@stupa.org.au (English).”

Korean Jade Buddha tour office, Incheon, Korea, April 2015. Photo courtesy of Ian Green.

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.

COVER PHOTO: The full moon behind the Dharma wheel and deer above the entrance of Lhasa’s Jokhang Temple, Tibet, 2014. Photo by Matt Lindén.

The new, redesigned Mandala magazine is in the mail to supporters of the Friends of FPMT program and students who receive Mandala through FPMT centers and projects that offer it to supporters as a benefit. 

With our reimagining of Mandala we hope we have created a timeless print publication that will inspire FPMT students and help them strengthen their practice of Dharma.

In this issue, learn about the importance of death awareness practice and of knowing how to enjoy death as taught by Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Also featured, the biography of the great Buddhist master Khunu Lama Rinpoche; Ven. Robina Courtin writes about the creation of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s book How to Enjoy Death; an interview with Tibetan Buddhist scholar Elijah Ary; and we remember Dharma pioneer Ven. Ann McNeil; plus much more.

In addition to the print issue, we’ve published several online-only pieces, including a new advice on practicing patience by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, an interview with Buddhist scholar Anne Klein and “The Life of Khensur Jampa Tegchok” by Ven. Steve Carlier. For this and more, see Mandala July-December 2015.

Mandala is offered as a benefit to supporters of the Friends of FPMT program, which provides funding for the educational, charitable and online work of FPMT.

The new issue is available through the FPMT Foundation Store.

Osel visiting Akshay Educational Centre in Amwan, India.

On April 12, 2015, Ösel Hita led a small group people on a once-in-a-lifetime “Universal Pilgrimage” to India and Nepal. While the itinerary called for visits to monasteries, holy places, and an exploration of Tibetan Buddhist culture and history, an unexpected experience came to participants when a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal on April 25. All in the pilgrimage left Nepal unharmed and the two weeks leading up to departure were filled with laughs, talks from Ösel, and many profound experiences in India and Nepal. While visiting Tara Nunnery, Ösel explained in a talk, “I don’t want to create followers, I want to create leaders.”

Osel and the pilgrimage group visited Tara Children’s Project and Maitreya School, Root Institute, Bodhgaya, India.

Osel visiting Tara Nunnery, Saranath, India, April 21, where he said in a talk, “I don’t want to create followers, I want to create leaders.”

Osel and the pilgrimage visited Tushita Meditation Centre, in Dharamsala, India, April 14 and also during this time met Jetsnuma Tenzin Palmo who was happy to spend some time with Osel.

Berthe Jansen defending her dissertation, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands, February 2015. Photo by Bert Molenaar.

Director of Maitreya Instituut Amsterdam Paula De Wys-Koolkin shared this achievement from past Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translator Programme (LRZTP) graduate Berthe Jansen:

On February 24, 2015, Berthe Jansen was awarded her Ph.D. at Leiden University in a ceremony rich in tradition and attended by family, friends, geshes, lama colleagues and mentors. Although the formal procedure itself was beautiful and impressive, many of those present were most moved by the knowledge that Berthe had earned her degree through sheer hard work and perseverance.

Berthe was sponsored by Maitreya Instituut to follow the FPMT’s interpreter training course, LRZTP, in Dharamsala from 2003 to 2005, and she graduated at the top of her class. She then moved back to the Netherlands with her young daughter Pema to work as an interpreter for Maitreya Instituut. She did that for two years while also studying at Leiden University, where she received her BA in Languages and Culture of India and Tibet in 2008. She then went on to study Tibetan and Himalayan Studies at Oxford University, receiving her M.Phil. with distinction in 2010.

Returning to Leiden, she began work on her Ph.D., and successfully defended her thesis – The Monastery Rules: Buddhist Monastic Organization in Pre-modern Tibet – by answering questions put to her by a panel of eminent scholars and professors from several European universities.

The setting was perfect for these impressive proceedings. Leiden University was founded in 1575, and the wood paneled room lined with centuries-old portraits, and the gowned dignitaries presiding over the occasion, emphasized the achievement that began in Dharamsala more than 10 years before.

Since then, while working on her studies, she has found time to be a single mother, did linguistic counter-expertise for immigration lawyers, and has been a freelance interpreter of Tibetan for several Buddhist teachers, including His Holiness the the Dalai Lama, Amnesty International, lawyers and courthouses, Dutch television, and some Dutch documentaries.

In a letter she wrote after her graduation from LRZTP to Ven. Kaye Miner, then the director of Maitreya Instituut Emst, Berthe said: 

“I will definitely pray for the success of the Maitreya Instituut, and for that matter, the whole of the FPMT, now and whilst in Tibet. And not to forget, I’m extremely grateful that the Maitreya Instituut gave me the opportunity to study with the LRZTP; it’s something I won’t lightly forget, and therefore I’m greatly indebted to the center, FPMT and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.”

Berthe Jansen defending her dissertation, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands, February 2015. Photo by Bert Molenaar.

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.

North American Regional Meeting participants with Ösel at Maitripa College, May 12, 2015.

In May of 2013, participants of the North American Regional Meeting, which took place in Portland, OR, were delighted to hear a motivating talk from Tenzin Ösel Hita. In this talk, Ösel shares his wisdom on many topics such as the FPMT organization, how to work harmoniously with others, how to think about offering service, and he fields questions from the audience. 

“Life sometimes puts tests, brings tests. So in those situations we have to keep our cool, not think selfishly, we have to be humble, we have to be open, we have to work together as a community. In that way we create a harmonious community, we create the foundation so that other people are attracted to that energy. And then, slowly, slowly, keep growing, growing, growing…. Many people think the purpose of life is to have a good job, to have a family, nice car, and then have some heritage to give to the children. And basically they struggle their whole life like that. And then when it is about time and they see they will pass away soon, they start having stress, about ‘Wow… What have I done with my life?’ 

The Big Love Fund was established to provide financial resources to support the educational endeavors of Ösel.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching at 100 Million Mani Retreat, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, August 2014. Photo courtesy of Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling.

Ven. Tsenla, director of Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling in Mongolia, shared with Mandala news of the center’s activities over the last year, including the second annual 100 Million Mani Retreat and the arrival of their resident geshe:

Please rejoice with us in the tremendous success of the second annual 100 Million Mani Retreat hosted by Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling Center in Ulaanbaatar from August 17 to September 18, 2014. The participants of the first and the second retreat well surpassed the mark of 100 million mantra recitations.

Many Mongolian people from near, far and wide attended and we were able to recognize familiar faces of participants from the first retreat together with several new people joining during the month. Attendance for the retreat averaged around 500 people.

The dedication and commitment of the Mongolian people to the practice of developing compassion is inspiring and we believe that the merit from their devotion was a large contributing factor to have the great good fortune of a visit from Lama Zopa Rinpoche and entourage for one precious week of Dharma rain. To have Rinpoche visit two years in a row for this event was beyond our expectations!

Rinpoche taught and showed the aspect of being extremely pleased with the efforts of the participants and again asked that the retreat be held annually and expanded his request to include that it also be held in other parts of Mongolia to cater for those people who find it difficult to come to Ulaanbaatar.

Preparations are now beginning for the third annual 100 Million Mani Retreat, scheduled from August 9 to the September 10, 2015.

Participants at 100 Million Mani Retreat, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, August 2014. Photo courtesy of Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling.

Renovations at the Center      

The support and generosity of a very kind benefactor to the center enabled us to undertake somewhat major renovations at the center for some four months leading up to the mani retreat.

The center building was completed in 1999, not long after Mongolia’s freedom from occupation, at which time the quality of materials and workmanship was not of a high standard. In particular, we focused on the high priority of replacing the central heating panels and pipes in all rooms, replacing our very drafty and unsuitable windows for the harsh Mongolian winters with modern, double-glazed ones and the installation of new floor coverings. While it was a most disruptive and challenging few months, we are pleased to have that behind us and are now benefiting from the improvements.

Geshe Lobsang Wangchuk. Photo courtesy of Ani Gyalmo.

New Resident Geshe

The Wood Sheep year started in a wonderful way for us with the joy and excitement of the arrival of our new resident geshe, Geshe Lobsang Wangchuk on February 24, 2015. Born in the Eastern part of Tibet, he became a monk at the age of 13 and in 1991 came to India to enter Sera Je Monastery to complete his studies in the five great philosophical treatises. When he completed his studies at Sera Je Monastery in 2008, he embarked on a life of retreat in the mountains of Dharamsala and Manali and spent his winters at the holy site of the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodhgaya.

Geshe-la has an inspirational accomplishment of more than 700,000 prostrations; 1.5 million Migtsema prayers; 1.5 million Manjushri mantras; 1.1 million Chenrezig mantras; three Hayagriva retreats; three Solitary Hero Yamantaka retreats; and the Thirteen Deity Yamantaka retreat two times.

In 2011, in a private audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Geshe-la was advised to actively engage in activities benefiting society and complete the examination for the formal Geshe degree. Upon completing his exams, he returned to his life of solitary retreats and practice.

In September 2014, Lama Zopa Rinpoche advised us to invite Geshe Lobsang Wangchuk and we are delighted that this important accomplishment could ripen.

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.

The Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis, Mauritius, March 2015. Photo by Shilpa Ramphul.

Shilpa Ramphul shared with Mandala some photos from Dharmarakshita Study Group’s March 2015 outreach activities in at at the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, Mauritius. “Dharmarakshita members and friends gathered to create more awareness of Buddhism and share mantras and auspicious items with the people. It was an amazing day with a lot of loving kindness that was showered upon all. And of course, we had the precious support of the Dharmarakshita children – priceless!”

The Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis, Mauritius, March 2015. Photo by Shilpa Ramphul.

In late March 2015, Dharmarakshita Study Group held an introductory Buddhist course. The group has weekly Dharma talks and study sessions in addition to organizing retreats, charitable service projects and yoga for its students.

Participants at Dharmarakshita Study Group’s “Introduction to Buddhism” course, Vacoas, Mauritius, March 2015. Photo courtesy of Dharmarakshita Study Group.

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.