FPMT Community: Stories & News

Saka Dawa butterlamp offerings with “Old Lama Gyupa,” Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, India, June 13, 2014. Photo courtesy of Tushita Meditation Centre.

Tushita Meditation Centre is a bustling FPMT center in Dharamsala – the seat-in-exile of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Tushita staff recently wrote Mandala, sharing news about their Saka Dawa events:

Saka Dawa is one of the most important festival days of the Tibetan Buddhist calendar, celebrating Shakyamuni Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and parinirvana. This year Saka Dawa fell on June 13. To begin the day, we held a butterlamp light offering puja with our resident “Old Lama Gyupa,” Ven. Thubten Dorjee, to make prayers and dedications for our center, sponsors and all sentient beings.

Students read the Golden Light Sutra in front of Lama Yeshe’s Stupa, Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, India, June 13, 2014. Photo courtesy of Tushita Meditation Centre.

Later, many people joined us for a special program of open drop-in sessions, including “What the Buddha Taught” with FPMT-registered teacher Glen Svensson, a group reading of the Golden Light Sutra on the lawn by Lama Yeshe’s Stupa, and a movie screening of the The Life of Buddha, an excellent BBC documentary. 

While the movie was showing, Tushita staff, volunteers and monastics used the auspicious day to refresh the statue boxes on Lama Yeshe’s Stupa. The statues were offered new clothes, and we were able to finally install the Ratnasambhava statue that we had made in Nepal to replace one that was stolen a year or so ago.

The program of Saka Dawa events concluded with a Medicine Buddha puja and then light offerings with meditation at Lama Yeshe’s Stupa.

Additionally, 15 hardcore practitioners joined our final set of nyung nä retreats, which ended on the morning of June 14.

It was also our beloved dog Nying-je’s 9th birthday. Before being renamed Nying-je Chenmo (Great Compassion) by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, she was previously called Saka Dawa, after the auspicious day she turned up at Tushita in 2005. Then, she was a malnourished, stray spitfire puppy. Now, she’s a well-fed, leisurely older woman, but still a very endearing character, much loved by all.

You can see more photos from Tushita’s Saka Dawa events on Facebook.

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.

Nying-je Chenmo at an introductory course led by Glen Svensson at Tushita. Nying-je Chenmo recently turned 9. Photo courtesy of Tushita Meditation Centre.

Osel offering drumming to Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Aptos, CA, USA. May, 2014. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunsang.

Rinpoche making the noodles for thukpa.

After Ösel finished his semester of studies in Hawaii, he headed back to his home country of Spain. On the way, he stopped into California and visited Lama Zopa Rinpoche several times.

One afternoon, Ösel offered drumming to Rinpoche and the Sangha at Kachoe Dechen Ling who enjoyed it very much. Then Rinpoche personally supervised and helped make dinner for Ösel, a delicious thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup).

Ösel is now returning to Spain and later in the year he will be going to India to take teachings from his teacher, Geshe Gendun Chomphel.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche helping Sangha make a special thukpa for Osel’s visit to Kachoe Dechen Ling.

Over 100 people watched two videos in celebration of Amitabha Buddhist Centre’s 25th anniversary, Singapore, June 7, 2014. Photo via Facebook (Amitabha Buddhist Centre).

On June 7, 2014, Amitabha Buddhist Centre (ABC) in Singapore celebrated its 25th anniversary. The center commissioned two videos, which were screened to an audience of about 130, including Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, ABC’s resident teacher since 1999 and current abbot of Kopan Monastery. In addition to The Heart of Our Happiness, a short documentary reflecting on ABC’s growth and accomplishments over 25 years, students watched Thank You, ABC Family!  Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s hour-long special message to ABC students and supporters. 

Amitabha Buddhist Centre offers the broader FPMT community Thank You, ABC Family!  as a subtitled video so that others can benefit from Rinpoche’s warm greetings and inspiring advice:

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.

Enlightenment Stupa at Land of Calm Abiding, California, April 2014. Photo courtesy of Land of Calm Abiding.

A Land of Calm Abiding is a 485-acre (196-hectare) wilderness ranch in Big Sur, California and is dedicated to supporting long-term solitary retreats. Director Ven. Lhundup Chonyi (Patricia DeVoe) recently reported to Mandala some of the progress the center has made since June 2013.

In less than a year, our Enlightenment Stupa was completed with the motivation that it would become “a wish-fulfilling jewel.” On June 1, 2013, with 25 people present, the stupa was consecrated and dedicated to the long life of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Built within park-like surroundings, it is located near the entrance gate welcoming and blessing everyone who comes.

Nine months later, all eight of us who now live on the land, came together outside of the front of the main house and participated in a naga puja along with a consecration for the wonderful and completed water feature. With its bubbling sounds of water cascading down the eight steps and entering into the pool at the bottom, it creates such a pleasant and relaxing presence.

Rejoicing continues as the staff here, who were committed to setting aside two months for being in retreat mode, completed this challenge March 26, 2014. Each of us experienced this time in different ways and all three of us are unanimous that it changed our lives and perspective, affecting our minds and bodies, as well as enhancing our prayers and practices. By actually stopping and gradually moving into retreat mode regardless of what “needed to be done,” we emerged with a greater sense of meaning and confidence that we can actually serve residents on the land in a more healthy and spiritual manner.

All five retreat cabins are now occupied with meditators committed to accomplishing long retreats. Needless to say, there is a calmness that pervades throughout the land.

Water feature at Land of Calm Abiding, California, April 2014. Photo courtesy of Land of Calm Abiding.

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.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the Chenrezig empowerment, Livorno, Italy, June 15, 2014. Photo by Olivier Adam.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrapped up his visit to Italy with two days of well attended public events on June 14-15 at Modigliani Forum in Livorno.

On the morning of June 14, His Holiness spoke on how on a basic level all human beings are the same. “His Holiness then remembered the great contributions from the learned scholars of Nalanda University in India such as Shantarakshita, Kamalashila and Dharmakirti,” DalaiLama.com reported. “He said that Nalanda was not just a monastery but a great learning center. He expressed happiness that Tibetans have kept the Nalanda tradition alive having translated all major Nalanda teachings and commentaries into Tibetan. Buddhists from all around the world including China, Sri Lanka and Burma have shown recognition of this work and now many Buddhists are discussing and studying Buddhist philosophy.” 

His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the afternoon teaching with Fabrizio Palliotti interpreting, Livorno, Italy, June 15, 2014. Photo by Olivier Adam.

In the afternoon, His Holiness spoke to a gathering of more than 200 Tibetans and then taught in the larger main venue on Nagarjuna’s “Letter to a Friend” and Tsongkhapa’s “Praise of Dependent Origination.” 

Children asking questions at end of His Holiness’ talk, Livorno, Italy, June 15, 2014. Photo by Olivier Adam.

On June 15, His Holiness offered a Chenrezig empowerment during the morning session. In the afternoon, he gave a talk on “Compassionate Ethics,” attended by more than 6,000 people. The talk was followed by an hour-long question and answer period.

“Lama Zopa Rinpoche concluded the program with thanks to His Holiness for blessing Lama Tzong Khapa Institute with his presence and he also thanked all concerned for making His Holiness’s visit a success. The Director of Lama Tzong Khapa Institute Mr. Fillipo [Scianna] thanked His Holiness for the teachings, the Avalokitesvara Empowerment and his public talk on compassionate ethics. His Holiness then offered scarves to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Mr. Fillipo and all the interpreters,” reported DalaiLama.com.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama offering a khata to Filippo Scianna, director of Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Livorno, Italy, June 15. Photo by Olivier Adam.

In total, His Holiness spent a week in Italy, participating in events organized by Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa (ILTK), the FPMT center located in Tuscany region of Italy. During the visit, His Holiness spent several days at ILTK in the village of Pomaia, where he gave a talk and blessed a restored Chenrezig statue. Filmmakers have documented the visit in many beautiful short videos available on the Dalai Lama Italy YouTube channel. 

VIDEO: Day 5 of His Holiness’ Visit to Italy

“I had a very memorable visit here in Italy. It is now time to say goodbye, not just to Italy, but to this heat,” His Holiness said, as reported by DalaiLama.com. “We are separating for the time being but in spirit we are together. We will remain friends until our death. Everyone please realize that the ultimate source of our happiness is within oneself, and does not depend on outside sources. So please pay more attention to inner moral values. Please keep this in mind.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama descending from throne, Livorno, Italy, June 15, 2014. Photo by Olivier Adam.

His Holiness traveled next to Leh, Ladakh, in mountainous northern India. His Holiness will be conferring the Kalacharkra initiation in July in Ladakh.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche also was present for the events with His Holiness and remains in Italy through the end of the month. Rinpoche is attending the FPMT European Regional Meeting, which is taking place June 17-18 at ILTK, and will also give teachings there on June 28-29.

For more detailed news on His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s activities, visit His Holiness’ website at DalaiLama.com. You can also read Mandala’s coverage of His Holiness. Visit Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa online at www.iltk.org/en.

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.

Kylie Plunkett begins the ordination ceremony with Choden Rinpoche overseeing, Vajrayana Institute, Ashfield, NSW, Australia, March 2014. Photo courtesy of Vajrayana Institute.

“Sydney’s Vajrayana Institute (VI) hosted Choden Rinpoche for one week in March, along with his wonderful translator, Voula Zarpani,” shared Kathy Graham, Vajrayana Institute’s communications manager. ”During this blessed time, students received a number of teachings and initiations from the great master including a general teaching on the Eight Verses of Mind Training, a commentary on ‘taking the three bodies into the path,’ and a conferral of the action tantra form of Vajrasattva.

“Choden Rinpoche also very kindly presided over an ordination ceremony for new monks and nuns, among them Liberation Prison Project’s Ven. Gyalten Drolkar (formerly, Kylie Plunkett), and offered the eight Mahayana precepts on what was an auspicious Buddha Day, when the merit of taking precepts and other virtues multiplies 100 million times. Plus, a number of lucky students got to accompany Rinpoche on a visit to Sydney Wildlife Zoo.

“The center also hosted the Maitreya Loving Kindness Tour, a collection of sacred relics of the Buddha and other Buddhist masters touring Australia, and exhibited at VI on the weekend of March 28. The event was a huge success. More than 200 visitors attended the opening ceremony alone, which featured chanting by monks, prayers, a presentation by the tour team about the relics, and a talk on ‘The Power of Loving Kindness’ by Jonathon Fisher of the Wake Up Project. All told, around 1,000 people viewed the relics with many receiving personal blessings – along with their beloved pets.

“Then to top off what’s been an amazing few months at VI, Khadro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drönme) was our special guest last weekend, April 11-13. Visitors filled the gompa on Friday night to hear her public talk ’How to Develop Wisdom and Compassion’ and attend her weekend teachings ‘What Can Buddhism Bring to Your Daily Life – Whether You’re Buddhist or Not.’ We feel very fortunate here at Vajrayana Institute!”

Khadro-la teaches to a packed gompa at Vajrayana Institute, Ashfield, NSW, Australia, April 2014. Photo via Vajrayana Institute’s Facebook.

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.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Pomaia, Italy, June 13, 2014. Photo by Olivier Adam.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave a teaching on Saka Dawa, Friday, June 13, at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa (ILTK) in Italy. He also blessed a newly restored 16-foot (5-meter) tall Chenrezig statute. The statue had been part of the set for the movie Kundun and was beautifully restored by community members at ILTK.

You can watch a short documentary of day four of the events at ILTK, including the blessing of the Chenrezig statue. Dalai Lama Italia has produced several beautiful videos of His Holiness’ visit. 

His Holiness taught on the importance of developing love and compassion as well as on the value of philosophical study and of educating children. Education is a central aspect of ILTK’s program. FPMT’s seven-year Masters Program has been offered twice at the center. The intensive residential study program will be offered again at ILTK beginning in 2015.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Father Laurence Freeman, Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Pomaia, Italy, June 13, 2014. Photo by Olivier Adam.

During the talk, His Holiness had his friend Father Laurence Freeman, a British Benedictine monk, join him on stage. At the press conference on June 12, “His Holiness stressed the need for religious harmony. He mentioned that he always maintains contact with the practitioners of other faiths and traditions, who carry the same practice of love, compassion, tolerance and forgiveness,” DalaiLama.com reported.

Audience members at His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s talk at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Italy, June 13, 2014. Photo by Olivier Adam.

His Holiness will continue his visit to Italy in Livorno, where he teaches on “The Wisdom of Compassion” June 14-15. 

For more detailed news on His Holiness’ activities, visit His Holiness’ website at DalaiLama.com.

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.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama during a press conference at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Pomaia, Italy, June 12, 2014. Photo by Olivier Adam.

During His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa (ILTK) this week, filmmakers have created beautiful videos documenting the event. The short videos, available on the Dalai Lama Italy YouTube channel, show an up-close view of His Holiness during his stay at the center and a behind-the-scenes look at the event preparations.

His Holiness arrived at ILTK on Tuesday, June 10, and is giving a teaching there on compassion and the importance of philosophical study in spiritual practice on Saka Dawa, June 13. His Holiness then teaches in nearby Livorno on the “Wisdom of Compassion” on June 14-15. 

Press conference with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, June 12, 2014. Photo by Olivier Adam.

The video “Backstage-Day 3” shows the preparations that went into creating the press conference with His Holiness on Thursday, June 12. (You can also watch the video of the entire press conference on YouTube.)

The short video on Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, which was founded in 1977 and is the oldest FPMT center in Europe, offers an informal tour of the stunning center and its picturesque surroundings in the Tuscany region of Italy. Organizers have also posted photos from the events at ILTK on Flickr.

Perhaps more than anything else, these videos illustrate the amazing amount of work, love and joy that go hand-in-hand with hosting an event with His Holiness. For that, we can rejoice in what is being offered and experienced by all who come into contact with the events and teachings.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with event staff and volunteers at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Pomaia, Italy, June 2014. Photo by Olivier Adam.

More information, photos and updates about FPMT spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche can be found on Rinpoche’s homepage. If you’d like to receive news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche via email, sign up to Lama Zopa Rinpoche News.

Geshe Konchog Kyab, resident geshe at Tubten Kunga Center. Photo courtesy of Tubten Kunga Center.

Mike Mordis, secretary of Tubten Kunga Center (TKC) in Deerfield Beach, Florida, US, reflected on some of the major events that have occurred at the center in 2014:

This year has been fast moving and packed with great activity at Tubten Kunga Center in Deerfield Beach, Florida. 

In February, Ven. Robina Courtin blessed us with two full weeks of profound Dharma teachings. Ven. Robina had not been back to TKC for nearly a decade, and it was an absolute treat to meet and learn from her again.

March 2014 concluded with Ven. Amy Miller’s dynamic teaching’s focused on self-help for mental afflictions like addiction, depression, and coping using the Buddhist teachings. 

TKC is very excited to host Yangsi Rinpoche for the first time in June 2014 for a two-hour teaching. 

Director Maggie Bustamante, after almost 12 years of compassionate, skillful service to TKC will step down, and a new director will begin around August.

TKC resident teacher Geshe Konchog Kyab was in India visiting his family, monastery, and teachers until early May. Plans to resume teachings on Je Tsongkhapa’s three volumes of commentaries on lam-rim are scheduled. Additionally, new FPMT-based programs will kick in for late 2014. 

TKC has taken on a shopkeeper and plans to greatly expand its selection of statues, Dharma crafts, and books for our members and friends.

Elaine Blumenkranz. Photo courtesy of Tubten Kunga Center.

TKC recently lost our beloved membership director, Elaine Blumenkranz (1936-2014), who battled serious health issues over the past three years. Elaine Blumenkranz came to Tubten Kunga Center in Deerfield Beach more than a decade ago. Elaine not only attended teachings, but also became the membership director and de facto ”mother” to Geshe-la. Some of the most profoundly moving cards, letters, emails and calls received by January, one of Elaine’s two daughters, in her last months, were from center members extolling Elaine’s spirit and grace and their gratitude for her presence in their lives.

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.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Geshe Tenzin Tenphel and Fabrizio Pallotti at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Pomaia, Italy, June 10, 2014. Photo by Matteo Mangherini courtesy of Dalai Lama Italia on Facebook.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa (ILTK) in Pomaia, Italy, on Tuesday, June 10. His Holiness was welcomed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, ILTK’s resident geshes, Sangha, staff and community members as well as other dignitaries. His Holiness will offer a teaching at ILTK on June 13 and then give teachings in nearby Livorno on June 14-15.

His Holiness being greeted by Sangha at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Pomaia, Italy, June 10, 2014. Photo by Matteo Mangherini courtesy of Dalai Lama Italia on Facebook.

Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, located in the Tuscany, was founded in 1977 and offers retreats and teachings, including the 7-year FPMT Masters Program. 

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.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will bless the land for the future Lhungtok Choekhorling monastic complex in mid-June 2014, Pomaia, Italy. Photo courtesy of Lhungtok Choekhorling.

Ven. Massimo Stordi, coordinator for Lhungtok Choekhorling Monastic Project, a nunnery and monastery in the hills of Pomaia, Italy, shared this exciting news about His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s upcoming visit:

Lhungtok Choekhorling Buddhist Nunnery and Monastery eagerly awaits and prepares for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s June 13 visit. His Holiness has agreed to bless an as-yet-undeveloped hillside, located just under 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Pomaia, Pisa, Italy. 

The Lhungtok Choekhorling project is working toward the creation of an ideal environment conducive to study, meditation and a lifestyle based on the Vinaya, the monastic discipline. The name of this monastic project was conferred by His Holiness and translates as “a place where the Dharma is transmitted and realized.” 

The future monastery will be built at this site on the bare rock, similar to many monasteries in Tibet. In January 2007 at Sera Monastery in South India, Lama Zopa Rinpoche himself suggested building the new complex in the Tibetan style. 

On the advice of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the project has requested His Holiness to give the oral transmission of Ganden Lha Gyäma and also, if there is time, of the prayer Spreading the Teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa.

His Holiness will give teachings in the nearby city of Livorno, Italy on June 14 and 15. He will teach on Nagarjuna’s Letter to a Friend, confer a Chenrezig empowerment, and hold a public conference on the theme of ”Compassionate Ethics.” These three events will take place at Livorno’s Modigliani Forum.

For more on His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to Italy, www.dalailama.it.

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.

A new Namthose statue arrives at Rinchen Jangsem Ling, Triang, Malaysia, April 2014. Photo courtesy of Rinchen Jangsem Ling.

Selina Foong, director of Rinchen Jangsem Ling (RJL) in Triang, Malaysia, shared news about the latest holy object to arrive at the center:

Wonderful things are happening at RJL after our Sanghata Sutra retreat on the Day of Miracles weekend! Our collective karma finally ripened in mid-April, and we are now rejoicing at the arrival of holy Namthose after almost two years of carving in Vietnam and an arduous journey by sea and road. 

Namthose is gently set into his new home at Rinchen Jangsem Ling, Triang, Malaysia, April 2014. Photo courtesy of Rinchen Jangsem Ling.

It was all quite an exercise in logistics, as the statue weighed 12 tons and, due to the height of Namthose’s parasol, was unable to fit into a standard container. Three trucks, one crane, and hours of delicate handling finally enabled the lotus base to be lifted into position first, while Namthose was invited into a tented pavilion to be gilded. When Namthose was placed on the lotus throne several days later, our sculptor, Tho, who we had flown in from Vietnam, then got to work by applying the final touch-ups. The result is simply beautiful!

Tho commented that this Namthose is by far the most complicated statue he has ever worked on. He also mentioned that the marble used to carve Namthose was of extremely good quality and very even in texture. Such qualities only become evident upon carving, and there is no way to know this when the stone is first procured. Tho also mentioned that the marble he used to carve RJL’s Kwan Yin statue had been of similar high quality. Indeed, this is a reflection of RJL’s wonderful karma, and a great cause for rejoicing.

There were many sponsors of holy Namthose, and we are grateful to them all. 

Final touches are made to the Namthose statue while his throne is installed, Rinchen Jangsem Ling, Triang, Malaysia, April 2014. Photo courtesy of Rinchen Jangsem Ling.

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.