Geshe Tenzin Legtsok at Sera IMI House, Sera Monastery, India. Photo courtesy of Geshe Tenzin Legtsok.

Ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2001, Geshe Tenzin Legtsok is an American Buddhist monk who just completed the Geshe Studies Program at Sera Je Monastic University in Karnataka, South India. This means he has studied the five classic Indian Buddhist treatise from the Ornament for Clear Realizations by Maitreya Buddha to the Vinaysutra by Gunaprabha and their Tibetan commentaries in the tradition of ancient Nalanda University. 

Geshe Legtsok is the first US citizen and first Western monk from Kopan Monastery to receive the geshe degree from Sera Je Monastery; joining several other Westerners and non-Tibetan/Himalayan monks to receive geshe degrees before him.  This is an auspicious result of mutual appreciation between two distinct cultures that didn’t have much interface before. As Geshe Legtsok notes, “In the past fifty years the Tibetan monastic community has become much more open and supportive of non-Tibetans studying in their midst and now point to them with pride. Also, interest in the Tibetan lineages of Buddhism has grown steadily during that time.”

Born in Virginia, US, in 1973, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College in 1995. Asking himself the question, “What makes for the most happy and meaningful life?” compelled him to major in philosophy during college and gradually led him to study meditation and philosophy with teachers among the exiled Tibetan communities in India and Nepal from 1999 until the present.

In a recent interview, Geshe Legtsok shared:

Until about five years ago I was never really concerned with attaining the geshe degree. My interest was always just to learn and practice in the way the geshe program affords. When I was a new monk, I just wanted to meditate and wasn’t very inclined to study Buddhist philosophical topics. But as I learned more about the lamrim and lojong teachings it gradually dawned on me that if I wanted to actually develop realizations on the path to enlightenment like the past saints of ancient Nalanda University, Nagarjuna, Shantideva, Chandrakirti, and others, then I had to study the texts they’ve composed detailing the path they had practiced. Also, I figured, if I wanted to become like my own teachers, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Khensur Lama Lhundrup, and so forth, then I would have to study and practice as they have. This drew me into the geshe program. My own natural curiosity and experience of benefit from studying sustained me from year to year. About five years ago I was ready to leave the program and dedicate more time to retreat, written translation, and service. At that time Lama Zopa Rinpoche advised that it would be more beneficial to finish the entire program and attain the geshe degree, so I continued on until the end.

Geshe Legtsok receiving khatas and gifts from classmates and friends on July 13, the day after completion of the graduation ceremonies.

Nineteen years ago Geshe Legtsok joined the Kopan House at Sera Monastery. which is a large community of sixty monks who are all from Kopan Monastery. Since the former abbot of Kopan Monastery Lama Lhundrup (1941-2011), was Geshe Legtsok’s main teacher at the time he joined Sera, he joined Sera Kopan House and became part of Kopan Monastery. He stayed at Kopan House for the first four years at Sera, but due to his belief that Western monastics should support one another in the program at Sera, he moved into Sera IMI House which was founded by Western FPMT monks at Sera for that purpose. He remained in that community throughout the subsequent years of his study and also remained part of Sera Kopan House participating in functions and upholding responsibilities there. 

Geshe Legtsok explains the meaning of the term “geshe” in the following way:

Many people think “geshe” means you are a Buddhist scholar whereas that is not the case. Literally “geshe” means “virtuous friend” and was a term that, in former times, Tibetans organically came to use for a person whom they felt embodied the qualities of a worthy spiritual teacher. This was the case with the Kadampa Geshes for example, similar to the way Lama Yeshe came to be called “lama.” There was no formal procedure by which one received the title geshe then. More recently, the Gelug monasteries have created formal criteria by which a monk is awarded the title geshe; the main criteria is that the candidate follows the discipline of the monastery for a certain number of years, from twenty to twenty-five depending on the monastery. One may study or one may serve the monastery doing various kinds of work during that time, as is the case with many geshes. 

Geshe Tenzin Legtsok (far right) reciting a thesis on the five great treatises during the debate examination. Photo courtesy of Geshe Legtsok.

There are several different ceremonies associated with one receiving the geshe degree. One is a public debate examination during which the geshe candidate recites a text from memory in front of the monks still in the study program, and then answers in response to various debates. The other main ceremony is a “thanks offering” which the new geshe makes to the entire community of monks.

On the day of Geshe Legtsok’s main ceremonies there were two other monks becoming geshes. The three of them together offered breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they each offered twenty rupees to each monk in the monastery. This is according to the monastery rules in order to keep the expense reasonable. The spirit of the offering is to thank the entire community for the training and support they have provided during the program, and, as Geshe Legtsok explained, “to create roots of merit to bring success in one’s practice and activities serving sentient beings going forward.” One also makes offerings to the smaller communities within the monastery of which one is a member. As a member of Tsawa Khangtsen, Sera Kopan House, Sera IMI House, and Kopan Monastery and Nunnery, Geshe Legtsok made offerings of a meal and monetary offering to each member of those communities as well, which, as Geshe Legtsok explains “was possible due to gifts from many generous friends and family members.”

Geshe Legtsok with his father during the khata offering day following the graduation ceremony.

When asked what the geshe degree means to him personally and professionally, Geshe Legtsok explained:

It’s hard to say what the geshe degree will mean professionally. Helping to make Buddha’s teachings available to others is not something in which you should be seeking fame and career advancement. Had I not received the geshe degree, similar opportunities for teaching and translation would probably still arise. But having the title is a succinct way to reference the training program I’ve completed and denotes an official seal of approval. Personally, the most important thing is to have fulfilled Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s wish that I receive the degree. If Rinpoche had advised me not take the geshe degree then to follow that advice would have been most meaningful. Also, it’s rewarding to know that my other teachers are pleased that I’ve finished the entire program and achieved official recognition of that. My classmates, family, and many others in the Buddhist world have expressed joy that I’ve been awarded this honor. It’s good to bring them a little happiness. Perhaps it also shows others that there is this life path available.

Although in one way completing the geshe program is a culmination of years of study and contemplation, more importantly it is a beginning of the real work to deepen one’s practice through meditation and serving the Dharma and sentient beings. I think that would be the best way to repay the infinite kindness of my spiritual teachers, friends, and family who have provided so much support in reaching this small milestone. If I have a few more years in this precious human rebirth to spend in this way I’ll be most grateful.

The entire FPMT community rejoices at Geshe Legtsok’s achievement and offers him every success imaginable! 

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

FPMT Inc. Board of Directors, Kopan Monastery, June 2023. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Video: Meet the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors

Following the 49 day period of Rinpoche’s passing, FPMT Inc. board members took the opportunity while together at Kopan to greet the FPMT community in a video, offering FPMT students a chance to meet each board member, learn a little about their background, and hear them express their commitment to fulfilling Rinpoche’s wishes during this new, transitional time for the organization. It also offers a glimpse into the non-stop activities at Kopan during this period, for those who were unable to attend in person.

We are pleased to share this recent update from the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors:

An Update from the FPMT Inc. Board

Dear Friends,

It has been a little over a month since the last Board Update and so it is definitely time to let you all know what we have been doing. Also, it seems that not everyone in the FPMT organization is aware of who or what the FPMT Inc. Board is, so here follows a short explanation of these two points. More information can be found on the FPMT website.

The ‘we’ here refers to the FPMT, Inc. Board of Directors, which was constituted in March 2021 as selected by Lama Zopa Rinpoche.  A notable exception is Ven. Thubten Pemba, who was a Board member many years ago. Some months back Rinpoche indicated that it would be beneficial if Ven. Pemba were to re-join the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors and very recently he was formally requested, and he has agreed, to do so. We are very happy to welcome him back!

Lama Zopa Rinpoche was a member of the Board until his passing in April 2023; now we are six members:

• Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi -abbot of Kopan Monastery,
• Thubten Pemba – co-director of Cham Tse Ling in Hong Kong, he previously served on the FPMT Board for 18 years,
• Roger Kunsang – Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s assistant for 37 years, CEO of FPMT International Office,
• Dale Davis – a long-time student; she worked for INGOs in Nepal from the 1990s,
• Karuna Cayton – serving the FPMT since 1975, professional psychotherapist and executive coach,
• Paula de Wys – chair of the Board, has served the FPMT in various capacities since the 1970’s.

Responsibilities of the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors

During Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche’s lifetime the Board felt responsible to make the vision of both Rinpoche and Lama Thubten Yeshe a reality in this world.

With Rinpoche no longer with us physically, that feeling of responsibility has become even stronger.

According to the statutes of FPMT Inc., with the passing of Lama Zopa Rinpoche the FPMT Inc. board takes on his legal responsibilities. Rinpoche expressed clearly that we also have a moral, or as he put it a ‘mental’, responsibility to help guide the organization and help to fulfill its mission. We take this responsibility and commitment to Rinpoche seriously indeed and will continue to do our utmost to fulfill Rinpoche and Lama’s wishes and put their vision into practice. We know that everyone in FPMT centers, projects, and services has the same motivation.

In our previous message sent to the FPMT community it seems we were unclear on the meaning of a statement made by Rinpoche. We quoted Rinpoche, with reference to the FPMT Inc. Board, saying, “You know what I want. You know what I think.” As was pointed out to us after we distributed the Update, this statement could be misunderstood. Because we did not provide the full context, it could be construed that the Board was claiming that it understood Rinpoche’s holy mind. We apologize if this is how our statement was interpreted. To be clear, Rinpoche’s statement was made in a final meeting where we had been discussing succession plans and the future of the organization. This discussion had been going on for months, if not years. After the Board attempted to get further clarification on the future direction of the organization, Rinpoche said, in order to let us know that we did not need to discuss this any further, that he had expressed his thinking on the topic. Once again, our sincere apologies for any confusion on this matter.

Not One Successor

The question is sometimes asked, “With Rinpoche’s essential role why would he not appoint a successor?”.  After years of consideration, Rinpoche expressed many times that he did not want one person to take on the position of his successor, a position built on 40 years’ experience in the organization.  However, he ensured that for important matters we could consult with H.H. the Dalai Lama, who has generously offered to assist with counsel and advice. As Rinpoche reflected on the future of the organization he felt a group of esteemed spiritual teachers would be of great value by providing spiritual guidance and advice to the centers and students. While Rinpoche began to speak with a number of teachers, this ‘Advisory council of teachers’ has not yet been formally constituted.  We will, of course, let you know when it has been formalized.

Some Recent Activities of the Board

To give you an idea of some of the many things that were worked on during the last weeks, here is a short list of points:

• At the special request of the Board of Kopan Monastery, and on behalf of all FPMT students, we have requested His Holiness the Dalai Lama to please advise if there are further practices for Rinpoche’s swift return. These practices would be in addition to long life prayers written by His Holiness, Jhado Rinpoche, Lelung Tulku, Khadro la and others that are recited by students all over the world.
• We have been working with International Office (IOF) to create a new Resident Geshe and Teachers Committee that will come with recommendations for these important positions. As in the past, the responsibility for finding suitable teachers will continue to be performed by IOF in collaboration with the new committee, which will consist of both Himalayan, non-Himalayan, lay and monastic members whose mutual experience will inform the final decision or recommendation.
• We have also been working on a clear answer as to how new directors will be appointed. Although it was often seen as Rinpoche’s decision, the decision to appoint someone as the director of a center was, and still must be, taken by the local board of that center. IOF guides and advises in this process. Rinpoche was able to check the karmic suitability of the person whose name was submitted to him, but the present Board does not have that expertise. Therefore, what is done at the local level is even more important than before. The name, or names, of candidate(s) are then submitted to IOF – as was always done – and then to the Board. At each level we will check in various ways as to the suitability of the person as a director and we will weigh in on a recommendation. However, the final decision was, and still is, the responsibility of the local board.
• A committee, under the guidance of Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi has been formed to search for the reincarnation of our holy guru Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche. It is still very early to begin to look for Rinpoche’s reincarnation, but not too early to make preparations to do so. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed on several occasions that he will be involved in the process of finding the reincarnation and later in helping to educate the child, for which we are extremely grateful.

Contact, Support

The FPMT is a spiritual organization dedicated to the liberation from suffering of all sentient beings. With Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche as our Spiritual Director there was no doubt about his dedication to others. With Rinpoche no longer with us physically, we are looking at how to express this important aspect of the organization and to find practical ways of supporting students as well as the FPMT centers, projects, services and students spiritually as well as administratively. We will keep you informed as we progress and welcome your ideas and suggestions.

As an organization the FPMT, with its centers, projects, and services, has grown in an amazing – and organic – way during the last 50 years. Our shared challenge now is to keep the organization healthy and to continue to develop and evolve it in accordance with Lama and Rinpoche’s wishes. We hope to hear from you soon, and rest assured that comments and suggestions sent to the Board will be treated as confidential.

All best wishes for every success,

Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi
Ven. Thubten Pemba
Ven. Roger Kunsang
Dale Davis
Karuna Cayton
Paula de Wys

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

His Holiness the Dalai Lama about to enter the Jokhang temple in Leh, Ladakh, July 14, 2023. Photo courtesy of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be offering teachings at Shewatsel Teaching Ground in Leh, Ladakh, India on July 21-23, 2023 at the request of the Ladakh Buddhist Association and the Ladakh Gonpa Association. The events will be broadcast live on the website of the Office of His Holiness, as well as on the Dalai Lama Archive Youtube channel. The teachings are translated live in Chinese, Vietnamese, Hindi, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, German, Russian, Italian, Portuguese, Nepali, Ladakhi, Marathi and Mongolian. Links to the webcasts in various languages can be found on the live webcast page for the teachings.

His Holiness will offer a two-day teaching on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo’s 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva on July 21-22. On July 23 he will confer the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment followed by a short long life prayer offered to His Holiness offered by the Ladakh Buddhist Association and the Ladakh Gonpa Association. 

The events schedule announced by the Office of His Holiness is below; all times shown are Indian Standard Time (IST):

July 21: 8:00am – 9:30am teachings on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo’s 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva
July 22: 8:00am – 9:30am teachings on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo’s 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva
July 23: 8:00am – 9:30am Avalokiteshvara Empowerment 

We rejoice and hope you will be able to tune in to these wonderful events!

You can follow important and inspiring news about His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the official website of His Holiness:
https://www.dalailama.com/news

We invite you to follow the teaching schedule of His Holiness on the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s official website.

A replica of one of the Twenty-one Tara statues from Rinpoche’s room in Kopan, June 28, 2023, Photo by Venerable Tenzin Tsultrim.

Recently, Amitabha Buddhist Centre (ABC) in Singapore completed an ambitious holy object project advised by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The project added statues of all the Twenty-one Taras, each standing twenty-four inches high, to the altar in ABC’s beautiful gompa. This was completed in August 2021 and Rinpoche offered a teaching via Zoom during the consecration ceremony in October of that year.  This project was recently further enhanced with the completion of an exquisite golden aura adorning each of the statues. ABC Director Tan Hup Cheng shares the story:

The advice to ABC to build the Twenty-one Taras was given by Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche as early as 1995. First, Rinpoche had advised ABC to buy land on which to build a dedicated temple. Secondly, for the main altar, Rinpoche had advised that the central image should be the One-thousand Armed Chenrezig surrounded by the Twenty-one Taras. I wrote down the advice and we designed a graphic of what the altar should look like and showed it to Rinpoche. In this picture, you can see Rinpoche standing next to Lama Osel when he was very young. The central figure of Chenrezig is surrounded by Twenty-one Tara statues together with statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and Lama Tsongkhapa and His Spiritual Sons.

The design of the main altar drawn by Tan Hup Cheng director of ABC Singapore in 2000 based on Rinpoche’s advice.

What was initially an advice given by Rinpoche became the cause for these ideas to develop and finally, be fully actualized. The printout you see here, drawn in 2000, is not far from the reality . As you can see, the marble altar that was a sketch has actually been created. The vision of a One-thousand Arm Chenrezig surrounded by Twenty-one Taras has all been realised. Amazing, amazing, isn’t it, how the words of our guru can be transformed into such a reality?

The altar in the main gompa at ABC Singapore, June 28, 2023, Photo by Venerable Tenzin Tsultrim.

Rinpoche had given  the advice that the Tara statues for ABC would be a replica of the Twenty-one Taras in his room at Kopan Monastery, 24-inches high, in full gold, in that style. In 2018, we attempted to approach the artist in Nepal who had made that set of Tara statues, but he had passed away. Through the help of Tencho Lama, a Kopan Monk, another statue maker was found and he made a wax model of the 24-inch Tara statue. This was shown to Rinpoche and met his approval. The statue maker then proceeded to cast the full set of Twenty-one Tara statues. In 2020, the pandemic broke out and the production of the statues was delayed. It was not until August 2021, that the statues were completed and shipped to ABC.

To enhance the display of the statues, the artist Peter Griffin had advised that we should adopt a floating display effect of the statues. He proposed to construct the lotus seats for the Tara statues and filigree auras to enhance the statue. We accepted his proposal and he proceeded to construct the lotus seats. To support the lotus seats we had to make a special engineer-designed metal frame secured to the back wall. The background wall was painted with a special “ultramarine blue,” which gave the gold-colored statues a stunning effect. Electrical wiring was laid during the installation. Peter completed the gilded lotus seats and shipped them to Singapore for the consecration in October 2021. Our precious Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche consecrated the statues by Zoom from Kopan Monastery, as we were still in lockdown. It was not until April 2023 that the twenty-one auras were completed and shipped to Singapore. The gilding and painting of the auras was done at ABC and on June 20, 2023 the auras were fully installed with the help of Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi and the Kopan monks.

Tara statues on their lotus seats with auras, June 28, 2023, Photo by Venerable Tenzin Tsultrim.

During the journey of making the Twenty-one Taras, which took four years, one very important lesson we learned was to have full faith and trust in the guru’s advice. We adopted a “ Just Do It” mindset, and do whatever it takes to fulfill Rinpoche’s wishes. The result of doing so will be astounding, this project is an example of this.

If FPMT centers or study groups plan to set up a Twenty-one Taras altar, they are welcome to contact ABC Director Tan Hup Cheng for advice.

To help ensure the creation of holy objects around the world as advised by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, all are welcome to offer a donation of any amount to the Holy Objects Fund.

You can learn more about Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Singapore: www.fpmtabc.org

His Holiness meeting with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Dharamsala, India, November 2, 2022. Photo courtesy of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

On July 6, 2023, the world celebrates His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 88th birthday! We’ve collected several resources for students to use in their celebration of His Holiness and in their ongoing Buddhist study. FPMT International Office wishes  His Holiness a very auspicious 88th birthday and sincerely requests His Holiness to live for a very long time and to continue bringing his universal message of compassion to the world. 

Great Festival Celebrating His Holiness

Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered extensive advice on prayers and practices to do for His Holiness’s birthday, remarking that by doing these prayers and practices, students also benefit their own Dharma practice. You can find Rinpoche’s collected advice in the booklet How to Do the Great Festival of His Holiness’ Birthday in the Best Possible Way.

Long Life Prayers

The PDF booklet Prayers for the Long Life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibet contains prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and for Tibet.

Praises and Requests

“Praises and Requests to His Holiness the Dalai Lama” is a collection of praises of, comments about, and requests for His Holiness by Lama Zopa Rinpoche found in the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive Online Advice Book.

Online Teachings by His Holiness

Teachings by His Holiness are usually live streamed, and also available for viewing later as video recordings. The DalaiLama.com also has links to live web streams, scheduled events, summaries of events, and more. Look out for the two teaching events coming up in July, at Leh, Ladakh and Dharamsala, India!

During teachings, His Holiness often conducts the ceremony of generating the awakening mind, where he would urge students to meditate on the two types of bodhicittas. His Holiness himself does the meditation everyday, and he strongly encourages his Dharma friends to likewise do, and put effort into. You will find His Holiness’ typical advice on the practice in the FPMT booklet, The All-Encompassing Yoga Mind Meditation, which is a translation of an oral teaching given by His Holiness in June 2021.

Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) Practice Materials

His Holiness is respectfully held as a manifestation of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), the buddha of compassion, by his disciples. At their request, His Holiness had composed these two Chenrezig guru yogas centering on the inseparability of the guru and Chenrezig: 

• Staircase to Potala Pure Land Guru Yoga – A Practice of Avalokiteśvara – a short Chenrezig guru yoga that references the Compassion Buddha’s pure land, was composed by His Holiness for our ease of practice. 

Additional prayers to Chenrezig recommended by Lama Zopa Rinpoche can be found under Chenrezig Practices and Mantras, including the following:

• Request to the Supreme Compassionate One – a request prayer to Chenrezig that Lama Zopa Rinpoche recommended as inspiring and effective. “[This is] a very good prayer, in which you are expressing your mistakes,” Rinpoche explains. “You are trying to practice Dharma with your body, speech, and mind, but when you check, in reality, nothing has become Dharma. Nothing has become pure Dharma because your motivation has always been the eight worldly concerns.” This practice helps you to receive Chenrezig’s guidance, generate compassion for others, and purify heavy negative karma.

To further explore the practice of Chenrezig, visit the FPMT website for more information and materials.

Special Announcement: Today we received the news that His Holiness will visit the Main Tibetan Temple for his 88th birthday celebration on July 6 from around 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. where he will give some remarks to the public and view a few cultural presentations before returning to his residence.

Please read a recent statement from FPMT in support of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 

Through comprehensive study programs and practice materials, FPMT Education Services nourishes the development of compassion, wisdom, kindness, and true happiness in individuals of all ages.

LRZTP 9 started on April 24, 2023. The first two-year course since the pandemic.

Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translator Program (LRZTP), an FPMT project in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, had not been able to start a two-year Tibetan language and interpreters training course since the COVID pandemic . We are pleased to report that the new course, LRZTP 9,  successfully began on April 24, 2023, with twelve new students.  Please rejoice! LRZTP has produced many gifted Dharma interpreters-translators for FPMT Dharma centers since its conception over twenty-two years ago. In addition to the two-year intensive training program, LRZTP also runs short Tibetan language courses and offers private online Tibetan language lessons.

Please read this report from LRZTP about the first two months of the course, and how new students can still join if they have an interest:

It has already been two months since LRZTP 9 started. On April 24 2023 the LRZTP school inaugurated its first two-year intensive course in Dharamsala since the Covid-19 pandemic. With twelve new students the ninth program in the history of the school officially began.

As is always the case, some students already had some background in Tibetan language, with several being actually quite proficient already. Others began learning from scratch. A couple had also attended the online course and one participated in a short beginners’ course in 2019. Regardless of the level at the start of the program, all students have already made a huge progress in Tibetan language over these past two months. They participate in modern Tibetan language classes, have conversation lessons, classical (literary) Tibetan practice as well as cultural presentations.

This study program is quite demanding and the students can feel it especially in the beginning. In particular, the month of May was intense, as apart from regular classes, many guests visited the school and everybody participated in the FPMT Long Life Puja for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The day after the puja all students joined the FPMT members for an audience with His Holiness in the residence in McLeodganj, receiving blessing and a surprise tea and snacks. This was truly an auspicious occasion, especially for the beginning of the program, an inspiration in studies.

In order to inspire the new students even more several guests visited the school in the month of May. Graduates of the program shared their experiences and gave guidance on how to study and live in Dharamsala. One particularly distinguished graduate was Ven. Kartsön (Yaki Platt), who until recently served as an interpreter at the Chenrezig Institute in Australia. He not only shared his experiences from the time when he was a student, but also talked about the ups and downs of the life of a Buddhist teachings’ interpreter.

Another inspirational guest was Isabelle Henrion-Dourcy, Tibetologist and anthropology professor who studied Tibetan opera in Tibet. Since, contrary to most students of Tibetan language she did not come to learning Tibetan through Buddhism, she could offer yet another perspective on studying the language. Her story was exceptional as she spent much of her time in eastern Tibet and could speak dialects of that area.

One more distinguished guest in May was Ven. Tashi Choedup, coordinator of FPMT India. Tashi was a student of LRZTP in the past but the general discussion between them and the students focused on the problem of translation in a gender neutral way. Tashi talked about how Dharma is (not) translated into modern Indian languages and how difficult it is to make Dharma language fair towards genders. The insensitivity of gender based expressions was a topic of a short debate which followed.

Currently the LRZTP 9 students are already able to express themselves in all three tenses (past, present and future) and can hold conversations about Tibet, their families and countries, weather, food and school. Before the first module ends in mid-July they will also acquire the ability to count in Tibetan, do shopping in Tibetan and make polite requests. They are getting ready for their first attempts in making short translations of scriptures.

And, as we always want to stress, LRZTP is by no means closed to new students just because the ninth program has already begun. In fact, we are happy to announce that in August the current batch will be joined by two new people – from Poland and Sweden. Since they will not be joining the program from the start, they will need to pass an entry exam, which will be the first module final exam. However, since both of them studied before and already attended private classes at LRZTP, this should be a piece of cake for them.

For more information about the Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translator Program in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, visit their website: http://www.lrztp.org

FPMT Board member and Abbot of Kopan Monastery Khenrinpoche Geshe Chonyi making one of the traditional offerings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the May 24 long life puja offered on behalf of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the entire FPMT organization. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

This month’s e-news brings you important news, updates, and causes for rejoicing including:

• A moving overview of the long life puja offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and accompanying events in Dharamsala
• Prayers and practices done at Kopan Monastery and Lawudo during the 49 days of Rinpoche showing the aspect of passing away. 
• Two compositions from Lama Zopa Rinpoche newly available
• Great lamas teaching at FPMT centers in Europe
• Update on the Light of the Path Retreat and Foundation Service Seminar at Kopan

• News of two FPMT Basic Programs are starting September 2023

An much more!

Please read this month’s e-news in its entirety.

Have the e-News translated into your native language by using our convenient translation facility located on the right-hand side of the page.

Visit our subscribe page to receive the monthly FPMT International Office e-News directly in your email inbox.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama entering the Main Tibetan Temple for the long life puja offered to him by the FPMT organization, Dharamsala, India, May 24, 2023. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Three hundred and fifty members of the FPMT organization, including 150 who joined the event from abroad, participated in a moving long life puja offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India, on May 24, 2023. This event was the culmination of months of concentrated effort, and was a sincere request from Lama Zopa Rinpoche that was years in the making. Following the long life puja, a small series of important and auspicious events took place in Dharamsala. Ven. Tenzin Legtsok was in attendance for all of these events and provided a moving overview of the activities and the impact on those in attendance. 

Long Life Puja for His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Ven. Tenzin Legtsok (the author of this article, toward the middle of the assembly) joins Kopan monks and nuns waiting for His Holiness the Dalai Lama before the May 24 long life puja. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

It is said that among offerings to the guru, the offering of practice is supreme. Last November, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, sole refuge and guide of the world, accepted Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s request to offer a long-life puja on behalf of the entire FPMT organization. On May 24, headed by the precious Abbot of Kopan Monastery, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Thubten Chonyi, Ven. Roger Kunsang, the FPMT Board, many tulkus, geshes, geshemas, monks, nuns, and hundreds of students and sponsors from all reaches of the FPMT family came together to fulfill this wish of our inexpressibly kind lama. In this way it was not only an elaborate offering to His Holiness, but also an offering to Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche by working together to fulfill Rinpoche’s holy wishes.

FPMT Board members Paula de Wys, Khenrinpoche Geshe Chonyi, and Ven. Roger Kunsang offering a mandala to HIs Holiness the Dalai Lama, May 24, 2023. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

After months of preparation, especially by the staff of International Office and by the Kopan monks and nuns, raising funds, commissioning and filling statues, coordinating with His Holiness’ Private Office, and with all the participants, preparing texts, bringing many offerings from Nepal, everything was nearly ready. On the evening of May 23, the Main Temple was a swarm of activity with passes being distributed, the procession line being organized, tormas being set up, orchids arranged, and many old friends meeting once again. The puja began at six in the morning with preliminary prayers, and tea and bread offered to all in attendance. His Holiness came from his palace gates a little before eight and slowly walked to the Main Temple past a line of FPMT geshes and geshemas standing to receive him, smiling and greeting all in the crowd.

As soon as His Holiness was seated, the Chant Master of Kopan, Geshe Lobsang Sherab, led the entire assembly in reciting Lama Chopa. After tea and sweet rice had been served His Holiness made his only remarks during the ceremony. [Please enjoy this short video including many moving aspects of the long life puja offered to His Holiness which includes translated words shared by His Holiness about Lama Zopa Rinpoche.]

Key points made by His Holiness include:

“These long-life prayers are being offered today by the FPMT, an organization with many centers around the world that has for quite some time been led by the late Zopa Rinpoche. He has been my friend and a very trustworthy person. Recently, he passed away. An excellent reincarnation of his will definitely come. For this to happen I will pray, and I urge all of you, Rinpoche’s acquaintances, to make strong prayers that an excellent reincarnation is able to come. … 

“Lama Zopa Rinpoche really made outstanding efforts during his lifetime. Rinpoche himself definitely has strong aspirational prayers for an excellent reincarnation. I also hope that an excellent reincarnation is able to come and I request all of you to pray for this. …

“I am determined to work for the flourishing of the Buddha’s teachings and welfare of all sentient beings, as Je Tsongkhapa wrote in a verse at the end of his Great Treatise on the Stages to the Path to Enlightenment:

Wherever the Buddha’s teaching has not spread
And wherever it has spread but has declined
May I, moved by great compassion, clearly elucidate
This treasury of excellent benefit and happiness for all.”

Tsog offerings in front of the Main Tibetan Temple, Dharamsala, India, May 24, 2023. Tenzin Choejor, courtesy of DalaiLama.com.

In the course of the Lama Chopa, with Khenrinpoche Geshe Chonyi acting as vajra master, FPMT offered a mandala, representations of the enlightened body, speech, and mind, monastic robes, staff, bowl and other monastic articles, the eight auspicious symbols, the seven emblems of royalty, the eight auspicious substances, texts, medicinal powders, carpets, and several hundred of the 1000 Buddha statues.

Dedications were made with the prayers, Prayer for the Flourishing of Je Tsongkhapa’s Teachings, Causing the Teachings of Buddha to Flourish, Prayer for the Spreading of Ecumenical Buddha’s Teachings, and finally concluded with The Prayer of the Words of Truth composed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

“So, if these prayers today are effective, everyone will benefit,” His Holiness said. “Tibet and the neighbouring lands of the Himalayan region have a long-standing connection to the Dalai Lamas. I am determined to work for the benefit of the people who live in these places, but in addition there are now scientists across the world who are interested in what the Buddha’s teaching have to say about the workings of the mind and emotions. I would like to help them as much as I can too.

“For these purposes, supported by your prayers and dedication, I feel I may be able to live another twenty years or so. I’m keen to let people, especially those who have no religious allegiance or interest in spiritual affairs, know the importance of cultivating love and compassion and achieving peace of mind.” [This quote is taken from the dalailama.com coverage of the puja]. 

All in all, the event went very smoothly, the prayers were chanted beautifully, and His Holiness showed the aspect of being pleased with the entire occasion.

Sixth Week Commemoration, Private Audience, and FPMT Lunch

Puja commemorating the sixth week

In addition to offering a long-life puja to His Holiness, all the FPMT students in attendance participated in a puja commemorating the sixth week since Rinpoche showed the aspect of passing away, a private audience with His Holiness on May 25, and an FPMT lunch hosted by Tushita Meditation Center.

The Abbot of Namgyal Monastery Thamtog Rinpoche, Khenrinpoche Geshe Chonyi, Yangsi Rinpoche, Serkong Rinpoche, Osel Hita, and Kopan Umze at the Tara Puja commemorating the sixth week since Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, Tushita Meditation Center, Dharamsala, India, May 23, 2023. Photo by Kopan Monastery.

The evening before the long-life puja, Tushita’s amazingly hard-working staff and volunteers together with a crew of monks and nuns all pitched in to set up the main gompa at Tushita for a Four-Mandala Ritual to Chittamani Tara the following afternoon. Thrones for many lamas, piles of tsog, tormas, flowers, and other offerings for the puja had to be arranged since there would be no time after the long-life puja the next morning. At 2 p.m. on the 24^th, a distinguished assembly of lamas, geshes, geshemas, monks, nuns and lay disciples packed Tushita’s main gompa to overflowing. Lead by Kopan Khenrinpoche Geshe Chonyi, together with the Abbot of Namgyal Monastery, Thromthog Rinpoche, His Holiness’ assistant, Yangten Rinpoche, President of Maitripa College, Yangsi Rinpoche, Osel (Hita) Rinpoche, Rigsel Rinpoche, Phuntsok Rinpoche and others, the assembly offered heartfelt prayers for Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche to swiftly send forth another emanation to continue guiding us and carrying on Rinpoche’s enlightened deeds in this world.

Audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Just a few days before the long-life puja it was decided that His Holiness would grant the FPMT students gathered in Dharamshala an audience in his private residence. On May 25, after lining up for a Covid test at daybreak and passing through security screening, we slowly filled the audience hall, awestruck by the magnificent statues and thangkas, abuzz with excitement at meeting His Holiness. When some of His Holiness’s close attendants first appeared, a hush fell over the group; then from way in the back someone began softly chanting OM MANI PADME HUM. Slowly all spontaneously joined in to respectfully receive the Buddha of Compassion.

Rinpoches, Geshes, Kopan Sangha, and representatives and students of FPMT centers at the private audience
with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala, India, May 25, 2023. Photo by the Office of His
Holiness the Dalai Lama.

His Holiness began by recounting a dream which clearly indicated he would live until 110 years old, then said that despite the many troubles that come to his attention, his mind remains totally relaxed and positive. This, he observed, is due to his meditation on the attitude of bodhichitta and the view of emptiness. This and his determination to work for the welfare of sentient beings for as long as space remains have carried him with ease through even the most difficult situations. As His Holiness spoke with palpable warmth and affectionate concern, it felt as though he was revealing himself to us, a continuum of pure compassion and wisdom in perfect union ceaselessly appearing in life after life to benefit sentient beings.

His Holiness explained that his thorough familiarity with wisdom and compassion is due to his study of the classical Buddhist scriptures beginning in his childhood. He began telling stories illustrating the kindness of his own teachers, the past Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, Trijang Rinpoche and debate tutors. About twenty minutes into the audience His Holiness asked the attendants whether there wasn’t tea to be served. When they replied that none had been prepared, His Holiness said, “is it possible to prepare and bring some”. Twenty minutes later a group of Namgyal Monastery monks appeared with kettles of hot chai, and buns. As we sipped tea and the English interpreter translated, His Holiness playfully smiled at little Rigsel Rinpoche and called him up several times to take pieces of His Holiness’ bread.

The moment His Holiness first mentioned Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, it seemed as if we collectively got a lump stuck in our throats. But it quickly cleared as, without the slightest shadow of sadness, His Holiness fondly recalled his friendship with Rinpoche, and Rinpoche’s pure devotion and tireless service to the Dharma and sentient beings. As on the previous morning, His Holiness said that he would pray for a good reincarnation of Rinpoche to appear, one who can carry on the sacred work of Rinpoche’s life, and that we should do the same.

Then His Holiness spoke at length about the process of himself being discovered and identified as the reincarnation of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama. He told stories about visions in the sacred lake, Lhamoi Lhatso, about the Muslim warlord who first tested him, and about his reactions when the search party headed by Kewtsang Rinpoche first appeared at his home. Among the many details His Holiness related, was one thing Lama Zopa Rinpoche often used to recount – when His Holiness first met the search party, in conversation he told them, “I’m the one who works for the welfare of all sentient beings”.

In the last part of the audience His Holiness recounted more about how beneficial his studies of Buddhist scriptures have been for him. It is largely due to this that not only has he been able to navigate many difficult challenges in life with peace of mind, been able to perform well in his duties to lead the Tibetan people and serve the Buddha Dharma, but also that he feels great confidence when engaging with scientists and scholars from the West and other cultures. This is because the Tibetan lineage of Buddhism is firmly grounded in a logical approach to Buddha’s teachings as explicated by Dignāga, Dharmakīrti, Nagarjuna, Chandrakirti and other scholars of ancient Nalanda University. His Holiness explained that it is due his study of the commentaries by ancient Indian Buddhist masters that he has developed a broad understanding of Buddha’s teachings as opposed to many geshes who focus on their monastery textbooks (yigcha) and have a narrower perspective. This is also why he has been able to support his explanations with quotations from many sources, which His Holiness described as his offering of practice.

His Holiness graced us with nearly two hours of his eloquence, advice, and intimate reminiscences. There was a sense of having a close, loving connection. It was as if His Holiness were saying, now, amidst feeling the loss of your teacher Lama Zopa Rinpoche, trust in me, I’m here to guide you; and trust in the Dharma, bodhichitta, the wisdom of emptiness, and the determination to serve others which have been my own heart practice. Study, practice, and serve. Finally, His Holiness gave us each the opportunity to offer a kata and receive his personal blessing. It was an inexpressibly fortunate occasion.

FPMT Board members Paula De Wys and Karuna Cayton thanking everyone for organizing the Long Life Puja for His Holiness the Dalai Lama
at the lunch at Tushita Meditation Center, Dharamsala, India, May 25, 2023. Photo by Tenzin Tsultrim.

FPMT Lunch

That afternoon, Tushita Meditation Centre prepared a sumptuous feast of Indian curries, pizzas, pasta, an ocean of mango lassi, and varied desserts as a way for all the FPMT family in the area to connect. Right at 1 p.m. when lunch was served, the sky burst open and poured down a torrential shower that sent all 250 attendees scrambling into the main gompa, where we enjoyed our lunch amidst a chorus of conversation. To conclude, Paula de Wys, on behalf of the FPMT Board of Directors, stood and thanked all those who worked so hard to make these wonderful events happen. It was moving to see and consider how so many – Kopan monks and nuns, Western ordained saṅgha, lay staff and students, from all branches of the organization – had coordinated so well, and worked seamlessly together to fulfill Rinpoche’s sacred wishes. Throughout I did not see one temper flair or hear one ill word spoken. Rather, all appeared to treat one another with respect, kindness, and genuine dedication to following Rinpoche’s impeccable guidance. I think Rinpoche would have been pleased, and that it bodes well for the FPMT going forward.

Tenzin Legtsok is an American Buddhist monk. He will soon complete the Geshe Studies Program at Sera Jey Monastic University in Karnataka, South India where he has studied classic Indian Buddhist treatise and their Tibetan commentaries in the tradition of ancient Nalanda University. He was ordained as a Buddhist monk by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2001.

For the past twenty years he has tried to make basic Buddhist teachings accessible to various audiences in India and the US through lectures, essays, and meditation instruction.

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

Large Twenty-One Tara thangka by artist Peter Iseli. Photo by Cynthia Karena.

In 2014, Lama Zopa Rinpoche commissioned Peter Iseli to paint a very big (49 ft x 30 ft) Twenty-One Taras thangka.

Peter and his wife Jangchub Iseli-Sangmo spent four years creating the thangka, one section at a time, in a studio at Institut Vajra Yogini in France.

At the end of 2017, Lama Zopa offered this thangka to Tara Institute in Melbourne, Australia, “to show to as many people as possible”.

Consecrated by several lamas, including Rinpoche, after completion in France, it was displayed twice: at Hamer Hall in Melbourne and at the retreat with Lama Zopa Rinpoche at the Great Stupa in Bendigo in 2018.

Rinpoche requested Peter to make further changes to the face of Tara, a rainbow around the central Tara’s aura, and the shapes of blue lotuses. In 2019 Peter made these changes and since then the thangka has been stored at Tara Institute.

Display of the large Twenty-one Taras at the Melbourne Town Hall. Photo by Cynthia Karena.

Rinpoche’s wish to show this thangka to as many people as possible was fulfilled again by Tara Institute at the Victorian Celebration of the United Nations Day of Vesak on May 13, 2023. This multicultural event included a “Sangha Dana” lunch offering to sangha of all the different traditions, a Friendship Walk through the streets, and chanting and interfaith messages in the Melbourne Town Hall, where the Twenty-One Taras Thangka blessed everyone present, to a soundtrack of Lama Zopa invoking the Twenty-One Taras. One of the main coordinators, Jane Lewis, created a short video of the inspiring work behind the scenes.

“My wish is for the big centers in FPMT to have these large thangkas.” Rinpoche explained as part of his Vast Vision for the FPMT organization. “This is a way to leave imprints for all these people [who see them], for enlightenment.”

Several FPMT centers have commissioned large thangkas and are now hosting festival days where these holy objects can be enjoyed. We are also delighted to share that Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Singapore, once again displayed their 50 ft x 30 ft Amitabha Buddha thangka at their Vesak celebration the first week of June. 

50 ft x 30 ft Amitabha Buddhist Centre thangka which was displayed at the ABC Vesak celebration. Photo courtesy of ABC Facebook page.

We invite you to rejoice in the displaying of these magnificent holy objects which, as Lama Zopa Rinpoche has explained, make it “so easy for sentient beings to purify their heavy negative karma and making it so easy for sentient beings to create extensive merit. Which makes it so easy to achieve the realizations of the path and so easy to achieve liberation and enlightenment.”

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

Lama Zopa Rinpoche leading students in walking meditation around the stupa and grounds of Kopan Monastery, 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

As we have previously shared, this year’s Light of the Path retreat (LOP) at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, will take place as planned from September 3-17, 2023.

Arunas Antanaitas, photo courtesy of Arunas’ Facebook page.

Arunas Antanaitas, 62, passed away peacefully on Vesak, May 5, 2023 in Dundas, Ontario, Canada, of cancer.

Arunas had embarked on his cancer journey 17 months prior with grace, dignity, and a contagiously positive outlook. His last days were filled with prayers, surrounded by his loved ones. Arunas will be remembered for his compassion, love of conversation, propensity for playfulness, and unwavering desire to help others.

Arunas served as the center director for Lama Yeshe Ling, seeing the center transform from a meeting place in his and Sharon’s basement studio to hosting our resident teacher Geshe Sonam Ngodrup (Geshe Sega) and Tibetan language interpreter Venerable Jamyang Khedrup. Our community supported Arunas in his wish to serve as director until his last breath, with Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s last advice to Arunas being for him to rejoice in his having served Rinpoche in this way. During his illness, Arunas was able to fulfill all of Rinpoche’s advice, along with the support of our community. For example, Geshe Sonam conveyed the Amitayus Long Life initiation, we did many group recitations of the long life sutra, and an animal liberation. A month earlier, Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Delek taught at Lama Yeshe Ling and conferred the initiation into Arunas’ main practice. Khensur Rinpoche remarked that he was impressed that Arunas attended every event despite it being so very clear that Arunas was very weak and in pain.

In one of the last letters to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Arunas asked if Rinpoche agreed with the doctor’s view that he had now become ‘palliative’. Rinpoche’s reply was: “a good practitioner is always palliative”. Arunas had discussed and coached his family and the hospice staff about the Buddhist view and practice of dying, and everyone was supportive of how he wished to die. They found a hospice that supported leaving his body undisturbed for three days. At the hospice, Geshe Sonam and Khedrup came to visit, as well as fellow practitioners several times coming together to meditate and pray. Moments after Arunas’ last breath, Geshe la, Khedrup la, and a small group of sangha and family performed the Guru Puja, with Geshe la leading us in visualizing Arunas receiving the four initiations, and the dissolution of the guru in the heart.

One of the palliative care nurses mentioned that everyone she had cared for there was afraid of death, as was she. It was remarkable for her to observe that Arunas was not afraid, and neither were the people around him. Arunas wanted to live longer, and he did everything possible to do so, for he had more he wanted to offer. It is sad that this good person is no longer with us here. However we know this isn’t the end, and we pray that Arunas finds the way to manifest again as a good person, to connect very early with the Dharma, and continue his path of service to the guru for the benefit of beings.

Please pray that Arunas may never ever be reborn in the lower realms, may he be immediately born in a pure land where he can be enlightened or to receive a perfect human body, meet the Mahayana teachings and meet a perfectly qualified guru and by only pleasing the guru’s mind, achieve enlightenment as quickly as possible. 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/).