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FPMT News Around the World
His Holiness the Dalai Lama reading sutra on Vulture’s Peak, India, 2002
“Although a bit belatedly, it’s the time of year to happily reflect on what our international sutra reading group accomplished ‘virtually’ in 2012,” Doc O’Connor Nemoto, director of Do Ngak Sung Juk Centre in Tokyo, wrote in a recent email. The Japanese center has a “virtual” sutra reading program, where participants from around the world read a specific sutra at the same time twice a month.
In her email, Doc quotes Yangsi Rinpoche’s advice on sutra recitation published in Mandala’s January-March 2013 issue:
The purpose of practice is merit accumulation and purification, and if we read just a portion of a sutra, it is effective for both of these. You don’t need to read all the sutra at once. I’ve been doing a translation of a text with my class at Maitripa College, and it says that if you read even only one shloka, one verse, of a text about emptiness, there is even more merit in that than doing millions of offerings.
“So with this thought of all the positive we created not only for ourselves but what we’ve spread around the world,” Doc continues, “let’s analyze the numbers from 2012:”
- 3 – number of languages our readers read in (Japanese, English, Chinese)
- 9 – number of countries we had readers (Japan, USA, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Taiwan, India, Canada, China/Hong Kong)
- 24 – number of times we read
- 30 – average number of people who read each time
- 91 – total number of Sutras of Golden Light read
- 131 – total number of Sanghata Sutras read
“How absolutely wonderful! With heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you, especially Jean Chen for organizing on average 22 of her friends and family to join in with us. Thank you, thank you!” wrote Doc.
Mandala rejoices with Do Ngak Sung Juk Centre and all participants in their virtual sutra reading group.
With more than 160 centers, projects and services around the globe, there is always news on FPMT activities, teachers and events. Mandala hopes to share as many of these timely stories as possible. If you have news you would like to share, please let us know.
If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
FPMT News Around the World
Lama Zopa Rinpoche reading FPMT Taiwan’s Mandala in Mandarin, February 2013. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
FPMT Taiwan published what may be the first-ever version of Mandala magazine in Mandarin and presented a copy to FPMT spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche during his recent visit.
According to Ven. Roger Kunsang, Rinpoche’s assistant and CEO of FPMT, the first part of the magazine contains a selection of key articles from the 2012 issues of Mandala (originally published in English). The second part has articles featuring the three FPMT-affiliated centers in Taiwan: Shakyamuni Center, Jinsiu Farlin and Heruka Center.
Mandala applauds the work of FPMT Taiwan and encourages other centers around the world to contact us about publishing articles translated into the language spoken at your center. Currently we offer some articles translated into Spanish, French, Vietnamese and Russian.
With more than 160 centers, projects and services around the globe, there is always news on FPMT activities, teachers and events. Mandala hopes to share as many of these timely stories as possible. If you have news you would like to share, please let us know.
If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT,
which supports our work.
FPMT News Around the World
With more than 160 centers, projects and services around the globe, there is always news on FPMT activities, teachers and events. Mandala hopes to share as many of these timely stories as possible. If you have news you would like to share, please let us know.
If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
FPMT Around the World
Lama Zopa Rinpoche, October 2011. Photo by Philippe Garric.
On Saturday, February 23, Lama Zopa Rinpoche will be broadcast live over the internet from Jinsui Farlin in Taipai, Taiwan, giving a motivational teaching before bestowing the Chenrezig jenang.
The live webcast is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Taiwan time (UTC +8; see chart of times in other time zones); time is subject to change.
The webcast can be viewed at http://new.livestream.com/FPMT/JinsuiFarlin.
FPMT News Around the World
Host FPMT Mongolia is sending out the invitation to come to the retreat worldwide, encouraging people to not miss this precious opportunity:
In the infinite kindness and compassion of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, we have the great blessings of this fortune to be guided by Rinpoche, in the 100 Million Mani Retreat in Mongolia.
As Rinpoche would say, “The benefits of reciting the Compassion Buddha mantra are infinite, like the sky.”
The reason why the benefit of reciting the six syllable mantra is quite unimaginable, and why it is an extremely popular practice in all the four great traditions of Tibetan Buddhism is because this is the essence of all Dharma – the very purest Dharma – thus, making it the most powerful way to purify negative karma and the easiest way to collect extensive merit to quickly achieve enlightenment.
We need the special blessing of Compassion Buddha to transform our mind into bodhichitta – to renounce self and cherish others and make our meditation on bodhichitta effective. Without bodhichitta there is no true happiness in our own lives nor can we cause all the happiness for all sentient beings.
The retreat is scheduled August 1-30, 2013, at Chinggisiin Khuree, a ger (yurt) camp 14 miles [23 kilometers] from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. More details will be coming soon to FPMT Mongolia’s “100 Million Mani Retreat 2013” website.
Rinpoche has a very strong commitment and connection to Mongolia, as documented in “Looking to Mongolia” from Mandala January-March 2011. For more, you can read online Mandala’s coverage of FPMT in Mongolia and Rinpoche’s trips to Mongolia, including entries from Ven. Roger’s “Life on the Road with Lama Zopa Rinpoche.”
With more than 160 centers, projects and services around the globe, there is always news on FPMT activities, teachers and events. Mandala hopes to share as many of these timely stories as possible. If you have news you would like to share, please let us know.
If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
FPMT News Around the World
The 26th Mind and Life conference recently wrapped up at Drepung Monastery in Mundgod, South India. His Holiness the Dalai Lama convened the six-day meeting, titled “Mind, Brain and Matter: Critical Conversations Between Buddhist Thought and Science.” Video of the proceedings can be watched online.
The conference brought 20 well-known and respected scientists and philosophers together with His Holiness and other senior Tibetan scholars. Several thousand monks and nuns from numerous Tibetan monastic centers of learning also were able to watch the meeting, which explored questions concerning the fundamental nature of the physical world, consciousness and scientific research of contemplative practice. In addition, monastic students attended an educational session on the historical development of science and the influence that scientific thought has on how we understand the world.
The Mind and Life Institute, which organized the conference, supports ongoing dialogue and research to better understand the benefits of contemplative practice. The Institute grew out of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s interest in modern science and his desire to discuss the nature of reality with scientists.
With more than 160 centers, projects and services around the globe, there is always news on FPMT activities, teachers and events. Mandala hopes to share as many of these timely stories as possible. If you have news you would like to share, please let us know.
If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
These days I’m at Sera Monastery studying with my dear Gen-la (Teacher) Geshe Gendun Choephel. It is so wonderful to hear the Dharma in such simple and clear terms, while clearing so many doubts I’ve had during a long time of my life. Understanding the teachings without having to clarify with anybody but myself. It has been 10 magical days here, and another week to go! I’m so grateful for the understanding and help I have received.
Thank you for the time to find myself, thank you for the patience and dedication, dearest Gen-la. You are like my Father and Mother, and will always be in my heart.
Estos dias estoy en el Monasterio de Sera estudiando con mi querido Genla (Maestro) Genshe Gendun Choephel. Está siendo maravilloso escuchar el Dharma en unos términos tan simples y comprensibles, mientras se me aclaran muchas dudas que he tenido durante mucho tiempo de mi vida. Entendiendo las enseñanzas sin tener que clarificar con nadie mas que mi mismo.
Han sido 10 dias mágicos aquí, ¡¡Y me queda otra semana todavía!! Estoy tan agradecido por la comprension y ayuda que he recibido.
Gracias por el tiempo para encontrarme a mi mismo, gracias por la paciencia y dedicación queridísimo Genla. Eres como mi Padre y Madre, y siempre estas en mi corazón.
FPMT News Around the World
Image: Dreamstime
You may have noticed that FPMT Education Services’ has been doing a lot of great work, updating and organizing their webpages to help students find the materials and information they need to do practice and study Dharma. Now you can find the latest news from Education Services about new practices, booklets, study materials, education programs and trainings on their new “FPMT Education News” page. Even better, you can subscribe to the page and receive announcements directly in your email inbox.
With more than 160 centers, projects and services around the globe, there is always news on FPMT activities, teachers and events. Mandala hopes to share as many of these timely stories as possible. If you have news you would like to share, please let us know.
If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
FPMT News Around the World
Do Ngak Sung Juk Centre members with Ven. Dechen during nyung na, Japan, September 2012
Do Ngak Sung Juk Centre in Tokyo wrote to Mandala about their second group nyung nä, held in September 2012. “Our group of 11 multilingual participants completed the nyung nä in four languages (Japanese, English, Tibetan and Chinese) while under the superb leadership of Ven. Dechen from Taiwan. We practiced in a very conducive environment at Mt. Mitake, a hill within a vast national park with a mountain shrine that has existed for almost 2,000 years. Under Ven. Dechen’s guidance, we transformed a traditional Japanese inn’s tatami room that usually caters to pilgrims and visitors into a beautiful gompa. For seven members, it was their first nyung nä, but won’t be their last,” wrote Doc O’Connor, Do Ngak Sung Juk’s director.
“I was nervous at first but due to being in a group of determined people and a leader who carefully looked after each one of us, I completed and want to do again,” one participant shared. “The location was a power spot – excellent environment!” said another.
“Do Ngak Sung Juk is forever grateful to Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche for creating and nurturing this wonderful organization,” O’Connor wrote. “As a smaller sized center, we feel so much support from International Office and other centers. We’re very appreciative of everyone’s help.”
Mandala is also appreciative of all the help we receive from FPMT centers around the world, who, like Do Ngak Sung Juk, so kindly allow us to share their news.
With more than 160 centers, projects and services around the globe, there is always news on FPMT activities, teachers and events. Mandala hopes to share as many of these timely stories as possible. If you have news you would like to share, please let us know.
If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
FPMT News Around the World
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with His Eminence Ling Rinpoche, January 2013. Photo used with permission.
In mid-January, His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited His Eminence Ling Rinpoche, who had been injured in a deadly car accident in late-November 2012. His Holiness spent more than a half-hour visiting Ling Rinpoche, giving advice and showing affection.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with His Eminence Ling Rinpoche, January 2013. Photo used with permission.
According to an update received by FPMT CEO Ven. Roger Kunsang, Ling Rinpoche is recovering well from the accident, which killed Rinpoche’s driver and injured two others. Rinpoche suffered fractured femurs and a dislocated hip in the accident. His recovery is expected to take about six months.
Ling Rinpoche is the main organizer of the Jangchup Lamrim teachings with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The car accident happened as Ling Rinpoche was traveling to meet His Holiness in Goa, India, the day before the teaching series began.
In December, Lama Zopa Rinpoche visited Ling Rinpoche while he was still in the hospital. Dagri Rinpoche, Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche and Khadro-la [Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drönme] also were part of the visit.
With more than 160 centers, projects and services around the globe, there is always news on FPMT activities, teachers and events. Mandala hopes to share as many of these timely stories as possible. If you have news you would like to share, please let us know.
If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
FPMT News Around the World
Enlightenment Stupa at De-Tong Ling Retreat Centre, South Australia, January 2013
De-Tong Ling Retreat Centre director Will Abram recently shared a beautiful photo of the South Australia center’s new Enlightenment Stupa, which was completed in July 2012. The photo was taken during a week-long work session at the remote and peaceful center, located on Kangaroo Island. “[This] is one of the best images we have got to date,” Abram writes.
Holy objects have been central to FPMT since the organization’s early days when Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche first established Kopan Monastery near Bouddhanath Stupa in Nepal. Since then, under the guidance of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the creation of holy objects has become a central mission of the organization. Centers like De-Tong Ling and scores of others have helped carried forward Rinpoche’s vast vision to build hundreds of thousands of holy objects everywhere, making it possible for for sentient being to easily purify negative karma and create merit.
To help support FPMT students and centers in this practice, FPMT Education Services has created a new webpage on holy objects featuring information and advice. “Lama Zopa Rinpoche has personally inspired or commissioned the creation of hundreds of thousands of holy objects from the casting commitments of tsa-tsas he’s given students or suggestions for larger projects like statues, stupas, prayer wheels and large thangkas to be created on FPMT grounds,” says Education Services’ website.
On the new site, you can find resources for:
You can also find a collection of advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche on the benefits of holy objects and stories on holy objects from Mandala.
With more than 160 centers, projects and services around the globe, there is always news on FPMT activities, teachers and events. Mandala hopes to share as many of these timely stories as possible. If you have news you would like to share, please let us know.
If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.
FPMT News Around the World
Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Tenzin Ösel Hita at Kopan Monastery, December 2012. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
Tenzin Ösel Hita visited Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Kopan Monastery in Nepal in December. In addition, Ösel with his co-director Matteo Passigato released a new film Being Your True Nature. The 20-minute movie introduces viewers to Universal Education for Compassion and Wisdom, Lama Yeshe’s vision for creating a happier and more peaceful world. The film premiered on Lama Tsongkhapa Day at Kopan Monastery and many other FPMT centers around the world. You can watch Being Your True Nature online by visiting the movie’s website.
In November, Ösel sent out a message to the FPMT family. He writes:
First of all, I would like to say hello to everybody working so hard every day for the benefit of sentient beings through the organization of FPMT. I understand that many of you have extra jobs in order to maintain your family and basic needs in life. Also, many of you work as volunteers part time, apart from all the other work you have to cope with. It is very hard, and inspiring. I truly admire every one and each of you for all the effort, dedication and consistency that keeps the organization going. …
You can read the complete letter online. To keep track of the most recent news from Ösel, visit Ösel’s news page at fpmt.org.
With more than 160 centers, projects and services around the globe, there is always news on FPMT activities, teachers and events. Mandala hopes to share as many of these timely stories as possible. If you have news you would like to share, please let us know.
If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.