DONATE
  receive our newsletters     join Friends of FPMT
MENUMENU
  • DONATE
  • Home
    • FPMT Homepage
    • Welcome
      • Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition

        The FPMT is an organization devoted to preserving and spreading Mahayana Buddhism worldwide by creating opportunities to listen, reflect, meditate, practice and actualize the unmistaken teachings of the Buddha and based on that experience spreading the Dharma to sentient beings. We provide integrated education through which people’s minds and hearts can be transformed into their highest potential for the benefit of others, inspired by an attitude of universal responsibility and service. We are committed to creating harmonious environments and helping all beings develop their full potential of infinite wisdom and compassion. Our organization is based on the Buddhist tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa of Tibet as taught to us by our founders Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche.

    • Willkommen
      • Die Stiftung zur Erhaltung der Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) ist eine Organisation, die sich weltweit für die Erhaltung und Verbreitung des Mahayana-Buddhismus einsetzt, indem sie Möglichkeiten schafft, den makellosen Lehren des Buddha zuzuhören, über sie zur reflektieren und zu meditieren und auf der Grundlage dieser Erfahrung das Dharma unter den Lebewesen zu verbreiten.

        Wir bieten integrierte Schulungswege an, durch denen der Geist und das Herz der Menschen in ihr höchstes Potential verwandelt werden zum Wohl der anderen – inspiriert durch eine Haltung der universellen Verantwortung und dem Wunsch zu dienen. Wir haben uns verpflichtet, harmonische Umgebungen zu schaffen und allen Wesen zu helfen, ihr volles Potenzial unendlicher Weisheit und grenzenlosen Mitgefühls zu verwirklichen.

        Unsere Organisation basiert auf der buddhistischen Tradition von Lama Tsongkhapa von Tibet, so wie sie uns von unseren Gründern Lama Thubten Yeshe und Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche gelehrt wird.

        • Belgien
        • Deutschland
        • Die Schweiz
        • Österreich
    • Bienvenidos
      • La Fundación para la preservación de la tradición Mahayana (FPMT) es una organización que se dedica a preservar y difundir el budismo Mahayana en todo el mundo, creando oportunidades para escuchar, reflexionar, meditar, practicar y actualizar las enseñanzas inconfundibles de Buda y en base a esa experiencia difundir el Dharma a los seres.

        Proporcionamos una educación integrada a través de la cual las mentes y los corazones de las personas se pueden transformar en su mayor potencial para el beneficio de los demás, inspirados por una actitud de responsabilidad y servicio universales. Estamos comprometidos a crear ambientes armoniosos y ayudar a todos los seres a desarrollar todo su potencial de infinita sabiduría y compasión.

        Nuestra organización se basa en la tradición budista de Lama Tsongkhapa del Tíbet como nos lo enseñaron nuestros fundadores Lama Thubten Yeshe y Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

        A continuación puede ver una lista de los centros y sus páginas web en su lengua preferida.

        • Colombia
        • España
        • México

        Noticias de la FPMT – Enero 2021

    • Bienvenue
      • L’organisation de la FPMT a pour vocation la préservation et la diffusion du bouddhisme du mahayana dans le monde entier. Elle offre l’opportunité d’écouter, de réfléchir, de méditer, de pratiquer et de réaliser les enseignements excellents du Bouddha, pour ensuite transmettre le Dharma à tous les êtres. Nous proposons une formation intégrée grâce à laquelle le cœur et l’esprit de chacun peuvent accomplir leur potentiel le plus élevé pour le bien d’autrui, inspirés par le sens du service et une responsabilité universelle. Nous nous engageons à créer un environnement harmonieux et à aider tous les êtres à épanouir leur potentiel illimité de compassion et de sagesse. Notre organisation s’appuie sur la tradition guéloukpa de Lama Tsongkhapa du Tibet, telle qu’elle a été enseignée par nos fondateurs Lama Thoubtèn Yéshé et Lama Zopa Rinpoché.

        Visitez le site de notre Service de traduction pour les traductions, conseils et nouvelles du Bureau international en français.

        Voici une liste de centres et de leurs sites dans votre langue préférée

        • La France
        • La Suisse
        • Polynésie française
        • Ile de la Reunion
    • Benvenuto
      • L’FPMT è un organizzazione il cui scopo è preservare e diffondere il Buddhismo Mahayana nel mondo, creando occasioni di ascolto, riflessione, meditazione e pratica dei perfetti insegnamenti del Buddha, al fine di attualizzare e diffondere il Dharma fra tutti gli esseri senzienti.

        Offriamo un’educazione integrata, che può trasformare la mente e i cuori delle persone nel loro massimo potenziale, per il beneficio di tutti gli esseri, ispirati da un’attitudine di responsabilità universale e di servizio.

        Il nostro obiettivo è quello di creare contesti armoniosi e aiutare tutti gli esseri a sviluppare in modo completo le proprie potenzialità di infinita saggezza e compassione.

        La nostra organizzazione si basa sulla tradizione buddhista di Lama Tsongkhapa del Tibet, così come ci è stata insegnata dai nostri fondatori Lama Thubten Yeshe e Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

        Di seguito potete trovare un elenco dei centri e dei loro siti nella lingua da voi prescelta.

        • L’Italia
    • 欢迎 / 歡迎
      • 简体中文

        “护持大乘法脉基金会”( 英文简称:FPMT。全名:Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition) 是一个致力于护持和弘扬大乘佛法的国际佛教组织。我们提供听闻,思维,禅修,修行和实证佛陀无误教法的机会,以便让一切众生都能够享受佛法的指引和滋润。

        我们全力创造和谐融洽的环境, 为人们提供解行并重的完整佛法教育,以便启发内在的环宇悲心及责任心,并开发内心所蕴藏的巨大潜能 — 无限的智慧与悲心 — 以便利益和服务一切有情。

        FPMT的创办人是图腾耶喜喇嘛和喇嘛梭巴仁波切。我们所修习的是由两位上师所教导的,西藏喀巴大师的佛法传承。

        繁體中文

        護持大乘法脈基金會”( 英文簡稱:FPMT。全名:Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition )是一個致力於護持和弘揚大乘佛法的國際佛教組織。我們提供聽聞,思維,禪修,修行和實證佛陀無誤教法的機會,以便讓一切眾生都能夠享受佛法的指引和滋潤。

        我們全力創造和諧融洽的環境,為人們提供解行並重的完整佛法教育,以便啟發內在的環宇悲心及責任心,並開發內心所蘊藏的巨大潛能 — 無限的智慧與悲心 –– 以便利益和服務一切有情。

        FPMT的創辦人是圖騰耶喜喇嘛和喇嘛梭巴仁波切。我們所修習的是由兩位上師所教導的,西藏喀巴大師的佛法傳承。

        察看道场信息:

        • 台湾 / 臺灣
  • News / Media
        • Mandala Magazine
          • Online Features
          • Archive
          • About Mandala Publications
            • FPMT News Around the World Submission Guidelines
          • This Issue
          • Subscribe
            • Subscribe to Mandala Publications
            • Subscribe to our RSS Feeds
          • Contact
            • Laura Miller – Managing Editor and Publisher
            • Nicole Parisi-Smith - Assistant Editor
            • Friends of FPMT
            • Address Changes
          • Advertise
          • Support Prisoners
        • Important Announcements
          • Resources for the Coronavirus Pandemic
          • Updates Regarding Dagri Rinpoche
        • FPMT News
        • Lama Zopa Rinpoche News
        • e-News
          • e-News Archives
          • Receive Our Newsletters
          • Unsubscribe e-News
          • Unsubscribe FPMT Latest News
        • RSS Feeds
          • All News
          • FPMT Announcements
          • Lama Zopa Rinpoche News
          • Rinpoche's Schedule
          • Rinpoche's Health Updates
          • News About Ösel
          • FPMT Projects News
          • Education News
          • Mandala Magazine
        • Social Media
        • Video Resources
          • Teachings by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
          • Essential Extracts by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
          • Video Clips of Lama Zopa Rinpoche On the Road
          • FPMT Live Webcast Schedule
          • FPMT Live Webcast Channel
          • FPMT YouTube Channel
        • Photo Galleries
        • Publications
        • Resources
        • Videos, Photos, & Publications
        • *If a menu item has a submenu clicking once will expand the menu clicking twice will open the page.

  • Education
        • About Education
        • Programs
          • New to Buddhism?
          • Heart Advice for Death and Dying
          • Discovering Buddhism
            • Online Learning Center Modules
            • Watch Discovering Buddhism Videos
            • FAQ
            • Statements of Appreciation
          • Living in the Path
          • Basic Program
            • Standard Texts and Commentaries
            • Subject Descriptions
            • Preparatory Study and Practice
            • Centers
            • Homestudy
            • Homestudy Teachers
            • Homestudy FAQ
          • Masters Program
          • Maitripa College
          • Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translator Program
        • Teachings and Advice
          • Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive
          • Audio Teachings
          • Light of the Path Teachings
            • 2017 Video Archive
            • 2016 Video Archive
            • 2014 Video Archive
            • 2010 Video Archive
            • 2009 Video Archive
          • FPMT YouTube Channel
        • Prayers & Practice Materials
          • Available by Donation
          • Free Downloads
          • Lamrim Resources
          • Dharma Dates - Tibetan Calendar
            • Purchase Calendar
            • Dates Explained
          • Prayer Book Updates
        • Mantras and Sutras
          • Various Mantras and Resources
          • Various Sutras and Resources
            • Amitayus Long Life Sutra
            • Entering the Great City of Vaishali
            • Heart Sutra
            • Sanghata Sutra
            • Sutra of Golden Light
            • Vajra Cutter Sutra
        • Holy Objects
          • Prayer Flags
          • Prayer Wheels
          • Relics
          • Statues
          • Stupas
          • Thangkas
          • Tsa-Tsas
          • Microfilm for Stupas and Prayer Wheels
            • Information on How to Fill a Prayer Wheel
            • Benefits of Making Prayer Wheels
            • How this Latest Mani Microfilm was Developed
        • Education News
        • Death and Dying
        • Benefiting Animals
        • Offer Your Support
        • Translations
        • Children and Teenagers
        • Secular
        • Buddhism FAQ
        • *If a menu item has a submenu clicking once will expand the menu clicking twice will open the page.

  • Centers
        • Center Directory
        • Center FAQ
        • Resident Teachers
        • FPMT Service Seminars
          • Overview
          • Foundation Service Seminar
          • Inner Job Description App
          • Teacher Development Service Seminar
          • Hosting and Attending an FPMT Service Seminar
        • Retreat Information
          • Retreat Schedule
          • Discovering Buddhism Retreat Schedule
          • Basic Program Retreat Schedule
        • Community Service
        • Monks and Nuns
        • Affiliates Area
  • Teachers
        • Lama Zopa Rinpoche's Homepage
          • News
          • Schedule
          • Videos
          • Photos
          • Advice
          • Rinpoche's Teachers
          • How to Contact
          • Rinpoche's Health - Official Updates & Practices
        • Lama Thubten Yeshe's Homepage
          • Biography of Lama Yeshe & Lama Zopa
          • Photo Gallery
          • Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive
          • Tributes to Lama Yeshe
          • Lama Yeshe’s Vision for FPMT
        • His Holiness the Dalai Lama
          • Long Life Prayers
          • Praise to His Holiness by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
        • About Teachers
  • Projects
        • Ordained Sangha offering food and support
        • Charitable Projects
          • FPMT’s Charitable Projects
          • Supporting Our Lamas
            • Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund
              • News
              • Photos
              • Donate Now
            • Big Love Fund
              • News
              • Photos
              • Donate Now
            • Long Life Puja Fund
              • Photos
          • Supporting Ordained Sangha Fund
            • Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund
              • Photos
              • Donate Now
          • Social Services Fund
            • Animal Liberation Fund
              • Photos
              • Donate Now
            • Protecting the Environment
          • Holy Objects Fund
            • Zangdog Palri: Guru Rinpoche Pure Land Project
            • Stupa Fund
              • Photos
              • Donate Now
            • Padmasambhava Project for Peace
              • Photos
              • Donate Now
            • Maitreya Projects
            • Prayer Wheel Fund
              • Photos
              • Donate Now
          • Practice and Retreat Fund
            • Puja Fund
              • News
              • Photos
              • Donate Now
            • Prajnaparamita Project
              • Photos
              • Donate Now
          • Education and Preservation Fund
        • Make a Donation
        • Applying for Grants
        • Support International Office
          • Friends of FPMT Membership
          • Work a Day for Rinpoche
          • Planned Giving
          • Endowment Fund
          • Merit Box
          • Give a Gift that Helps Others
        • News about Projects
        • Give Where Most Needed
        • Other Projects within FPMT
          • Animal Liberation Sanctuary
          • Lama Yeshe Sangha Fund
          • Land of Calm Abiding
          • FPMT Mongolia
            • Donate Now
          • Tara Puja Fund
          • Tsum
            • Living Conditions
            • Plans for the Future
            • A Personal Account
            • Health Survey
            • Photo Album
            • Donate Now
        • *If a menu item has a submenu clicking once will expand the menu clicking twice will open the page.

  • FPMT
        • Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition

        • Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness and compassion.

          His Holiness the Dalai Lama
        • About FPMT
          • Mission Statement
          • Vast Visions for FPMT
          • The Origins of FPMT
          • Wisdom Culture
          • Osel Hita
            • News about Ösel
            • Photos of Ösel
            • Videos of Ösel
            • Books, Articles, Talks
          • Video Documentary
          • Messages of Appreciation
        • FPMT Announcements
        • International Office
          • Board of Directors
          • Staff - Key Positions
          • Contact Us
          • Map & Directions
          • Donate
        • Regional & National Offices
        • Annual Review
        • Safeguarding
        • Volunteer & Jobs
        • Shugden/Dolgyal Information
        • *If a menu item has a submenu clicking once will expand the menu clicking twice will open the page.

  • Shop
        • The Foundation Store is FPMT’s online shop and features a vast selection of Buddhist study and practice materials written or recommended by our lineage gurus. These items include homestudy programs, prayers and practices in PDF or eBook format, materials for children, and other resources to support practitioners.

          Items displayed in the shop are made available for Dharma practice and educational purposes, and never for the purpose of profiting from their sale. Please read FPMT Foundation Store Policy Regarding Dharma Items for more information.

        • The Foundation Store
        • New Arrivals
        • Specials
        • Foundation Store Newsletter
        • Practice Generosity
FPMT Community News Statement

Statement

Feb
5
2021

Update from FPMT Inc.

Posted in Statement.

Here is a further update on the steps we’re taking to help enable the FPMT organization to offer the safest environment possible, with robust protection from harm and abuse, and with clear and appropriate processes in place to report and resolve any complaint.

This is a very important area which we always seek to improve. The current steps are responding to and enriched by the learning provided and recommendations made as part of the investigation process into misconduct on the part of Dagri Rinpoche by the two safeguarding organizations commissioned by FPMT Inc., Thirtyone:eight and FaithTrust Institute.

  • A new online Protection from Abuse training presentation is in the late development stage. This will be mandatory for all in leadership positions within the FPMT organization, including registered teachers, and is currently being reviewed by Thirtyone:eight.  It includes guidance regarding sexual abuse, healthy boundaries, power imbalance, and crisis intervention. Once finalised, the training will be translated into key languages, including Tibetan.
  • Alongside the new training presentation, we will be providing new Protecting from Abuse policy, which the training presentation is designed to unpack and support. This policy will include input and recommendation received during our safeguarding audits.
  • We are also in the process of reviewing what should become new policy and guidelines related to FPMT registered teacher behaviour, including how complaints against teachers should be processed.

Our aim in providing these new resources, in addition to current ethical policy and guidelines, is to help provide learning, tools and strategies to better ensure protection from harm and abuse in FPMT-affiliated centers, projects, and services, and to make sure that any complaints can be appropriately reported, processed and resolved.

  • FPMT Foundation Service Seminars will refer to and make use of the new Protecting from Harm and Abuse policy and training.
  • We are working on how to more clearly communicate that any spiritual advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche is given purely from the perspective of personal spiritual practice and to ensure that clear pathways are separately outlined for processing any complaints or allegations independently from any spiritual advice.
  • We have already shared the FaithTrust Institute’s Summary Report with the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and have invited their input and recommendations.
  • We have reached out to each of the victims who shared their testimony with FaithTrust Institute during the Dagri Rinpoche investigation, to offer financial support for therapy and have fulfilled some requests received so far and are awaiting some additional responses.
  • FaithTrust Institute’s investigation also provided an opportunity for concerns to be expressed about other members of the FPMT community. The FPMT Inc. board is sharing details of the complaints regarding two FPMT teachers and one director with the boards of the relevant affiliates for investigation. The FPMT Inc. board will review the result of their local investigations, and act on them as appropriate. Another complaint received by FaithTrust Institute is related to inappropriate habits of speech of an FPMT registered teacher. As the complaint didn’t specify a location, we reviewed the information provided and have issued a formal warning to that teacher and will continue to monitor reports from their teaching program.

We sincerely wish that all of us involved in the FPMT organization will continue to contribute to the necessary reflections and changes that will help us to better prevent harm and abuse, and to process complaints appropriately and fairly: particularly after taking the training and reviewing the new policy and guidelines in the coming months.

To find out more about current FPMT policies and guidelines instituted to uphold a safe, respectful environment in local FPMT centers, projects, or services, please visit Safeguarding in FPMT Entities. This is part of our information about Problem Solving in the FPMT Organization, and includes the FPMT Ethical Policy, which was implemented in 2000, and which restricts sexual relationships between teachers and students, and harassment of any kind.  On that same page is a further important guideline, about guru devotion in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

 

Facebooktwitter
Dec
4
2020

Update from FPMT Inc.

Posted in Statement.

The Board of Directors of FPMT Inc. sincerely apologizes for the suffering experienced due to any gaps or shortcomings in our previous procedures, or in our responses to the allegations received, regarding the sexual misconduct and spiritual abuse committed by Dagri Rinpoche. We are grateful to the victims who came forward with their statements. We are also grateful to FaithTrust Institute (FTI) for their work, which enabled us to reach conclusions about Dagri Rinpoche’s actions and to remove him permanently from the Tibetan Teachers’ list. 

As was announced in our statement of November 20th, we also wish to share our main concerns about some of the broader assumptions and conclusions made by FTI in their draft Summary Report, in order to help our FPMT community have a full understanding of this process. Our concerns are not related to the statements of victims and the conclusion of guilt. Unfortunately FPMT Inc. did not have an opportunity to discuss with FTI our concerns about some of the conclusions they arrived at, and FPMT did not have representation presented for discussion and consideration for inclusion in the FTI final Summary Report.  This is because FTI unexpectedly informed us that their work with FPMT was concluded after the community statement was published. To read about these concerns, please click on the link at the bottom of this page.

Although this was outside its scope, FTI’s investigation has provided an opportunity for concerns to be expressed about other FPMT teachers/leaders.  Where the complaint states the individual being complained about, we will forward the complaint to the relevant affiliate’s board, and we will then follow up and review the result of their local investigations.

This situation has highlighted various issues that our organization takes very seriously. It has always been FPMT’s mission to provide safe and dependable environments. We recognize and accept the need and importance for a number of changes to be made, not only regarding policies and processes, but also regarding our culture at large. We sincerely wish that all involved in the FPMT organization can contribute in the coming months to these necessary reflections and changes that will help us to better prevent harm and abuse and to process allegations and complaints appropriately and fairly throughout the entire organization.

We will be further improving FPMT policies and processes regarding protecting from abuse (safeguarding). We are taking seriously all the recommendations of FTI and Thirtyone:eight, and will do our best to implement improvements as soon as possible. The implementation of Thirtyone:eight recommendations started in May 2020, and significant progress has been made. As for the 15 recommendations included in FTI’s recent report, many have already been completed and others are in progress.

One important development in progress is that we are creating an online Protection from Abuse training program, that will be translated into key languages, and mandatory for all in leadership positions within the FPMT organization. This training will provide learning, tools and strategies to better ensure protection from harm in FPMT-affiliated centers, projects, and services.

New and updated safeguarding and teacher policies and guidelines are in development, with significant feedback gathered from FPMT Registered Teachers and Regional/National Coordinators. This input is helping us to fulfil and expand on the recommendations of Thirtyone:eight and FTI.

We will be following up regularly to update you with our progress on implementing the various recommendations from Thirtyone:eight and FTI,in particular the Protection from Abuse training and related policies.

Our gratitude goes to each of you for your understanding and for your support in facing these challenges, and continuing to work together to make each and every single part of the FPMT organization a safe and harmonious place.

The Board of Directors of FPMT Inc.

FPMT Inc. Concerns Regarding Aspects of FTI’s Draft Summary Report

Find previous updates.

Facebooktwitter
Nov
20
2020

Update from FPMT Inc.

Posted in Statement.

In our last announcement on November 13, we stated we would publish “a summary report on the fact-finding assessment” into the claims of misconduct by Dagri Rinpoche “after we complete our remaining work with FaithTrust Institute.” 

We received a DRAFT of the Summary Report last month (October 2020), and we had hoped and expected to have the opportunity to contribute to the draft with FaithTrust Institute (FTI).  However, FTI  has recently informed us that they consider their work for FPMT Inc. to be completed. 

Therefore, as we had committed and in a spirit of complete and utter transparency, FPMT Inc. is releasing the complete, unedited draft of FTI’s Summary Report to you now. 

It is essential to note that FPMT does not agree with some of the points included by FTI in their Draft Summary Report. 

We will be providing a further update explaining and clarifying our main concerns about this Summary Report.  These comments will in no way call into question all that we acknowledged in our previous statement. We will also update about the work we are already doing, and still need to do, to fulfil the recommendations.

We want to take this opportunity to apologise again to the victims for the suffering experienced.

DRAFT Summary Report from FaithTrust Institute

Find links to past updates. 

Facebooktwitter
  • Tagged: dagri rinpoche, ethical conduct, ethical policy, faithtrust institute
Nov
13
2020

Update from FPMT Inc.

Posted in Statement.

This is an update to our previous announcements concerning our fact-finding assessment undertaken in response to multiple allegations of sexual misconduct by Dagri Rinpoche. 

As part of that assessment, the FPMT Inc. Board has received the confidential report of the independent investigation it commissioned from FaithTrust Institute* in October 2019.

Understanding the seriousness of these allegations against a teacher who has many devoted students within the FPMT organization who have greatly benefitted from his Dharma teachings and guidance, we have taken time to carefully assess and digest the report.

The allegations against Dagri Rinpoche investigated by FaithTrust Institute date back to 2008.  They include complaints from women of groping, sexual harassment and sexual assault, both within FPMT centers and elsewhere. Some women reported they were assaulted for years. Some were ordained nuns.

Using a standard for civil legal proceedings based on a preponderance of the evidence, FaithTrust Institute concluded from witness interviews, statements and corroborating evidence that Dagri Rinpoche did engage in a pattern of intentional and inappropriate sexual behavior that persisted over many years towards women who were in his company due to his position as a trusted incarnate lama and teacher. 

Despite multiple requests, Dagri Rinpoche did not meaningfully engage with FaithTrust Institute’s investigation.  However, when he received a detailed summary of multiple victim statements from FaithTrust Institute, he emailed a written response asking for forgiveness. 

Therefore, we accept that, according to the standard applied by FaithTrust Institute, Dagri Rinpoche committed sexual misconduct, which also qualifies as spiritual abuse given his position as a spiritual teacher.

We have unanimously determined that the temporary suspension of Dagri Rinpoche from the list of registered FPMT teachers (from which FPMT centers can choose to invite to provide Dharma teachings) is now permanent. That suspension, and now permanent removal from the list, means that FPMT centers, projects, and services, cannot invite Dagri Rinpoche to give Dharma teachings at the center.

Given FPMT’s policies and procedures in place when two allegations were brought to FPMT Inc. during the relevant time, we responded to the best of our ability. We would now respond in a more robust way to any allegation of abuse by someone teaching in the FPMT organization.  We always want to improve our policies and procedures, and are grateful for the learning brought during this fact-finding assessment.  We are deeply sorry for the suffering experienced due to any gaps in our previous procedures.

We thank FaithTrust Institute for its work.  We are grateful for the brave victims who requested and assisted with the investigation.

FPMT Inc. is responsible for providing policies and guidelines for implementation by its affiliated centers, projects, and services around the world, which are separate independent legal entities. We operate within an organizational structure whereby individual FPMT centers are responsible for events at that affiliate and for investigating any allegations of misconduct.

We have already started working to implement recommendations for improving our policies and guidelines based on recommendations made by thirtyone:eight (the UK-based safeguarding charity) and will also now work to explore and implement additional recommendations from FaithTrust Institute.

We will be publishing additional updates and a summary report on the fact-finding assessment, together with the steps we are taking in further improving existing policy and guidelines to help affiliates protect from abuse. These updates will be posted after we complete our remaining work with FaithTrust Institute to clarify and finalise some of the report details and to ensure that the request for anonymity for the victims is maintained.

This ongoing work will help to insure that FPMT students, Sangha, and listed teachers maintain healthy boundaries within which all may spiritually benefit and flourish.

*FaithTrust Institute is a multifaith, multicultural education, training and investigative organization that has assisted Buddhist, Christian, Jewish and Muslim organizations to skillfully respond to claims that healthy boundaries between leaders and their spiritual communities have been breached.

Find links to past updates. 

Facebooktwitter
  • Tagged: dagri rinpoche, ethical conduct, ethical policy, faithtrust institute
Mar
6
2020

Update from FPMT Inc. Board of Directors

Posted in Statement.

As last reported in December 2019, FPMT Inc. has contracted with FaithTrust Institute (FTI) to undertake a fact-finding assessment with a review and report on findings in response to allegations of sexual misconduct on the part of Dagri Rinpoche at FPMT centers. FPMT Inc. takes this matter very seriously. Harm and abuse by a spiritual teacher is antithetical to our community. Further, FPMT Inc. will not tolerate any retaliation against anyone who comes forward.

Anyone who may have experienced or witnessed harm from Dagri Rinpoche in his role as a spiritual teacher at FPMT centers is invited to contact FTI via email at confidential@faithtrustinstitute.org. FTI will continue to receive information for the assessment through March 16, 2020. After that time, they will be working to summarize the findings and complete the assessment report for the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors. The confidential report will be delivered to the Board of Directors towards the end of March 2020. After that time the Board of Directors with the help of FTI will release a summary report on the findings and recommendations for next steps to the community. We strive to be transparent as we respond to these allegations.

During the months of January and February 2020, the staff and Board of Directors of FPMT Inc. has undergone a training program around boundaries and responding to misconduct in spiritual communities. Further, the Board of Directors will be receiving additional training as they prepare to receive the report.

The Board of Directors at its last meeting also received the Summary Review of the Safeguarding Audit that was commissioned from Thirtyone:eight. There will be more information in the coming months about the next steps associated with the Thirtyone:eight audit.

If you want to contact the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors, please email Andrew Haynes: chairofboard@fpmt.org. If you have questions about the assessment process or want to speak with FaithTrust Institute, please contact Emily Cohen via the confidential mailbox listed above or call +1-206-634-1903.

Links to past updates can be found here.

Facebooktwitter
  • Tagged: dagri rinpoche, ethical conduct, ethical policy, faithtrust institute, thirty-one:eight
Dec
20
2019

Update from International Office and FPMT Inc. Board of Directors

Posted in Statement.

As we last reported on November 14, FPMT Inc. has received a report from an individual representing three women who have outlined allegations of sexual misconduct on the part of Dagri Rinpoche. This report contains what we believe to be allegations of misconduct by a teacher at FPMT centers, in violation of FPMT policies. After receiving these allegations, we have hired FaithTrust Institute to assist us in taking appropriate steps to conduct a fact-finding assessment of these complaints.

FaithTrust Institute is a national, multifaith, training and education organization based in Seattle, Washington, USA. We invited FaithTrust to conduct this assessment as they are experienced in helping religious organizations, including Buddhist communities, respond to spiritual leader abuse and sexual boundary violations. Further we believe that using an independent organization to conduct the assessment will encourage people to speak more freely.

Anyone who may have experienced or witnessed harm from Dagri Rinpoche in his role as spiritual teacher at FPMT centers, is invited to contact FaithTrust Institute. You can report your experience via email and, if you choose, participate in a confidential phone/Skype interview. All information will be held in confidence by FaithTrust Institute in the course of the assessment and report.

To contact FaithTrust Institute send an email to their confidential email address: confidential@faithtrustinstitute.org.

FaithTrust Institute will promptly follow up with you via email. If you prefer to be called, please indicate a phone or Skype number.

At the conclusion of the fact-finding and interview phase, FaithTrust Institute will provide the Board of Directors of FPMT Inc. with a confidential review and assessment of the findings, along with recommendations for next steps that FPMT Inc. can take related to the findings.

FPMT Inc. takes this matter very seriously and will not tolerate any retaliation against anyone who comes forward. Harm and abuse by a spiritual teacher is antithetical to our community. We strive to be transparent as we respond to these allegations, and plan to keep the FPMT community updated during each phase of our process with FaithTrust Institute.

If you want to contact the FPMT Inc. board regarding this, please email Andrew Haynes: chairofboard@fpmt.org.

If you have questions about the interview process or want to speak with FaithTrust Institute, please contact Emily Cohen via the confidential mailbox listed above or call +01 206-634-1903.

Facebooktwitter
  • Tagged: dagri rinpoche, ethical conduct, ethical policy, faithtrust institute
Nov
14
2019

Update from International Office and FPMT Inc. Board of Directors

Posted in Announcements, Statement.

FPMT Inc. wishes to update the FPMT community on what actions are underway in response to allegations against Dagri Rinpoche and actions to improve safeguarding within the FPMT organization. Our previous updates on this are available here.

Dagri Rinpoche has not yet responded to inquiries from FPMT Inc. He remains suspended from the FPMT Tibetan Teachers List. His criminal case remains pending in the Indian Court system. We understand that the next scheduled Court proceeding will be held on December 2, 2019.

Since our last update posted on August 12, 2019, FPMT Inc. has received a report from an individual representing three women who have outlined allegations of sexual misconduct on the part of teacher Dagri Rinpoche. This report contains what we believe to be allegations of misconduct in violation of FPMT policies.

FPMT Inc. is committed to responding according to our policies and investigate possible misconduct by a trusted teacher within the FPMT organization. Therefore FPMT Inc. has contracted with FaithTrust Institute, a US, multifaith, training and education organization, to conduct an independent assessment regarding allegations against Dagri Rinpoche. FaithTrust was retained to conduct this assessment as they are experienced in helping religious organizations, including Buddhist communities, respond to allegations of abuse and sexual boundary violations. Further we believe that using an independent organization to conduct the assessment would enable people to speak more freely.

Women (or men) who may have experienced harm from Dagri Rinpoche will be able to report their experience to FaithTrust Institute. We will soon announce FaithTrust’s confidential mailbox, inviting those with concerns to come forward and take part in this assessment. Dagri Rinpoche will also be requested to participate and to respond to the allegations. When the assessment has been completed, FaithTrust will provide FPMT Inc. with their report and recommendations, which will form the basis for further action by us.

FaithTrust Institute will also conduct training for FPMT Inc. leaders on best practices for healthy boundaries in spiritual student/teacher relationships and best practice in responding to allegations of misconduct.

In addition a safeguarding audit is being undertaken for FPMT by the UK-based safeguarding charity Thirtyone:eight. Work began on this safeguarding audit in August, and we expect their report later this month. Our purpose in commissioning this audit is to invite this experienced safeguarding body to scrutinize the policy and guidelines related to protecting adults and children (safeguarding), which FPMT Inc. has provided for its affiliated centers, projects, and services. Any gaps and areas for improvement that the audit identifies will help us to improve the policies to better protect and support students and teachers.

FPMT Inc. is the international office responsible for providing policies and guidelines for implementation by its affiliated centers, projects, and services in 40 countries around the world. Each affiliate is an independent legal entity and is financed locally.

Facebooktwitter
  • Tagged: dagri rinpoche, ethical conduct, ethical policy
Aug
12
2019

Update from International Office and FPMT Inc. Board of Directors

Posted in Announcements, Statement.

FPMT International Office and the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors continue in our commitment to help FPMT centers, projects, and services uphold a safe and respectful environment, where people’s minds and hearts can be transformed into their highest potential for the benefit of others. Our commitment to these values is reflected in the FPMT Ethical Policy.

Next Steps: Safeguarding Audit

FPMT Inc. has now commissioned Thirtyone:eight, an experienced UK safeguarding charity, to conduct an independent review of our safeguarding policies and guidelines. Thirtyone:eight calls this a Safeguarding Audit.

Our purpose in commissioning this audit is to identify gaps and areas for improvement in our policies and guidelines in order to enable centers to better protect and support students and teachers. This will include creating safer and more supportive environments for people making complaints of unethical behavior and improving the organization’s response to such complaints.

Thirtyone:eight’s remit is to look at safeguarding practices in the FPMT organization at the international, national, and local levels. At the international level, the audit will look at safeguarding practices at the level of FPMT, Inc. At the national level, the audit will look at safeguarding practices within different countries. Finally, the audit will look at safeguarding practices at a sample of specific FPMT centers.

Thirtyone:eight expects their audit to take two months to complete.

FPMT Inc. will share recommended improvements to our existing safeguarding policy and guidelines with FPMT regional and national coordinators, who will work with local directors and board members to establish how best to implement these within the framework of national laws and cultural appropriateness. We will then formally update FPMT policies and guidelines accordingly.

Dagri Rinpoche

The Indian police investigation of the allegation against Dagri Rinpoche is moving through the Indian court system. We understand that the next court date is August 26.

We want to remain respectful and to not disregard Dagri Rinpoche’s many years of valued teaching in FPMT centers. However, due to the current court case and the allegations made to us, which are detailed in our update of May 24, we continue to believe that the appropriate response at this time is for Dagri Rinpoche to remain on suspension from the FPMT Tibetan teachers list.

We are aware that some individuals and organizations are taking advantage of the allegations against Dagri Rinpoche to disseminate misinformation and gossip, and to create disharmony. Therefore, please rely on our “Updates Regarding Dagri Rinpoche” page for FPMT Inc.’s responses. We are committed to being as transparent and forthcoming as possible in our communications and statements.

It is FPMT Inc.’s priority to continue to build the organization into a more compassionate and wise network, in accordance with both spiritual and worldly conventions.

Facebooktwitter
  • Tagged: dagri rinpoche, ethical conduct, ethical policy
Jun
28
2019

Update from International Office

Posted in Announcements, Statement.

FPMT International Office is continuing to follow the two approaches outlined below in terms of assessing and updating our safeguarding and grievance procedures, and responding to the concerns raised by the allegations regarding Dagri Rinpoche.

1. Approach of providing spiritual advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche to students of Dagri Rinpoche, based on the lamrim practice of guru devotion.

2. Approach of assessing and addressing any allegations in the context of worldly conventions.
This involves following normal procedures for investigating any allegations. FPMT International Office takes accusations of abuse very seriously, and are actively reviewing the existing procedures we have in place for managing allegations, grievances, and disputes, assessing any gaps that we may have, and improvements we can make.

Since our last update on May 24, 2019, we have followed these steps:

  • We have continued to communicate with some of the alleged victims and also with numerous students and others, and are carefully reviewing all input and suggestions received.
  • We have added some additional links and pathways to our Safeguarding and Problem Solving and our Ethical Policy pages on fpmt.org.
  • We have become a member of a UK safeguarding charity called Thirtyone:eight and are reviewing their templates, audit tools, and resources on safeguarding to assess any gaps in our current procedures and to identify areas for improvement.
  • We are exploring what options are available to commission a suitable professional body to conduct an independent review of our current polices and procedures, to identify any gaps or areas for improvement.
  • We are assessing what options are available to allow us to increase awareness of, and ensure priority is given to, safeguarding and implementation of a clear grievance procedure in the FPMT network of centers, projects, and services around the world.

FPMT International Office remains committed to continue to improve our policies and procedures to ensure we have robust systems in place for protecting against abuse, and to provide a safe environment for teachers to teach and be supported. We continue to require and assist FPMT center, service, and project directors to stay up to date with, and implement, our policies and guidelines.

Earlier updates, and advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche, concerning Dagri Rinpoche are available here.

Facebooktwitter
  • Tagged: dagri rinpoche, ethical conduct, ethical policy
May
24
2019

Further Update Regarding Dagri Rinpoche

Posted in Announcements, Statement.

FPMT International Office has received considerable correspondence regarding the alleged misconduct by Dagri Rinpoche and the decision to suspend Dagri Rinpoche from the FPMT Tibetan Teachers List. (See the timeline below for details.)

International Office acknowledges the very real suffering experienced by the women who have made allegations of misconduct by Dagri Rinpoche, and understand how difficult it is to speak out publically about this. We appreciate their courage in speaking out.

We also want to recognize Dagri Rinpoche’s service to the FPMT organization as a teacher for more than fifteen years. We have received no complaints about his actions over the past eight years.

International Office remains committed to helping local FPMT centers, projects, and services in creating a supportive and respectful environment for the students who study and practice there, and for the teachers who teach there. We continue to emphasize the FPMT Ethical Policy as a way to ensure these positive conditions.

The FPMT Ethical Policy is available for all to read on the FPMT website, and has been since it was first created in 2000. Allegations of misconduct are received with an open mind and a warm heart. In response to any complaint, the FPMT organization follows the guidelines described in Problem Solving within the FPMT Organization. We understand the importance of supporting and protecting teachers, and students, while any allegations are investigated.

Since 2011 (see our timeline below), International Office, relying on input from professionals and stakeholders, created and updated guidelines to support interactions between teachers, students, and staff, as a supplement to the FPMT Ethical Policy. Clauses within the Ethical Policy itself also have been updated on several occasions in order to capture and insist upon improved understanding of best practice.

In addition, the FPMT Ethical Policy and problem solving guidelines are regularly taken up and discussed at FPMT regional and national meetings, and at meetings of ordained FPMT Sangha. This is to keep the importance of abiding by the Ethical Policy in the minds of all in positions of authority within the FPMT organization.

There has been a lot of misunderstanding as to what the FPMT organization has done after becoming aware of Jakaira Perez Valdivia’s allegation. In order to clarify, and to prevent further misunderstanding, here is our timeline:

2011

  • International Office was alerted by the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama about an allegation of sexual assault made by a Western nun (Jakaira Perez Valdivia) against Dagri Rinpoche. The alleged assault did not take place at an FPMT center, and the communication from the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was the first we had heard about it. Therefore, FPMT International Office felt that the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was the appropriate body to investigate the allegation.
  • The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama informed us that they had investigated the allegation and that it was resolved. They informed us that Dagri Rinpoche understood the seriousness of the allegations and committed to avoiding situations that could give rise to similar allegations in the future.
  • Based on the outcome of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s investigation, International Office decided that Dagri Rinpoche should remain on the list of FPMT Tibetan teachers. We talked directly with Dagri Rinpoche to ensure that he understood the seriousness of this allegation.
  • We alerted FPMT regional and national coordinators, who organize teacher tours, of the allegation of misconduct and the outcome of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s investigation. We asked the coordinators to alert centers that had invited or were planning to invite Dagri Rinpoche of this information.

2012

  • Jakaira Perez Valdivia emailed International Office, asking us to provide her with an apology from Dagri Rinpoche as she had heard that Dagri Rinpoche was defaming her in FPMT centers. We looked into the matter and were able to respond that we found no evidence that Dagri Rinpoche had spoken negatively about her and that he had considered the matter closed since the meeting with the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

2013

  • International Office was alerted of another student who had said she was inappropriately touched by Dagri Rinpoche in 2010. We contacted the student directly to learn more. The student—who wished, and continues to wish, to remain unnamed—decided to not make any public allegation nor take the matter further based on the outcome of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s investigation in 2011.

2018

  • International Office reminded FPMT regional and national coordinators of the outcome of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s investigation into Dagri Rinpoche in 2011, as part of our going safeguarding process.

2019

  • As of the beginning of May 2019, International Office had received no other complaints about the conduct of Dagri Rinpoche, nor heard any public allegations of misconduct by Dagri Rinpoche.
  • On May 3, an American woman filed a police complaint in India, alleging that Dagri Rinpoche sexually harassed her during a flight from Delhi to Gaggal. The Indian police began an investigation. We verified this directly with the police station involved.
  • In response to the May 3 allegation, International Office suspended Dagri Rinpoche from the FPMT Tibetan Teachers List.
  • On May 14, International Office posted the public statement “Update Regarding Dagri Rinpoche.”
  • On May 14, International Office posted “Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Advice to Students of Dagri Rinpoche.” (This letter is advice specifically for students of Dagri Rinpoche, to help them.)
  • We were informed that a Korean woman had made an allegation against Dagri Rinpoche on Facebook. On May 15, that woman, Youngsun Shin, reached out to us directly to inform us of her allegation of inappropriate physical contact by Dagri Rinpoche in Dharamsala in 2008.  We are in correspondence with Youngsun Shin.
  • On May 24, International Office created the page “Updates Regarding Dagri Rinpoche,” where updates and links on this issue will be shared.
  • On May 24, International Office posted “Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Additional Advice to Students of Dagri Rinpoche.” (This is a second letter of advice specifically for students of Dagri Rinpoche.)

Next Steps

While we await the results of the Indian police investigation, we are continuing a correspondence with Jakaira Perez Valdivia.  We are also seeking professional assistance, and committed to continue to improve our current policies and procedures.

 

Facebooktwitter
  • Tagged: dagri rinpoche, ethical conduct, ethical policy
May
14
2019

Update Regarding Dagri Rinpoche

Posted in Announcements, Statement.

Dagri Rinpoche has for many years been one of the Tibetan teachers on FPMT’s Tibetan Teachers List.

The Indian police last week received a formal complaint from a woman who was on a commercial airline flight with Dagri Rinpoche in India, accusing Dagri Rinpoche of inappropriate behaviour during the flight. Furthermore, another woman recently made allegations about misconduct by Dagri Rinpoche 10 years ago, which she shared via a YouTube video.

FPMT International Office understands that best practice is to suspend a teacher from teaching while an investigation is ongoing, in order to protect students, and the teacher. The investigation into what happened on the flight is currently being conducted by the Indian police.

We have therefore temporarily suspended Dagri Rinpoche from the FPMT Tibetan Teachers List with immediate effect, pending the conclusion of the police investigation. This means that Dagri Rinpoche may not teach, or be invited to teach, in any FPMT center during this suspension.  FPMT teacher suspension does not indicate an assumption of guilt.

Dagri Rinpoche sent International Office this personal statement regarding the allegations.

Regarding the allegations made on YouTube, we have reached out directly to the woman who posted the video. In 2011, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Private Office informed us that they had received an allegation by this woman against Dagri Rinpoche. The Private Office informed us that they had investigated the allegations, and that they had resolved the matter with the woman. They informed us that Dagri Rinpoche understood the seriousness of the allegations and committed to avoid situations which could give rise to similar allegations in the future. 

Therefore, we maintained Dagri Rinpoche’s listing on the FPMT Tibetan Teachers List. However, we took our responsibility to students seriously, and alerted FPMT regional and national coordinators about the matter, asking them to inform any center which had invited or was planning to invite Dagri Rinpoche, so that they could consider their invitation in light of this information. We also took the opportunity to review FPMT policies and processes to see if any further amendments were needed to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and centers.

We sent a reminder about this to the coordinators last year, as we were told that talk was circulating about Dagri Rinpoche.

We have received no complaints about Dagri Rinpoche since 2011. 

Our recent decision to suspend Dagri Rinpoche is consistent with the emphasis which the FPMT organization places on ethical behavior.

FPMT policies and guidelines are instituted to help individuals in positions of authority to uphold a safe, respectful environment in their local center, project, or service. These include:

  • Abiding within the Law
  • FPMT Ethical Policy
  • Grievance procedure guideline
  • Teacher Policy and guidelines, which help ensure that Dharma teachings are provided only by those who are qualified to teach Dharma (FPMT registered teachers)

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has given this advice for Dagri Rinpoche’s students on how to relate to this situation from a Dharma perspective.

Find new updates and advice here.

Facebooktwitter
  • Tagged: dagri rinpoche, ethical conduct, ethical policy
  • DONATE
  • Home
    • FPMT Homepage
    • Welcome
    • Willkommen
    • Bienvenidos
    • Bienvenue
    • Benvenuto
    • 欢迎 / 歡迎
  • News / Media
    • Mandala Magazine
      • Online Features
      • Archive
      • About Mandala Publications
        • FPMT News Around the World Submission Guidelines
      • This Issue
      • Subscribe
        • Subscribe to Mandala Publications
        • Subscribe to our RSS Feeds
      • Contact
        • Laura Miller – Managing Editor and Publisher
        • Nicole Parisi-Smith – Assistant Editor
        • Friends of FPMT
        • Address Changes
      • Advertise
      • Support Prisoners
    • Important Announcements
      • Resources for the Coronavirus Pandemic
      • Updates Regarding Dagri Rinpoche
    • FPMT News
    • Lama Zopa Rinpoche News
    • e-News
      • e-News Archives
      • Receive Our Newsletters
      • Unsubscribe e-News
      • Unsubscribe FPMT Latest News
    • RSS Feeds
      • All News
      • FPMT Announcements
      • Lama Zopa Rinpoche News
      • Rinpoche’s Schedule
      • Rinpoche’s Health Updates
      • News About Ösel
      • FPMT Projects News
      • Education News
      • Mandala Magazine
    • Social Media
    • Video Resources
      • Teachings by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
      • Essential Extracts by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
      • Video Clips of Lama Zopa Rinpoche On the Road
      • FPMT Live Webcast Schedule
      • FPMT Live Webcast Channel
      • FPMT YouTube Channel
    • Photo Galleries
    • Publications
    • Resources
    • Videos, Photos, & Publications
  • Education
    • About Education
    • Education News
    • Programs
      • New to Buddhism?
      • Heart Advice for Death and Dying
      • Discovering Buddhism
        • Online Learning Center Modules
        • Watch Discovering Buddhism Videos
        • FAQ
        • Statements of Appreciation
      • Living in the Path
      • Basic Program
        • Standard Texts and Commentaries
        • Subject Descriptions
        • Preparatory Study and Practice
        • Centers
        • Homestudy
        • Homestudy Teachers
        • Homestudy FAQ
      • Masters Program
      • Maitripa College
      • Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translator Program
    • Prayers & Practice Materials
      • Available by Donation
      • Free Downloads
      • Lamrim Resources
      • Dharma Dates – Tibetan Calendar
        • Purchase Calendar
        • Dates Explained
      • Prayer Book Updates
    • Mantras and Sutras
      • Various Mantras and Resources
      • Various Sutras and Resources
        • Amitayus Long Life Sutra
        • Entering the Great City of Vaishali
        • Heart Sutra
        • Sanghata Sutra
        • Sutra of Golden Light
        • Vajra Cutter Sutra
    • Death and Dying
    • Benefiting Animals
    • Teachings and Advice
      • Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive
      • Audio Teachings
      • Light of the Path Teachings
        • 2017 Video Archive
        • 2016 Video Archive
        • 2014 Video Archive
        • 2010 Video Archive
        • 2009 Video Archive
      • FPMT YouTube Channel
    • Holy Objects
      • Prayer Flags
      • Prayer Wheels
      • Relics
      • Statues
      • Stupas
      • Thangkas
      • Tsa-Tsas
      • Microfilm for Stupas and Prayer Wheels
        • Information on How to Fill a Prayer Wheel
        • Benefits of Making Prayer Wheels
        • How this Latest Mani Microfilm was Developed
    • Translations
    • Offer Your Support
    • Children and Teenagers
    • Secular
    • Buddhism FAQ
  • Centers
    • Center Directory
    • Center FAQ
    • Resident Teachers
    • FPMT Service Seminars
      • Overview
      • Foundation Service Seminar
      • Inner Job Description App
      • Teacher Development Service Seminar
      • Hosting and Attending an FPMT Service Seminar
    • Community Service
    • Affiliates Area
    • Monks and Nuns
    • Retreat Information
      • Retreat Schedule
      • Discovering Buddhism Retreat Schedule
      • Basic Program Retreat Schedule
  • Teachers
    • About Teachers
    • His Holiness the Dalai Lama
      • Long Life Prayers
      • Praise to His Holiness by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
    • Lama Thubten Yeshe’s Homepage
      • Biography of Lama Yeshe & Lama Zopa
      • Photo Gallery
      • Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive
      • Tributes to Lama Yeshe
      • Lama Yeshe’s Vision for FPMT
    • Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Homepage
      • News
      • Schedule
      • Videos
      • Photos
      • Advice
      • Rinpoche’s Teachers
      • How to Contact
      • Rinpoche’s Health – Official Updates & Practices
  • Projects
    • Charitable Projects
      • FPMT’s Charitable Projects
      • Supporting Our Lamas
        • Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund
          • News
          • Photos
          • Donate Now
        • Big Love Fund
          • News
          • Photos
          • Donate Now
        • Long Life Puja Fund
          • Photos
      • Supporting Ordained Sangha Fund
        • Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund
          • Photos
          • Donate Now
      • Social Services Fund
        • Animal Liberation Fund
          • Photos
          • Donate Now
        • Protecting the Environment
      • Holy Objects Fund
        • Zangdog Palri: Guru Rinpoche Pure Land Project
        • Stupa Fund
          • Photos
          • Donate Now
        • Padmasambhava Project for Peace
          • Photos
          • Donate Now
        • Maitreya Projects
        • Prayer Wheel Fund
          • Photos
          • Donate Now
      • Practice and Retreat Fund
        • Puja Fund
          • News
          • Photos
          • Donate Now
        • Prajnaparamita Project
          • Photos
          • Donate Now
      • Education and Preservation Fund
    • Make a Donation
    • Applying for Grants
    • News about Projects
    • Other Projects within FPMT
      • Animal Liberation Sanctuary
      • Lama Yeshe Sangha Fund
      • Land of Calm Abiding
      • FPMT Mongolia
        • Donate Now
      • Tara Puja Fund
      • Tsum
        • Living Conditions
        • Plans for the Future
        • A Personal Account
        • Health Survey
        • Photo Album
        • Donate Now
    • Support International Office
      • Friends of FPMT Membership
      • Work a Day for Rinpoche
      • Planned Giving
      • Endowment Fund
      • Merit Box
      • Give a Gift that Helps Others
    • Give Where Most Needed
  • FPMT
    • About FPMT
      • Mission Statement
      • Vast Visions for FPMT
      • The Origins of FPMT
      • Wisdom Culture
      • Osel Hita
        • News about Ösel
        • Photos of Ösel
        • Videos of Ösel
        • Books, Articles, Talks
      • Video Documentary
      • Messages of Appreciation
    • FPMT Announcements
    • International Office
      • Board of Directors
      • Staff – Key Positions
      • Contact Us
      • Map & Directions
      • Donate
    • Annual Review
    • Regional & National Offices
    • Safeguarding
    • Volunteer & Jobs
    • Shugden/Dolgyal Information
  • Shop
    • The Foundation Store
    • New Arrivals
    • Specials
    • Foundation Store Newsletter
    • Practice Generosity

Translate*

*powered by Google TranslateTranslation of pages on fpmt.org is performed by Google Translate, a third party service which FPMT has no control over. The service provides automated computer translations that are only an approximation of the websites' original content. The translations should not be considered exact and only used as a rough guide.

It’s the foggy mind, the mind that’s attracted to an object and paints a distorted projection onto it, that makes you suffer. That’s all. It’s really quite simple.

Lama Thubten Yeshe

Contact Info

1632 SE 11th Avenue
Portland, OR 97214-4702 USA
Tel (503) 808-1588 | Fax (503) 232-0557

About FPMT

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) is an organization devoted to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service. more…

About Buddhism

If you're new to Buddhism, please read our Buddhism FAQ. A place to learn about Buddhism in general, FPMT, and our Discovering Buddhism at Home series.
Contact Us | RSS Feeds | Privacy & Security | Copyright ©2021 FPMT Inc.