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Ven. Roger Kunsang and Ven. Holly Ansett during a presentation on Day 4 of CPMT 2014, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Victoria, Australia, September 16, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
Day 4 of the CPMT 2014 meeting began with Lama Zopa Rinpoche leading the morning motivation in the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion. (A video recording of this is available on the CPMT Livestream page.) It was the perfect start to a busy and chilly day.
After breakfast, the North America regional coordinator Drolkar McCallum shared her experience with the Inner Job Description (IJD), explaining how she’s “fallen in love” with doing the practice. She then led participants through a short reflection on listening, part of the developing skillful communications section of the IJD.
Vens. Siliana, Trisha and Paloma outside the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 16, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
Ven. Roger Kunsang, CEO of FPMT, and Ven. Holly Ansett, FPMT charitable projects coordinator, spoke on Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions and the Five Pillars of Service. “The organization is about giving value or meaning to an individual’s life — giving us a clear understanding of our purpose of being,” Ven. Roger said as a way of orienting his presentation. “That’s what we do. That’s who we are. You can’t underestimate it. And I haven’t found anything better to do. The difference we’ve made in the world up to today, I’d say, it’s huge.” Lama Zopa Rinpoche arrived as Ven. Roger talked about the importance of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche to the work of FPMT and the importance of everyone offering service to FPMT and to the Lamas.
Linda Gyatso speaking on Day 4 at CPMT 2014, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 16, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
Ven. Holly Ansett presented Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for FPMT, describing the story behind it and its development with Rinpoche adding in commentary throughout. Ven. Holly described how much amazing work has already been done to actualize Rinpoche’s expansive wishes.
Linda Gyatso, the new director of the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom, introduced the organization. Linda explained that FDCW helps to develop and promote Universal Education for Compassion and Wisdom, the secular education programs and initiatives that have grown out of a vision articulated by Lama Yeshe.
After a tea break, Ven. Roger offered more insight into the importance of good local governance, emphasizing the critical role of a well-organized and educated local board of directors. He then discussed how the Five Pillars of Service are a way of translating the vast visions into goals to which centers can aspire that engage their communities most broadly. The Five Pillars are:
- Dharma
- Universal Education for Compassion and Wisdom
- Social and/or community service
- Interfaith activities
- Revenue generation activities
He explained that this isn’t new in the sense that many centers, projects and services are already engaged in many of these pillars.
Francois Lecointre, director of Institut Vajra Yogini (IVY) in France; Denise Macy, director of Land of Medicine Buddha (LMB) in California, US; and Fabienne Pradelle, director of Vajrapani Institute in California, explained how the work of their respective centers matches up with the Five Pillars.
Wendy Cook, Ven. Lindy, Matthew Poxon during tea break on Day 4 at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 16, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
After a tasty lunch, three panelists addressed an issue critical for the development and growth of centers, projects and services in the session “Developing Fund Raising and Revenue Generation.”
Hup Cheng Tan, center director of Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore, explained how ABC makes extensive offerings, hosts festivals and creates many, many activities for students to make offerings and to offer sponsorships. For many present, the scope and results of ABC’s activities were mind blowing. Hup Cheng also mentioned that ABC has a retail shop and used feng shui when designing their building, but emphasized that generosity and merit generation were at the heart of their revenue generation work.
Harald Weichart helps change the fuel for the space heaters at CPMT 2014, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 16, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
Tony Steel, center director of Vajrayana Institute, Sydney, Australia, explained how the center started to organize and host large conferences as a form of revenue generation, specifically “Happiness & Its Causes,” which has had His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a featured speaker, and also the conference “Mind & Its Potential.” Tony explained that he has drawn on his background in business while leading the center’s work in this area. As a way to evolve, Vajrayana is trying a new initiative: organizing exhibition events that generate money through selling sponsorships and exhibition space. They are currently working on one focused on wellness.
Sarah Brooks, spiritual program coordinator of Kadampa Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, US, explained how Kadampa Center operates on a donation only basis. She explained that at first the center tried raising funds by asking for a specific donation at events, but now they have no suggested donation, letting attendees decide their level of contribution. They also offer opportunities to sponsor teachers, pujas and holy days. Since they’ve moved to this model, they have been receiving more donations than before. The center also encourages students to set up a regular, automatic monthly donation, instead of trying to raise money with once a year type fundraising campaign. The center also makes sure to emphasize the practice of generosity and to show sincere gratitude to donors and active community members.
Ven. Holly was then invited to briefly list all of the incredible merit-generating activities that are being done through the FPMT Puja Fund. All present took a moment to rejoice in the beneficial activities being supported by this fund.
Jane Willis and Miffi Maximillion from Langri Tangpa Centre outside of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 16, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
At this point, the session was opened up to questions and sharing from the audience. Andy Wistreich from Land of Joy, a project to create a retreat center in the UK, announced that the project is completing the purchase of the property that they had found in northern England. In July 2014, Rinpoche visited and blessed the land.
“You create the merit and the money will come,” Andy explained. “It’s very important to not worry about money; worry about merit.” He continued that if you or your center asks Rinpoche a very specific question about creating merit for your project, you will get very specific advice. And if you properly carry out the advice, the money will come. He also said that Land of Joy hopes to employ a generosity model.
Denise Macy, from LMB, described some of her experiences with undertaking large projects and talked about a recent fundraising campaign. Members of the LMB community turned their very large prayer wheel continuously for 24 hours and exceeded their fundraising goals. She emphasized the importance of a “can do” attitude and a willingness to take a risk.
Ven. Chantal Carrerot and Drolkar McCallum leading a presentation on International Mahayana Institute with Lama Zopa Rinpoche listening on, CPMT 2014 Day 4, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
Miffi Maximillion, spiritual program director of Langri Tangpa Centre in Brisbane, Australia, explained the center’s popular “prostrate-a-thon,” in which participants took pledges for doing prostration for world peace. She said they saw the event primarily as a merit raising event and had “heaps of offerings” in the center during the event. In addition to creating merit, Miffi said the event also created a great community feeling.
Ven. Chantal Carrerot director of International Mahayana Institute (IMI) and Drolkar McCallum led a presentation on IMI, the community of FPMT’s monks and nuns. Ven. Chantal described the more than 40-year history of IMI and their invaluable contribution to building the international FPMT mandala; they were the “pioneers.” As of today, IMI had 280 Sangha members in 29 countries who are in retreat, studying, teachings and offering service. Participants talked with partners at their tables about the centers, projects and services that they knew of that have benefited from Sangha involvement. There were no shortage of instances to discuss. Then everyone took a few minutes to rejoice in all the activities of IMI Sangha members.
Drolkar then described current and future projects to support Sangha, drawing attention to the Lama Yeshe Sangha Fund. Afterwards, small groups gathered to discuss issues on Sangha and reported back to the large group.
IMI Sangha members meeting with Rinpoche during the small group discussion period at CPMT 2014 Day 4, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 16, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
Drolkar also led the end of day reflection, asking participants how they did with their practice of listening. “Was your listening unbiased? … Was it patient? … Did you listen with interest?” she asked. Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who had observed in most of the day’s meeting, led the dedication.
After dinner, Ven. Paloma Alba and Gun Cissé shared their stories about meeting the Dharma as part of the evening’s Wisdom Culture program. Like previous evenings’ presentations, despite the draft and chill in the stupa, their stories warmed the audience with laughter and inspiration.
Ven. Paloma and Gun Cissé sharing their stories of meeting the Dharma, Day 4 CPMT 2014, Australia, September 16, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
Mandala will continue sharing updates and photos from the CPMT 2014 meeting as the meeting continues.
Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, Ven. Paloma Alba, Ven. Sherab and Teddy Tulku on top of Hanging Rock, Victoria, September 15, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
Day 3 of CPMT 2014 began, as each day does, with morning prayers before breakfast. Then, promptly at 8:45 a.m., the meeting part of the day started. First up, Helen Patrin, FPMT Australia coordinator, shared her experiences using the Inner Job Description (IJD), which she has been practicing for many months as part of the Foundation Services Seminar facilitator registration process. Helen then led the group through a brief reflection on developing skillful communication (from the IJD) so that one’s work for FPMT can be as beneficial as possible. The day before, Lama Zopa Rinpoche reminded participants what that work is. Rinpoche said during the open question section, “This [the FPMT] is not a company or a worldly life organization. It is not a political or government organization. This is purely to serve sentient beings.”
Tom Truty, director of FPMT Education Services, and Claire Isitt, Director of Center Services, gave a short presentation on the FPMT teacher registration process, which was drawn from Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s advice and guidance. They also covered new initiatives to support and further develop teachers. The presentation was followed by small group discussions on ways to support and develop new and existing teachers, which were reported back to the large group. The discussions were very productive based on the many and varied ideas that were shared.
Ven. Siliana Bosa and Andy Melnic picking up lunch for getting on the bus for Hanging Rock, Atisha Centre, Australia, September 15, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
Claire Isitt and Drolkar McCallum, FPMT North America regional coordinator, led the second morning session, reviewing the aspects that comprise good local governance. The small group discussions that followed offered participants the opportunity to reflected on how to handle some of the difficulties that arise at centers on occasion and how good governance structures can help avoid situations were problems escalate.
Hiking under the Hanging Rock at Hanging Rock, Victoria, Australia, September 15, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
For lunch, most of the 114 meeting participants filled two highway buses for an afternoon picnic at Hanging Rock. The outing provided a needed break. Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi went on the picnic and explored the picturesque site, smiling as he climbed on the rocks and got to know new people. Highlights included a refreshing walk to the top of Hanging Rock, climbing around in the pillar rock formations, seeing some of Australia’s distinctive wildlife, including wallabies and crimson rosellas, and casual conversations with old and new friends from around the world.
Teddy Tulku with Françoise Majesté-Larrouy and Olga Planken at Hanging Rock, Victoria, Australia, September 15, 2014. Photo by Tom Truty.
Hanging Rock, Victoria, Australia, September 15, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
After returning to the Great Stupa and having a delicious soup dinner, participants gathered to listen to Gyatso (Adrian Feldmann), director of Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery, who shared his story of getting hooked by Dharma in the early 1970s at Kopan and his work for the Lamas and FPMT that followed. Despite the chilly temperatures in the Great Stupa, Gyatso held the audience completely enraptured, receiving a hearty and warm round of applause at the end of the long day.
Mandala will continue sharing updates and photos from the CPMT 2014 meeting as it continues.
Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Phillipa Rutherford, Ven. Kaye Miner and Drolkar McCallum reporting back from group discussion, CPMT 2014, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 14, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
After a day of being blessed with many hours of teachings and advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche on Day 1, participants were geared up for a full day of presentations and small group discussions on Day 2 of the CPMT 2014 meeting. To open the morning session François Lecointre, director of Institut Vajra Yogini gave a summary of the Inner Job Description, sharing his experience working with it and talking about the sections on “Bodhisattva Attitude,” the “Six Perfections,” and “Developing Skillful Communications.”
Lama Zopa Rinpoche arriving at the CPMT 2014 on Day 2, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 14, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
Next FPMT Inc. board member Paula de Wys spoke during the session “Organizational Structure — Forward Planning.” She offered heartfelt gratitude to three people who recently step down from servicing on the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors: Tim McNeill, who offered more than 25 years of service; Alison Murdoch, whose most recent term was 9 years; and Peter Kedge, who has served on the board since its inception during the time of Lama Yeshe. Paula then outlined a proposal for a new FPMT Advisory Council, which is an idea brought forward by the FPMT Inc. Board.
Center Services director Claire Isitt and FPMT Australia coordinator Helen Patrin gave a brief talk on the FPMT Regional and National Offices and the exciting progress that is being made with the regionalization strategy, which was presented at CPMT 2009. As the group was breaking for morning tea, FPMT spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche arrived.
After the break, Rinpoche and participants gathered in small groups to discuss several questions drawn from the morning presentations on the Advisory Council and the Regional and National Offices. Each small group reported back to the large group key points of their discussion, which focused mostly on initial responses to the Advisory Council idea.
Reporting back after small group discussion on FPMT Education Programs, CPMT 2014, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 14, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
After lunch, Tom Truty, director of FPMT Education Services, gave a presentation on the work of his department. Tom described FPMT Education Services as having four limbs: translation work, practice materials, training seminars and programs. Rinpoche arrived during the presentation and stayed to participate in the small group discussion that followed, focusing on FPMT Education Programs.
Director of FPMT Education Services Tom Truty speaking at the CPMT 2014, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 14. Photo by Laura Miller.
After a report back to the large group, there was a tea break. It was evident from the ideas shared by the small groups that there are a lot of ideas and energy around the education programs and their further development and implementation.
Next, Lama Zopa Rinpoche had an open discussion, taking questions from participants, which he replied to in his characteristic animated and engaging manner. Questions came about supporting monks, the FPMT Basic Program, Tenzin Osel Hita, advice on bringing money into centers and what students can do to for Rinpoche’s long life.
François Lecointre concluded the afternoon session, leading a reflection on the activities of the day and the Inner Job Description. Following dinner, Paula de Wys gave the evening’s Wisdom Culture talk, describing her experience of meeting Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinoche back in the early days at Kopan. (You can read Paula’s story in our “Road to Kopan” series.)
Mandala will continue sharing updates and photos from the CPMT 2014 meeting as it continues.
Ven. Chonyi Taylor and Ven. Joan Nicell outside of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 14, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Rinpoche prostrating before offering the body, speech and mind mandala to a photo of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the throne, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 2014.
The first day of the CPMT 2014 meeting got off to a blessed start. Representative of the Jaara people, the native Aboriginal tribe of the Bendigo, Victoria, area, performed a smoke ceremony and traditional dances and offered Lama Zopa Rinpoche a traditional sacred gift, representing a connection between the Jaara and the people of the FPMT.
Ven. Gyatso, director of Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery, which is one of the three FPMT centers hosting the CPMT meeting, welcomed FPMT spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, who is the present abbot of Kopan Monastery and resident geshe at Amitabha Buddha Centre. Gyatso recalled how Lama Yeshe had been on the property many years earlier and had pointed out where there was to be a stupa, a monastery, a retreat center and other facilities. And now, Gyatso said many of these things have become or are becoming actualized.
Liam Chambers, director of the Atisha Centre, another of the hosting centers, spoke next, inviting participants to envision an organization “where everyone is being the best that they can be.” He then challenged all present to actually be the best that they can be at the meeting and out in the world. He also recognized the 30 years of work and service offered by people to create and sustain Atisha Centre.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche offering a khata to the Guru Rinpoche statue at the Great Stupa, Australia, September 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
Judy Green welcomed participants on behalf of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion. The vast interior of the stupa serves as the venue for the meeting. She also recalled how 33 years ago Lama Yeshe had drawn in the sand his vision for the complex of centers and said, “We’ve done our best to fulfill Lama’s wishes.” She shared how His Holiness the Dalai Lama had blessed the site of the stupa in 2007, saying he saw it as a future gathering place for interfaith and scientific dialogues.
The meeting’s facilitator, Sandra Stubbings, was introduced. Sandra is both a professional facilitator and former SPC of Chang-tong Chen-tong in Tasmania and has completed the 16 Guidelines training (a Universal Education in Compassion and Wisdom program). She has also helped FPMT Australia with its national meetings.
The majority of Day 1 was blessed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, offering inspiration and advice. In the morning session, Rinpoche gave the motivation for the meeting, which can be watched online. After lunch Rinpoche gave a second talk, speaking on the evolution of FPMT and the special qualities of Lama Tsong Khapa’s teachings, among other things.
Ven. Paloma Alba sharing ideas from the discussion she had on preserving the Gelug tradition, CPMT 2014, Australia. Photo by Laura Miller.
The day also had many opportunities for participants to talk to each other, including a lunch-time meeting of the national and regional coordinators attending the meeting, who discussed ideas for how to best share and disseminate the information and experience of the CPMT 2014 meeting. After Rinpoche’s afternoon talk, participants had lively and engaged discussions with partners on how to better learn and practice in order to preserve the Gelug tradition, which was a question suggest by Rinpoche. Before going to dinner, ideas on this were shared with the larger group and everyone seemed to have had fruitful discussions.
Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi speaking at CPMT 2014, Australia. Photo by Laura Miller.
After dinner, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi talked about his experience becoming a Kopan monk at the age of 12 in 1974. Khen Rinpoche described life as Kopan and how he was part of the first group of Kopan monks to study at Sera Je. After completing his geshe degree, he said that Lama Zopa Rinpoche asked him to become the resident geshe at Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore in 1999. Khen Rinpoche said that at the time he thought he would “just try it for a year;” the center just celebrated his 15th year as resident geshe.
Khen Rinpoche was asked to become the abbot of Kopan Monastery in 2011, after Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup manifested advanced cancer. Khen Rinpoche shared how Kopan Monastery has grown over the years and what it offers now. There are about 380 monks and 400 nuns at Kopan and its sister nunnery Khachoe Ghakyil. They receive education in English, science, math and other topics as well as a Buddhist philosophy and other traditional topics. Kopan and Khachoe Ghakyil serve as a source of current and future geshes for FPMT centers around the world, with about 15 geshes so far coming from Kopan. To close, Khen Rinpoche said very humbly, that he was speaking “just as an example of how Kopan benefits people.”
Mandala will continue sharing updates and photos from the CPMT 2014 meeting as it continues.
Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Osel visiting Kachoe Dechen Ling, May, 2014. Photo by Ven.Thubten Kunsang.
Occasionally Ösel shares his thoughts and experiences on his Facebook page. In this recent update, he sends a message to his friends, reminding that we are all connected. Ösel is now living in Ibiza, Spain, after studying in the United States for the past year.
Each of us has our own path and existence. We are all experiencing the same reality within our own reality. YOU. If YOU know yourself well then you can understand everything. We are born alone, and we will die alone. Everything in between is momentary illusion. That is why it’s so important to know oneself and feel free of all mental slavery. Our mind can be our best friend, but if we are not careful the mind can become our worst enemy too. Every moment is magic, and we are all living the same moment! We are all connected and I love you all so much! Thank you for being who YOU are!! OneLove
Cada uno tenemos nuestro propio camino y existencia. Estamos todos experimentando la misma realidad dentro de nuestra propia realidad. TÚ. Si TÚ te conoces bien, entonces puedes comprender todo. Nacemos solos, y morimos solos, todo el resto es ilusión temporal. Por eso es tan importante conocerse a uno mismo y sentirse libre de la esclavitud mental. Nuestra mente puede ser nuestro mejor amigo, pero si nos descuidamos la mente puede llegar a ser nuestro peor enemigo. Cada momento es mágico, y ¡Todos estamos viviendo el mismo momento! Estamos todos conectados y ¡Os quiero a todos muchísimo! ¡Gracias por ser quien TÚ eres! Onelove
You can follow Ösel on Facebook.
The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Australia, September 12, 2013. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunsang.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche arrived for the five-day CPMT meeting at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Australia on Thursday, September 11. The CPMT meeting begins on September 13, and Rinpoche’s opening talk on Saturday will be streamed live over the internet beginning at 10:15 a.m. local time (AEST, click here for time zone conversions). For up-to-date information on webcasts of Rinpoche while at the Great Stupa, visits the CPMT Livestream page.
Presenters preparing for the CPMT meeting while the A/V team test the projector, Great Stupa, Australia, September 12, 2014. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
On Friday, September 12, the Great Stupa was aflutter with preparations. Flowers and water bowl offerings were being arranged. Meeting presenters were reviewing their talks. And the A/V team was setting up and testing microphones, cameras, speakers and a projection screen to ensure that all present – as well as anyone with an internet connection around the world – can see and hear Rinpoche.
Pik Pin Goh and Sally Ong from Losang Dragpa Centre beginning to set up water bowls in front of the Guru Rinpoche statue in the Great Stupa, Australia, September 12, 2014. Photo by Laura Miller.
The CPMT meeting, which ends on September 19, is followed by a public talk on September 20 and the month-long Bodhicaryavatara and Rinjung Gyatsa retreat, September 25-October 23. The public talk as well as the retreat at the Great Stupa will also be live streamed.
Mandala will be covering the CPMT meeting with daily updates and new photos.
Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Joop van Herk coordinates Cuppa & Company, a new ‘day-stay’ program by Amitabha Hospice Service. Photo from Facebook.
Director Ecie Hursthouse describes the new caregiver respite program at Amitabha Hospice Service in Auckland, New Zealand:
Amitabha Hospice is very pleased to offer our new “day-stay” program to people living with terminal conditions in Auckland. This new program, called “Cuppa & Company” is held once a week in our hospice. It offers companionship and camaraderie, art classes, music, reiki and other complementary therapies to our patients. The families and caregivers of the patients also benefit by receiving a regular break from what is usually 24/7 caring. Our volunteer coordinator Joop van Herk organizes Cuppa & Company.
The Level 1 NZ Buddhist Chaplaincy Course will be held again at Amitabha Hospice September 5-7 and facilitated by Ecie Hursthouse and Kala Dostal. This course, which is accredited by the NZ Buddhist Council, prepares successful applicants to help support practitioners from any Buddhist tradition (Theravada and Mahayana) in a health crisis. Completion of the course gives the qualification of “NZ Apprentice Buddhist Chaplain.”
Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche helps celebrate the 40th birthday of Chenrezig Institute in the Garden of Enlightenment, Eudlo, Queensland, Australia, September 2014. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
Chenrezig Institute was the first FPMT center in Australia, begun in 1974 after a teaching with Lama Yeshe near Eudlo, Queensland. Today, the thriving center offers a packed program of study, practice and retreat.
Releasing butterflies at Chenrezig Institute’s 40th birthday celebration, Eudlo, Australia, September 2014. Photo by Kerry Murphy.
During his recent visit to the center, Lama Zopa Rinpoche joined the 40th anniversary celebration held on September 6. In addition to a public talk, “Purification, Healing and Joyful Living,” Rinpoche took part in a butterfly release with the children of the center. Rinpoche also gave a Great Chenrezig initiation while at the center.
In Mandala July-September 2009, we shared the story about how the center came to be. (You’ll also find how the other oldest FPMT centers around the world took root.)
Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche giving the children little koala bears holding little OM MANI PADME HUM flags during 40th anniversary celebration at Chenrezig Institute, Australia, September 2014. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
Dzambala benefited from Animal Liberation Sanctuary until his death in March 2013. Photo courtesy of Animal Liberation Sanctuary.
Animal Liberation Sanctuary co-director Phil Hunt sent Mandala a recent update on the animal-welfare projects taking place in Nepal:
The Animal Liberation Sanctuary, Nepal, has experienced its first monsoon on the new land. Fortunately, there are now several dry areas where the goats and sheep can rest, including one of their favorite places, around the stupas which provides some coolness from the heat (not to mention many blessings!).
We had our first operation in our new treatment room, with Nyingjey, a goat, who has had ongoing urinary problems. It has certainly been much less stressful for the animals to have treatment on the property where they live rather than having to transport them all the way into the city and back. Plus, our facilities are a lot cleaner.
We also have two dogs at the sanctuary now, Poppy and Lhamo, since the Nepali caretakers feel safer with dogs. We were also able to spay Poppy in our treatment room whilst we neutered one of the Kopan cats in a room in the Medicine Buddha Clinic. We thank Tree of Compassion, an Australian animal-welfare organization, for donating sterile instruments and materials for surgery, a rarity in Nepali animal care.
Meanwhile, the cows who remain within the monastery grounds at Kopan have more vegetation to eat since there are no longer any goats in their territory to graze it all away. Several of them have had problems with their feet, wounds which have been exacerbated by the wet and muddy ground. Treating the foot of a 500 kg [1,100 lb] cow is not such an easy task but distracting them with a bowl of food and a good scratch under the chin helps! Meanwhile, Christmas, our crippled cow, has been sporting his “wrap-around shades,” modified horse netting, to keep the ferocious flies at bay.
Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
The new issue of Mandala magazine, October-December 2014, is in the mail and the supplemental online content is published!
In this print issue, graduates of FPMT’s in-depth Buddhist studies programs talk about transformation and the power of in-depth study. We also share new, unpublished teachings from Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, plus a report on His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Italy.
If you’d like to receive Mandala directly, consider supporting Friends of FPMT, which gives you complete access to Mandala as quickly as possible as well as access to the FPMT Online Learning Center.
Be sure to peruse this issue’s online edition, which includes:
- Lama Zopa Rinpoche on the benefits of the Golden Light Sutra,
- “Origin and Spread of the Buddha’s Doctrine,” an excerpt from Buddhism: One Teacher, Many Traditions by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Ven. Thubten Chodron, published by Wisdom Publications,
- An interview with Ven. Thubten Chodron about the new book Buddhism: One Teacher, Many Traditions,
- Ven. Chönyi Taylor’s new Dharma Realities column: “Procrastination,”
- “You Are Not Alone” by Namdrol Miranda Adams and other homilies from Maitripa College students,
- Plus much more.
Mandala brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and FPMT activities, teachers and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you have news you would like to share, please let us know.
Geshe Sopa Rinpoche during long life puja, Deer Park Buddhist Center, Wisconsin, US, July 20, 2014. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
Geshe Lhundub Sopa Rinpoche passed into clear light meditation on August 28 at Deer Park Buddhist Center in Oregon, Wisconsin, US. Geshe Sopa was a preeminent scholar of Tibetan Buddhism, a gifted teacher and an embodiment of the qualities of humility, tolerance and compassion.
Born in 1923 in Tsang, Tibet, to poor farmers, Geshe Sopa took novice vows and entered Ganden Chönkhor Monastery at age eight. A decade later, he entered Sera Je Monastery in Lhasa, where he distinguished himself as a devoted and talented scholar. At Sera Je, he taught many important future teachers, including Jangtse Chöje Lobsang Tenzin Rinpoche, Khensur Jampa Tegchok and Lama Yeshe. Geshe Sopa served as a debate partner for His Holiness the Dalai Lama during His Holiness’ geshe exams. He went into exile in 1959 in India and received his lharampa geshe degree in 1962 while at Buxa Duar.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Geshe Lhundub Sopa in 1989. Photo by Kalleen Mortensen.
In 1963, His Holiness sent Geshe Sopa to the United States, accompanying three young Tibetan reincarnate lamas to learn English. A few years later, he was invited to teach at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he went on to become a full professor, retiring in 1997. The long list of students Geshe Sopa taught and advised at University of Wisconsin includes many internationally recognized Buddhist studies and Tibetan language academics.
In 1976, Geshe Sopa Rinpoche established Ganden Mahayana Center in his home in Madison, which later became Deer Park Buddhist Center in Oregon, Wisconsin. He invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama to give the first Kalachakra initiation in the West, which was held in 1981 at Deer Park. In 1996, Geshe Sopa became a trustee of the International Peace Council, an interfaith organization that promotes peaceful resolution of differences. In his last decade, Geshe Sopa oversaw the construction of the impressive large temple at Deer Park, which was consecrated by His Holiness in 2008.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche doing prayers with Geshe Sopa Rinopche, Deer Park Buddhist Center, Wisconsin, US, July 20, 2014. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche visited Geshe Sopa at Deer Park a month ago and attended a long life puja for Geshe Sopa. “Geshe-la is not talking anymore and always has his eyes closed,” Ven. Roger Kunsang, Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s assistant, reported after the visit. “Geshe-la seems to be constantly in meditation.”
In 2012, Wisdom Publications released Geshe Sopa Rinpoche’s autobiography, Like a Waking Dream. In it, Geshe Sopa shares detailed memories of his youth and early days in the Tibetan monastic system and offers a first-hand perspective on exile and establishing Tibetan Buddhism in the West. In coordination with the publication of the autobiography, Mandala published remembrances and essays by more than a dozen students of Geshe Sopa and an excerpt from Like a Waking Dream.
On the evening of August 28, Deer Park Buddhist Center wrote in an email, “For our friends who do not live in the area and would like to recite prayers on their own, it would be greatly beneficial at this time to recite the ‘King of Prayers,’ and the mantra of the Buddha of Compassion, OM MANI PADME HUM.”
UPDATE: The Wisconsin State Journal has published an obituary of Geshe Lhundub Sopa.
Deer Park Buddhist Center offers a concise biography of Geshe Lhundub Sopa. You can find more stories from Mandala on Geshe Sopa online.
Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
“Aitken, publisher Tim McNeill, editor Andy Francis, and I all attended BookExpo America in June where we learned about the trends and forecasts for publishing.
“The coming months bring the publication of many titles, including Buddhism: One Teacher, Many Traditions by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Ven. Thubten Chodron in November and Himalayan Passages: Tibetan and Newar Studies in Honor of Hubert Decleer edited by Benjamin Bogin and Andrew Quintman in August. Wisdom continues to add new digital editions of our new and backlist books to our website for direct sale.
“On a more personal note, Wisdom’s production editor, Laura Cunningham, gave birth to a happy and healthy baby girl this June!”
Mandala 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 on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.