DONATE
  receive our newsletters     join Friends of FPMT
  • DONATE
  • Home
    • FPMT Homepage
      • 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
    • 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 Editions Mahayana 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
        • What's New: Teachings, Updates, Stories & More
        • Latest Blog Posts
          • Lama Zopa Rinpoche News & Advice
          • Lama Yeshe’s Wisdom
          • Charitable Projects News
          • Study & Practice News
          • Updates from the FPMT Inc. Board
          • FPMT Community: Stories & News
          • In-depth Stories
          • Obituaries
        • Monthly e-News
        • Celebrate FPMT's 50th Anniversary
        • Lama Zopa Rinpoche Latest Videos
          • Full-Length Teachings
          • Essential Extracts
          • Short Clips
          • ༧སྐྱབས་རྗེ་བཟོད་པ་རིན་པོ་ཆེ་མཆོག་ནས་སྩལ་བའི་བཀའ་སློབ་བརྙན་འཕྲིན།
        • FPMT YouTube Channel
        • Podcasts
        • Photo Galleries
        • Social Media
        • Mandala Magazine
          • Mandala Magazine Archive
          • This Issue
          • Subscribe
          • Support Prisoners
        • Submit a Story/Obituary
        • Subscribe
          • Daily & Weekly Blogs
          • Unsubscribe Daily & Weekly Blogs
          • Monthly FPMT e-News
          • Unsubscribe Monthly FPMT e-News
        • Important Announcements
          • Resources for the Coronavirus Pandemic
          • Updates Regarding Dagri Rinpoche
        • Resources
  • Study & Practice
        • About FPMT Education Services
        • Latest News
        • Programs
          • New to Buddhism?
          • Buddhist Mind Science: Activating Your Potential
          • Heart Advice for Death and Dying
          • Discovering Buddhism
            • Online Learning Center Modules
            • Watch Discovering Buddhism Videos
            • FAQ
            • Statements of Appreciation
            • Shared Resources for Discovering Buddhism
          • Living in the Path
          • Exploring Buddhism
          • FPMT Basic Program
            • Standard Texts and Commentaries
            • Subject Descriptions
            • Preparatory Study and Practice
            • Centers
            • Homestudy
            • Homestudy Teachers
            • Homestudy FAQ
          • FPMT Masters Program
          • FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training
          • Maitripa College
          • Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translator Program
          • Universal Education for Compassion & Wisdom
        • Online Learning Center
        • Prayers & Practice Materials
          • Overview of Prayers & Practices
          • Full Catalogue of Prayers & Practice Materials
          • Explore Popular Topics
            • Benefiting Animals
            • Chenrezig Resources
            • Death & Dying Resources
            • Lama Chopa (Guru Puja)
            • Lama Zopa Rinpoche: Compendium of Precious Instructions
            • Lama Zopa Rinpoche: Life Practice Advice
            • Lama Zopa Rinpoche Practice Series
            • Lamrim Resources
            • Mantras
            • Prayer Book Updates
            • Purification Practices
            • Sutras
            • Thought Transformation (Lojong)
          • Audio Materials
          • Dharma Dates - Tibetan Calendar
            • Purchase Calendar
            • Dates Explained
        • Translation Services
        • Publishing Services
        • Ways to Offer Support
        • Teachings and Advice
          • Find Teachings and Advice
          • Lama Zopa Rinpoche Advice Page
          • Lama Zopa Rinpoche: Compendium of Precious Instructions
          • Lama Zopa Rinpoche Video Teachings
            • Full-Length Teachings
            • Essential Extracts of Teachings
            • Short Video Clips of Rinpoche
          • ༧སྐྱབས་རྗེ་བཟོད་པ་རིན་པོ་ཆེ་མཆོག་ནས་སྩལ་བའི་བཀའ་སློབ་བརྙན་འཕྲིན།
          • Podcasts
          • Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive
          • Buddhism FAQ
          • Dharma for Young People
          • Resources on Holy Objects
            • 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
        • *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
          • Teacher Development Service Seminar
          • Hosting and Attending an FPMT Service Seminar
          • Upcoming Service Seminars
        • Retreat Information
          • Retreat Schedule
          • FPMT Basic Program and FPMT Masters Program Retreat Schedule
        • Community Service
        • Monks and Nuns
        • Affiliates Entrance
  • Teachers
        • Lama Zopa Rinpoche's Homepage
          • Updates Regarding Rinpoche
          • News
          • Videos
          • Photos
          • Advice
          • Vast Visions
        • 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 Yeshe's Incarnation - Tenzin Osel HitaTorres
        • His Holiness the Dalai Lama
          • Long Life Prayers
          • Praise to His Holiness by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
        • About Teachers
        • About Teacher Registration
  • Projects
        • Education and Preservation of the dharma
        • Charitable Projects
          • FPMT’s Charitable Projects
          • Supporting Our Lamas
            • Unmistaken Incarnation Fund
            • Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta 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
          • Holy Objects Fund
            • Offering Buddha Statues to H.H. the Dalai Lama
            • Lama Zopa Rinpoche Stupa of Complete Victory
            • 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
          • Practices and Pujas
            • Puja Fund
              • News
              • Photos
              • Donate Now
            • Prajnaparamita Project
              • Photos
              • Donate Now
            • Practice and Retreat Fund
          • Education and Preservation Fund
          • FPMT Community Support Fund
        • Make a Donation
        • Applying for Grants
        • Support International Office
          • Fulfilling Our Lamas' Wishes Fund
          • Friends of FPMT Membership
          • Planned Giving
          • Endowment Fund
        • News about Projects
        • Projects Photo Galleries
        • 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

        • Practice with the bodhisattva attitude every day. People can’t see your mind; what people see is a manifestation of your attitude in your actions of body and speech. So pay attention to your attitude all the time. Guard it as if you are the police, or like a parent cares for a child, like a bodyguard, or as if you are the guru and your mind is your disciple.

          Lama Zopa Rinpoche
        • About FPMT
          • Mission Statement
          • Vast Visions for FPMT
          • The Origins of FPMT
          • Wisdom Culture
          • Video Documentary
          • Messages of Appreciation
        • FPMT Announcements
        • International Office
          • Contact Us
          • Donate
        • Board of Directors
          • Meet Our Members
          • Updates from FPMT Inc. Board
        • Regional & National Offices
        • Annual Review
        • Safeguarding
        • Volunteer & Jobs
        • Shugden/Dolgyal Information
  • 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
Lama Zopa Rinpoche News and Advice

Lama Zopa Rinpoche News and Advice

Aug
13
2026

Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche: Practices for Earthquakes and Natural Disasters

Read all posts in Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Ksitigarbha statue at Buddha Amitabha Pure Land, WA, USA

Over the years, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered various pieces of advice for prayers and practices to turn to when facing natural disasters. In light of the recent earthquakes in Latin America—in Venezuela on June 24, 2026 and in Colombia on August 10, 2026, as well as recent fire emergencies in Southern Europe, North Africa, and North America—we share the following collection of Rinpoche’s advice, offered in the hope that it may be of benefit.

“Buddha Ksitigarbha is another unbelievably powerful practice for success, I think especially when there’s an earthquake but also when there is any danger of fire, water, earth or wind. If there are any of those dangers, it’s very good to recite this Buddha Ksitigarbha mantra. It’s extremely powerful. You make offerings to Buddha Ksitigarbha and then make the prayer. It’s one hundred million times more powerful for success than praying to other bodhisattvas. If you read the Ksitigarbha sutra, it brings unimaginable benefit for sentient beings.” – Lama Zopa Rinpoche 

All are welcome to download the Ksitigarbha Practice eBook & PDF. Please also listen to Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the mantra. 

To follow the complete list of prayers and practices suggested by Lama Zopa Rinpoche over the years:

  • Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche: Earthquakes 
  • Lama Zopa Rinpoche Advises Urgent Practices for Pacifying an Earthquake in California 
  • Tsunami and Earthquakes 
  • Mitigating Severe Conditions of the Elements
  • Preventing Earthquakes
  • The Practice of Ksitigarbha to Avert Danger and Purify Obstacles
  • Natural Disasters
  • Sutra Golden Light for earthquakes, natural disaster and wars
  • Kshitigarbha Practice to Pacify Earthquakes

More Ksitigarbha Resources:

  • Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
  • Kṣitigarbha Ten Wheels Mahāyāna Sūtra from the Great Collection

Through the generosity of a dedicated benefactor, each FPMT center, project, and service around the world has been offered a Ksitigarbha statue. We are deeply grateful for this generous offering and for the support it provides to the FPMT family. We invite all centers, projects, and services that have received a statue to share a photo with us, if you haven’t already, so we can celebrate and showcase these precious statues throughout our community. 


Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching extract from The Path to Ultimate Happiness: Lamrim Teachings from Kopan 2009  No. 42, Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive publications

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

  • Tagged: earthquakes, pacify earthquakes
Aug
11
2026

Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche: Happiness Starts When We Renounce This Life

Read all posts in Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Lama Zopa Rinpoche News and Advice.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s book How to Practice Dharma: Teachings on the Eight Worldly Dharmas deals with the eight worldly dharmas, essentially how desire and attachment cause us to create problems and suffering and how to abandon these negative minds in order to find perfect peace and happiness. This excerpt below is from Chapter 8, “Turning Away from Worldly Concern.” 

Happiness Starts When We Renounce This Life

By Lama Zopa Rinpoche

The terms “renouncing this life” or “renouncing suffering” both mean renouncing the mind that is the cause of the problems, the thought of the eight worldly dharmas. Therefore “Dharma” includes even pragmatic, transient techniques to stop attachment from arising. This is the actual Dharma, the method that immediately solves our confusion and mental illness. Bringing clarity and lack of confusion to our mind is the best way of bringing happiness to our life. Renouncing suffering doesn’t mean we’ll never have stomach or knee pain, a headache or a cold. It doesn’t mean wishing to be free of all pain but wishing to be free from the very cause of all suffering.

It has been the experience of these great yogis that we don’t have to wait until our future lives to experience this happiness. As soon as we stop the dissatisfied mind, immediately—immediately—there’s the result, happiness.

At first we might be nervous about letting go of desire because we normally equate desire with happiness. In fact, it’s exactly the opposite. As soon as we let go of desire we achieve inner peace, satisfaction and happiness; we become independent. Before, we were dictated to and controlled by desire but now we have achieved real freedom.

We can see in the biographies of the great yogis Tilopa, Marpa, Milarepa, Lama Tsongkhapa and many of those other highly realized beings whose holy minds passed into enlightenment how, even without material possessions, they generated great tranquility and peace and through that were able to realize the great achievements of the path. They didn’t have even the scent of the eight worldly dharmas about them but by completely renouncing desire for this life, they received everything—the best reputation, perfect surroundings and sufficient material comfort.

In Milarepa’s Hundred Thousand Songs he often says how renouncing this life’s worldly activities automatically stops all the thousands of problems associated with the worldly life and brings great bliss.

Without any possessions at all, he led an ascetic life in solitary places. Although he lived like an animal, he spent his life in great happiness, his mind always peaceful, without confusion or problems. He didn’t have even one sack of tsampa but lived on nettles alone. Living without food, clothing or reputation didn’t cause him any problems because of his Dharma practice. He achieved all the high realizations and then enlightenment in that one lifetime, all due to the power of his pure Dharma practice of renouncing suffering, renouncing this life. His mind was incomparably happier than that of the king who has great power and many bodyguards, soldiers and weapons.

Therefore, it’s completely wrong to think that Dharma only brings happiness in future lifetimes but not in this one. We experience peace and happiness the very moment we begin to practice and live in the Dharma. We feel its effects immediately. Continue to read the full Chapter. 

From How to Practice Dharma: Teachings on the Eight Worldly Dharmas, by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Chapter 8. Edited by Gordon McDougall and published by Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.

You can order a print copy from the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive online store. You can also read this book online, access translations, or order the audiobook from Audible.com. LYWA Members can download the ebook for free.


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

  • Tagged: advice from lama zopa rinpoche, renunciation
Aug
4
2026

Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche: A Spiritual Response to Wars and Violence

Read all posts in Lama Zopa Rinpoche News and Advice.
Teachings from the Medicine Buddha Retreat. Lama Zopa Rinpoche 2009, published by Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive

Teachings from the Medicine Buddha Retreat. Lama Zopa Rinpoche 2009, published by Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive

First published in the March–May 2002 issue of  Mandala magazine, “An Open Letter to a President” was later included in Teachings from the Medicine Buddha Retreat, published by Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive and edited by Ven. Alisa Cameron (2009). The book contains extensive teachings given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche during a 2001 Medicine Buddha retreat at Land of Medicine Buddha in Soquel, California.

Below is an excerpt from this remarkable open letter, written to then U.S. President George W. Bush following the September 11 terrorist attacks. In it, Rinpoche offers a Buddhist perspective on war and its causes, while presenting practical methods to help reduce conflict and cultivate peace in the world—guidance that is relevant to people of every faith and background.

A Spiritual Response to Wars and Violence

Dear Mr. President,

Since war was declared, some people have been protesting against it and clamoring for peace. But if what those people really want is peace, then they should first come up with a clear practical idea how to stop the terrorist attacks in the United States and other countries. Otherwise, you shout for peace and let the United States be completely destroyed by terrorists? This is like the saying in Tibetan Buddhist texts: “A blind yak eating grass.” Or the Western saying: “To throw out the baby with the bath water.” So many people are suffering now due to lack of awareness of what will come in the future. The problem is that common ordinary people are limited in what they can see, because of the lack of development of the mind. They do not have the power to see beyond, to read the minds of the terrorists and those in training. If Government intelligence had the power to see beyond, then they could foresee future dangers. They could see the harm in the minds of all those harmful people and terrorists. They could see what damage they could do to the United States and the whole world. War is what ordinary people in the world regard as the solution. The problem is that war, even if it is won, is like medicine that has side-effects. It may temporarily help the situation but afterwards there will be continual complications. Why? Because the people you defeat generate hatred towards you and in future generations they harm you back. In the natural law of actions, called karma in Sanskrit, the action of harming leaves an imprint on the mental continuum and that imprint is like a seed. When it ripens later, the person experiences the result of receiving harm from others. I understand that the situation is very difficult and that the American public is very angry but there are ways to solve the problem other than by going to war. It is possible that these terrorists can be overcome by spiritual power rather than by using military power. War costs so many lives and so much money. Even one missile can be so expensive, costing millions of dollars. When spiritual power is used to solve the problem, it saves all this expense and costs hardly anything.

Buddhism, and especially Tibetan Buddhism, has so many methods to help bring peace and happiness to sentient beings. If the Government were interested in the possibility of using spiritual methods to solve the current problems, they would need to consult with the spiritual head of each of the different traditions. Then practices could be done for a few months of a year in order for them to be effective. This way is not like military war, which makes some people happy and some people upset. These practices are unseen, so they do not irritate or upset anybody; that means also nobody gets angry and plans to retaliate.

A War Without Anger

Lama Zopa Rinpoche in New York, US, July 2016

Another solution would be to have a war without anger, something that appeared violent but actually became positive. Just because something looks violent, that alone does not necessarily define it as negative, because there are actions that outwardly appear to be violent but in reality are most positive, pure and for inner peace. Buddhism is based on not harming others and on benefiting others. But when an evil being is harming him or herself and greatly harming many others and the world, then in Mahayana Buddhism great saints called bodhisattvas, who have the qualification of unbearable compassion, take the life of that being. They completely sacrifice themselves to happily experience whatever suffering consequences may come from taking that life, such as suffering in a hell realm. They do this in order to benefit that sentient being, to stop them from engaging in harmful actions, and also for the peace and happiness of others. When there is greater benefit to take the life of an evil being than not to, the Buddha permitted great saints who are qualified to do so. Particularly in Mahayana Buddhism, the Secret Mantra, Vajrayana, on the basis of unbearable compassion, cherishing those evil beings, tantric wrathful action is done: the consciousness is split from the body and transferred to a pure land where there is no suffering. In reality, even though an externally wrathful or violent action is used, it does not harm the evildoer, it only benefits them. The wrathful aspect of mind is without any anger— the thought of harming others. An example is when a child is very naughty and the parent has no peaceful means left to control it. The parent will then scold the child with a wrathful mind because this is the only way to control it so that it will have a good, successful future.

These terrorists’ minds are trapped in so many heavy iron cages of wrong views that they cannot even see these views are wrong and their actions harmful. Their negative thoughts and actions caused so many thousands of people to be killed and so many firemen to sacrifice their lives to save others. Because of this, they will have to suffer for thousands of eons. From negative actions suffering results, from positive actions happiness arises, so it is unimaginable how much harm the terrorists did to themselves, to the US and to the rest of the world.

Reincarnation 

Numberless people have realized that reincarnation exists and that there is life both before and after this one. At the time of death the body finishes, but the mind continues; this is reincarnation. Reincarnation is not only Buddhist philosophy and experience; Christianity also talks about reincarnation because they talk about a heaven and hell after this life. That which experiences heaven and hell is not the body but the mind, therefore reincarnation exists. The Bible also talks about resurrection. In this world there are believers and non-believers. An example of this is when the US put a man on the moon: some people in the East could not accept or understand how that was possible. Another example is the satellite interviews that we see on the television: one person is talking to somebody else who is thousands of miles away but can be clearly seen on the screen. Some primitive people would not believe this is possible. As the mind continues after death, the negative thoughts also continue, so these terrorists will go on to harm others again and again without end until their negative emotional thoughts are  ceased. 

Negative thoughts, such as anger and the dissatisfied mind of desire, are the chronic disease of the mind and the main cause of suffering. If the people in this world do not put effort into making the mind better, into ceasing the negative thoughts, then even when the body is destroyed and disintegrated, the mind, which does not cease, will continue alone with all these thoughts. Ceasing negative emotional thoughts is the ultimate solution—especially ceasing them by generating loving kindness, compassion and the ultimate good heart, which cherishes and benefits others.

For Peace and Happiness Live in Pure Morality

I am sure that for most religions, each one has something good to offer mankind. Any religion that offers a complete method should bring sentient beings to ultimate happiness—the cessation of all negative thoughts, the afflicted emotional mind including the seed of it. If your religion harms others, it harms yourself. Then there is no meaning to have religion. It is better to have no religion at all. My suggestion and contribution for the present and future peace and happiness of America and the world is that people living in pure morality and especially the Sangha should read or recite the text called The Sutra of Golden Light. This is one of Shakyamuni Buddha’s most precious holy teachings, and reading it has benefits like the infinite sky. It also helps eliminate other problems, including economic difficulties, and stops natural disasters such as earthquakes, storms, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and so forth. 

The Government could ask Buddhist monks in America to recite this text [The Sutra of Golden Light] for two to three years. Lay people and also non-Buddhists who have an open mind can also read it. Then there will be so much benefit for the country.

Prayers Can Help to Stop or Reduce Wars 

Image of Padmasambhava

Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche)

So here I am simply offering suggestions. There is a powerful short meditation on the Healing [Medicine] Buddha, which came from the enlightened yogi called Padmasambhava. The practice is to avoid catching sicknesses from others or, if one has already been infected, to be healed. It was recommended by another spiritual person who predicted that it could be very beneficial in protecting from the disease anthrax. The Mantra Purifying All Negative Karma and Defilements not only protects from anthrax, but also if one can recite it daily, it will be a very good protection from life danger caused by earthquakes, fire, tornadoes, hurricanes, water and so forth the dangers of the four elements. There are another two short mantras against anthrax, sickness and so forth, as well, which are proven to have healed cancer. When natural disasters occur, Christianity might say that it is God’s punishment. 

However, all I am saying here is that it is worth asking religious institutions and meditation centers to pray, and not only organizations but even individuals, because by praying they can help to stop or reduce these things. It may not be the case every time, but perhaps some times.

Tibetan Buddhist Centers: Make Strong Prayers

I have a few suggestions of things people can do to save the place they are living in from billions of dollars of damage to buildings and also to save human beings from death. There is a practice of offering tea to the beings who control the weather and create disturbances. There is a tea offering prayer called Ablution to the Eight Powerful Worldly Spirits that is very effective. The practice itself is nothing—just reciting a short prayer mentioning their names and asking them not to create those disturbances.Praying very strongly to the female buddha Tara, who is like the Virgin Mary in Christianity, is also very effective in stopping dangers. She is the embodiment of all the buddhas’ actions and there is a mantra and a short and long prayer with Twenty-One Praises. Even relying upon and praying to Shakyamuni Buddha with a full heart, reciting his name and mantra and making strong requests for these dangers to be pacified will be very effective. The techniques are very simple but the result can be of great benefit to the area and to the country. Other things that can be done are to recite The Vajra-Cutter Sutra, The Sutra of Golden Light and The Heart Sutra, with meditation on emptiness. Another very powerful method that can be helpful is to pray to the Compassionate-Eye Looking One, Chenrezig, when these dangers are going to happen. Recite the mantra, have total reliance and make strong prayers. The Buddhist tantras are full of so many methods for overcoming all kinds of disasters, including war, and for purifying the causes, but of course their success depends on how qualified the people doing the meditation are. 

Even if there are no Buddhist centers in the area where the disasters are going to happen, it still may be possible for people in a Tibetan Buddhist center in another state to do the prayers. I want to emphasize that in situations where ordinary people cannot control disasters, they should rely upon spiritual means to prevent or reduce them. This does not just mean Buddhist methods but also those from Christianity, Hinduism, Islam or any other religion.

Develop Compassion and Practice Universal Responsibility

I have never heard any of the leaders, and others in the news, stress the need to take care of the mind, to guard the minds of the people living in the world. It is very clear that everything, good and bad, happiness and suffering, comes from the mind but there was not one word about the need to develop loving kindness and compassion. Nobody emphasized the need for everyone in the whole world to practice this. I only heard the word “compassion” twice and both times it came from President Bush, once in the context of “America is a compassionate country.” I was very happy to hear you and the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, mention precisely that you are not attacking Muslims or Islam but the terrorists. If the media could also present it this way, there would be much less anger and confusion. 

The media can cause many millions of people to get angry just by saying a few unskillful words. My final suggestion is that it would be so good if the whole world were to develop compassion, loving kindness and universal responsibility—to give special education on this in schools and at home for the parents to practice. This way, one child can bring so much peace and happiness into his or her own life and also to the family, country and over time to the whole world. Then, when that child becomes a mother or father, they can educate their own children to practice universal responsibility, loving kindness and compassion so that the good heart goes on and on, from generation to generation. Cherishing others and putting effort into developing a good heart in the office, at work, at home, everywhere—this is the ultimate method to stop terrorism worldwide. It is very important, before the cause has ripened into a result and the problem is being experienced, to practice loving kindness, universal responsibility, tolerance, forgiveness and kindness towards others, instead of being careless towards them and only cherishing oneself.

Nourish Interfaith 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting Sangatasutra in NYC, US, July 2016.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting Sangatasutra in NYC, US, July 2016. Photo by Roger Kunsang.

The reasons and explanations can be taken from Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and any other religion—anything that helps the mind to develop universal responsibility, compassion and loving kindness towards others. Historically we can see that even just one person who is influential but lacks a good heart, compassion and patience can cause millions of people and other sentient beings in the world to be killed. It is also important to have interfaith meetings, where all the religious leaders come together and pray, each according to their own traditional way. This should be made available for young people as well. 

If the youth of this world come together and pray together, it will contribute towards peace and harmony amongst the different religions in the world. I am writing this because I have particular concern for the American people. This country gives so much freedom for peace and happiness. I do not know why Mainland China cannot give the same freedom to the Tibetan people and others. Even though the methods I have explained here are taken from Buddhism, the tradition does not really matter, it is just a question of staying alive and saving others from danger. The main thing is how important it is for people to make use of these mantras and prayers. They have no side-effects and they can do no harm to the body or mind.

A Final Prayer

Finally, I dedicate the merits and I pray every day for the peace and happiness of all living beings, that everyone may generate loving kindness, compassion and the wish-fulfilling precious good heart. I pray that they may only benefit each other and that everyone’s heart may be filled with joy and bliss. I pray that the whole world may be filled with peace and happiness.

With my prayers and good wishes,

Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche

Lama Zopa Rinpoche strongly encouraged his students to pray for world peace as widely as possible. All are welcome to explore the collection of resources we recently shared, which offers advice on prayers and practices to follow when the world is in crisis and to help mitigate the threat of war. On March 31, 2026, His Holiness the Dalai Lama shared the following peace appeal:

Are you an FPMT student or center bringing practices for peace into your personal or group program? If so, we’d love to hear about it! 


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

  • Tagged: advice from lama zopa rinpoche, book, lama zopa rinpoche, peace, war
May
20
2026

Make Extensive Offerings to the Boudha Stupa from Anywhere in the World

Read all posts in Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Study & Practice News.

Light offerings at Boudhanath Stupa at night, with Khen Rinpoche and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, December 2016. Photo by Lobsang Sherab.

The great stupa of Boudhanath in Kathmandu, Nepal, was extremely important for Lama Zopa Rinpoche. It was in Boudha that Rinpoche first settled upon returning to Nepal in the late 1960s with Lama Thubten Yeshe. While staying at Samtenling Monastery, located behind the circumambulation path around the stupa, Lama Yeshe could see a hill from the monastery and felt drawn to it. Later that hill would become Kopan Monastery, the first FPMT center established by Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Whenever Rinpoche returned to Kopan, he would often circumambulate the Boudha Stupa in the evenings together with a couple of attendants, while making offerings and reciting prayers and mantras. By the time the circumambulations were completed, a crowd would often have formed, following Rinpoche around the stupa. At the very end, Rinpoche would lead everyone present in offering five-colored khatags to the stupa, followed by extensive dedications.

During the second COVID lockdown in 2021, Rinpoche, together with other high lamas, including Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Mingyur Rinpoche, Khadro Rinpoche (Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Dronme), and the abbots of Shechen Monastery and Kopan Monastery, reconsecrated the three great stupas of Nepal—Swayambhu, Boudha, and Namo Buddha—for the benefit of all sentient beings. At the end of the consecrations and after taking the bodhisattva vow, Rinpoche led the assembled lamas in an offering practice based on the offering objects described in chapter three of The Legend of the Great Jarung Kashor Stūpa

Four robed monastics wearing maskes hold five colored khatas as offering

Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Gen Tenpa Choden, and Ani Jangsem offering five-colored khata to the Boudha Stupa with prayers, Nepal, February 2021. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

The Benefits of Making Offerings to the Boudha Stupa

After COVID ended, Rinpoche continued to perform the offering practice to the Boudha Stupa, and the practice grew increasingly elaborate over time. Rinpoche himself performed the practice at the stupa several times in a room with extensive offerings located on the circumambulation path, and at least twice from his room in Kopan. Rinpoche would quote the Great Guru, Padmasambhava, on the benefits of serving the great stupa of Boudha:

“Listen! Great king, generate strong devotion. All the buddhas and bodhisattvas of the three times actually absorbed into and abide in this holy object of the holy mind. Any requests and prayers made to the great stupa will be effortlessly and spontaneously accomplished; it is like a wish-granting jewel. The benefits for any transmigratory being who, with a totally pure attitude, prostrates to it, circumambulates it, or makes offerings to it cannot be expressed or counted even by the numberless past, present, and future buddhas.”

Lama-Zopa-Rinpoche-Khadro-la-Boudha-Stupa-20191128-Weichhart

Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khadro Rinpoche at Boudha Stupa, Nepal, November 2019. Photo by Harald Weichhart.

To collect “the most unbelievable merit” when making offerings to the stupa, Rinpoche says in Offerings to the Boudha Stupa, “Think that all these offerings belong to sentient beings and then, on their behalf, make offerings to the stupa. It is not just a stupa. To me, for example, it’s in essence His Holi­ness the Dalai Lama, which means it’s all the past, all the present, and all the future buddhas. You can think like that for whoever your own root guru is, which means your root guru is all the three-time and ten-direction buddhas. […] There’s no question how much merit you will collect with each offering you make to the stupa while thinking that in essence it is your root guru. You collect the most unbelievable merit, and it becomes purification as well. Please think this with any offering you make to the stupa, and then offer it on behalf of all sentient beings.”

Eventually, Ven. Sarah Thresher requested Rinpoche to compose a formal offering practice  for his students to use. Rinpoche responded by suggesting that she transcribe one of the extensive practices he had led at Kopan and compile a booklet from that. After Rinpoche showed the aspect of passing away, Ven. Joan Nicell completed the transcript that Ven. Sarah had initiated and, with the help of Ven. Ailsa Cameron, arranged it into a practice format so that the practice could be done during the forty-nine days of prayers in Rinpoche’s honor. The resulting practice booklet, Making Extensive Offerings to Boudha Stupa, also lists the specific benefits of making each kind of offering.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche offering wish-granting jewel to the Boudha Stupa from his room in Kopan Monastery, September 2021.

Rinpoche’s Offering Room at the Boudha Stupa

The offering room was originally set up and continues to be maintained by Dechog, a Chinese lay student of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Dechog started off by arranging many offerings on tarpaulins laid out along the circumambulation path of the stupa, and then spending hours offering them. Eventually, with the help of some Chinese students, he rented a disused restaurant overlooking the stupa where he could permanently set up his extensive array of offerings. Rinpoche rejoiced greatly in Dechog’s offerings of huge water bowls and large butter lamps and his insistence on offering only the finest quality substances and, over time, Rinpoche contributed many auspicious offerings and statues to the offering room.

Offering of saffron at Boudha Stupa.

After Dechog offered a set of keys to Rinpoche, the room gradually became known among FPMT students as “Rinpoche’s offering room at Boudha.” A simple throne, sponsored by a group of Chinese students, was set up for Rinpoche to use whenever he did the offering practice there. Rinpoche would lead the practice himself, reading from his copy of The Legend of the Great Jarung Kashor Stūpa and explaining the benefit of each offering, followed by the recitation of the Offering Cloud Mantra, with instruments being played while visualizing the offerings being made.

In January 2022, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave advice on how to make the best use of the offering room so as to collect “the most unbelievable merit” when making offerings to the stupa. This advice, which was published as Offerings to the Boudha Stupa,was also printed, framed, and hung in the room as a reminder to students.

Students Perform the Offering Practice

Besides performing the offering practice once during the forty-nine days after Rinpoche’s passing, it has since been done at major FPMT gatherings in Kathmandu: following the Light of the Path retreat at Kopan in 2023, the Heart Sutra retreat in 2024, and the CPMT meeting in 2025, and most recently in March 2026 when a number of FPMT students visited Nepal for the inauguration of Khadro Rinpoche’s new monastery.

Students participating in this extensive practice have been deeply moved. Maria Damsholt from the FPMT Center for Wisdom and Compassion in Denmark, who took part in the March 2026 offering practice, shared: “It is a very beautiful offering practice to do. It felt exactly like making offerings and prayers with Rinpoche himself—because it really is in the spirit of Rinpoche. Thank you so much for letting me practice with you. I intend to buy as many offering substances as possible so that we can do it in Denmark too.”

Lama Zopa Rinpoche holding an offering bowl to his forehead while making prayers with bells visible and a nun with folded hands and khatas in the background

Rinpoche making offerings at Boudha Stupa, Nepal, July 2021. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Claudia Czuba from the FPMT center in Vienna was so deeply inspired that she purchased jewels and medicines in Boudha in 2025 and performed the practice twice in Austria. She said, “We did this offering practice at Panchen Losang Chogyen center in Vienna by setting up an offering table with a big picture of the Boudha Stupa and nicely arranged offerings. It is a simple yet very powerful practice, and also very joyful. To arrange beautiful offerings, visualize them as extensively as possible, share them with all sentient beings, and offer them to the stupa indivisible from the guru makes the heart and mind very happy. It seemed like people felt the ‘skies of merits’ they created with this practice. And, for sure, it pleased the holy mind of our precious guru Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche.”

Malaysian monk Ven. Sonam Yeshe was equally inspired and is planning to bring the practice to Rinchen Jangsem Ling Retreat Centre in Triang, Malaysia. He shared, “Experiencing the elaborate offerings in front of the holy Boudha Stupa for the first time was profoundly moving. It felt incredibly special to participate in the same ritual that Lama Zopa Rinpoche performed so many times at the stupa. I couldn’t help but imagine how beautiful it would be to replicate these elaborate offerings at Rinchen Jangsem Ling, Malaysia. By facilitating a program where participants take turns performing the offerings themselves, we can provide a highly engaging and meritorious experience that resonates with all those who attend.”

We invite all of Rinpoche’s students and centers to do this offering practice to the Boudha Stupa from their homes or centers and in this way help preserve Rinpoche’s very special practice lineage while at the same time creating skies of merits!

Resources

In September 2021, Rinpoche recorded a Thought Transformation Teaching video entitled “Making Offerings to Boudha Stupa” in which he speaks about performing a tsog offering practice at the Boudha Stupa and the benefits of making offerings to stupas. You can follow along with the offering practice by watching the video.

Find Offerings to the Boudha Stupa as a PDF in the Foundation Store.
Find Making Extensive Offerings to Boudha Stupa as a PDF in the Foundation Store.


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

  • Tagged: advice from lama zopa rinpoche, boudhanath stupa, extensive offering, extensive offerings
May
14
2026

Students Around the World Commemorate Third Anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Parinirvana

Read all posts in Lama Zopa Rinpoche News and Advice.
Offerings during commemoration of Rinpoche’s parinirvana 3rd anniversary at Chokyi Gyaltsen Center, Penang, Malaysia, April 13, 2026.. Credit: Chokyi Gyaltsen Center Facebook page.

Offerings during commemoration of Rinpoche’s parinirvana 3rd anniversary at Chokyi Gyaltsen Center, Penang, Malaysia, April 13, 2026.. Credit: Chokyi Gyaltsen Center Facebook page.

April 13, 2026, marked the third anniversary of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche passing into parinirvana. On this meaningful occasion, students, FPMT centers, and monastic institutions around the world gathered for collective prayers and practice, and to remember with immense gratitude the great kindness of our most precious spiritual guide. 

“Making offerings on the death anniversary of a guru is an incredible practice in that it brings about the greatest purification of negative karma and collects the most extensive merit.” — Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche 

Here we share, not an exhaustive list of all the activities organized in centers and monastic institutions, but rather an example of some of the activities offered: 

At Kopan Monastery, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi, together with the Sangha and devoted disciples of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, including representatives from the FPMT board, performed a Heruka Lama Chopa with extensive offerings followed by group recitation of Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri, dedicated to the swift return of Rinpoche. Kopan Lama Gyupas and senior monks recited The Guhyasamaja Root Tantra and Tea Offering to Dharma Protectors, in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s room — a whole day of prayers for the swift return of our most kind and precious spiritual guide.  

At Nalanda Monastery, in France, geshes, monks, nuns, and lay students performed the Guru Puja dedicated to the long and healthy life of the new incarnation of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. 

A full assembly of monks gathered at Sera Jey Monastery in the main temple to offer Lama Chopa puja and Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri. 

At Ngari Institute, Ladakh, the community honored the third anniversary of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche with dedicated prayers including Manjushri mantra, Migtsema prayer, and Tea Offerings to Dharma Protectors. 

Gaden Jangtse Monastic College, Mundgod, offered Lama Chopa as well as Chanting the Names of Manjushri, and Migtsema prayer. 

Chenrezig Institute’s community, in Australia, observed a full day of practice, including Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri and The King of Prayers, in the morning, and concluding with Lama Chopa puja with Tsog and light offerings in the evening. They dedicated the merit for the swift recognition of Rinpoche’s unmistaken reincarnation.  

In California, Land of Medicine Buddha’s Sangha and long-time students gathered with Venerable Yangchen and Venerable Angie to honor the anniversary of Rinpoche showing the aspect of passing away. Personal stories were shared, bringing Rinpoche’s kindness vividly to mind.  

Jamyang Buddhist Centre, in London, offered a hybrid program to follow in person or online starting with the recitation of Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri, the community then gathered to watch an excerpt of archival footage of Rinpoche giving a Dharma teaching at Jamyang and share personal stories from those who knew him or heard him teach. 

 We share below some scenes from the powerful group prayers, and we thank everyone who participated in this heartfelt collective effort to remember the immeasurable kindness of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and pray for his swift return. 

Photo: Assembly at Sera Jey Monastery, India. Credit: Sera Jey Monastery Facebook page.

Assembly at Sera Jey Monastery, India, commemorating the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Credit: Sera Jey Monastery Facebook page.

Photo: Practices at Kopan Monastery, Nepal. Credit: Kopan Monastery Facebook page.

Sangha at Kopan Monastery, performing a Heruka Lama Chopa and many other prayers and practices for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana. April 13, 2026. Photo credit Kopan Monastery Facebook page.

Photo Sangha in prayers at Osel Labrang, Sera Jey, India, for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026.. Credit Osel Labrang Sera Jey Facebook page.

Sangha in prayers at Osel Labrang, Sera Jey, India, for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Credit Osel Labrang Sera Jey Facebook page.

Photo Sangha in prayers at Shalu Monastery India, for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026.. Credit Shalu Monastery Facebook Page

Sangha in prayers at Shalu Monastery India, for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Credit Shalu Monastery Facebook Page.

Photo: Puja at Sera Je Dhakpo Khangtsen, India, for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026.. Credit: Dhakpo Khamtsen Facebook page.

Puja at Sera Je Dhakpo Khangtsen, India, for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Credit: Dhakpo Khamtsen Facebook page.

Sera Jey Drati Khangtsen offering prayers to commemorate the third anniversary of the parinirvana of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Photo: Guru Puja at Nalanda Monastery, France for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Credit: Nalanda Monastery.

Guru Puja at Nalanda Monastery, France for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Photo courtesy of Nalanda Monastery.

Photo: Community at Tsum Rachen Nunnery, Nepal, for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026.. Credit: Tsum Rachen Nunnery Facebook page.

Photo: Community at Tsum Rachen Nunnery, Nepal, for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026.. Credit: Tsum Rachen Nunnery Facebook page.

Photo: Community in prayer at Ngari Institute, Ladakh, India, for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Credit: Ngari Institute Facebook page.

Community in prayer at Ngari Institute, Ladakh, India, for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Photo from Ngari Institute Facebook page.

Ogmin Jangchup Sishu Tsogpa, a community association of former Kopan Monastery monks and nuns residing in New York, USA, offered prayers for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026 Credit: Ogmin Jangchup Sishu Tsogpa Facebook page.

Ogmin Jangchup Sishu Tsogpa, a community association of former Kopan Monastery monks and nuns residing in New York, USA, offered prayers for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Photo by Ogmin Jangchup Sishu Tsogpa Facebook page.

Photo:Guru Puja at Chokyi Gyaltsen Center, Penang, Malaysia, for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026.. Credit: Chokyi Gyaltsen Center Facebook page.

Guru Puja at Chokyi Gyaltsen Center, Penang, Malaysia, for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Photo from Chokyi Gyaltsen Center Facebook page.

Photo: Commemorations in Taipei the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026.. Credit: FPMT Taiwan Facebook pages.

Commemorations in Taipei for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026.. Photo from FPMT Taiwan Facebook page.

Prayers in Taichung, Taiwan, at Shakyamuni Center the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Photo credit FPMT Taichun’s Facebook Page

Prayers in Taichung, Taiwan, at Shakyamuni Center the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Photo from FPMT Taichung’s Facebook Page .

Photo: Community at Tushita Mahayana Meditation Centre, Delhi, India the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026.. Credit: Tushita Mahayana Meditation Centre Facebook page.

Community at Tushita Mahayana Meditation Centre, Delhi, India the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Photo from Tushita Mahayana Meditation Centre Facebook page.

Photo: Light offerings at Root Institute, Bodhgaya, India by Ani Dekyong and the resident nuns for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026.. Credit: Root Institute Facebook page.

Root Institute, India, offered prayers and light offerings were made by Ani Dekyong and the resident nuns for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Photo from Root Institute Facebook page.

Photo: Prayers at Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Singapore led by Venerable Tsultrim, for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Credit: Tan Seow Kheng, ABC Facebook page.

Prayers at Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Singapore led by Venerable Tsultrim, for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Photo by Tan Seow Kheng, ABC Facebook page.

Photo: Community praying at Chenrezig Institute, Queensland, Australia for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Credit: Chenrezig Institute Facebook page.

Community praying at Chenrezig Institute, Queensland, Australia for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Photo from Chenrezig Institute Facebook page.

Photo: Teachings at Lama Yeshe Ling. Geshe Sonam offered transmissions of Ganden Lha Gyäma, including Lama Tsongkhapa Migtsema Prayer and Name Mantra, for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026.. Credit: Lama Yeshe Ling Tibetan Group Facebook page.

Teachings at Lama Yeshe Ling, Canada. Geshe Sonam offered transmissions of Ganden Lha Gyäma, including Lama Tsongkhapa Migtsema Prayer and Name Mantra, for the 3rd anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s parinirvana, April 13, 2026. Photo from Lama Yeshe Ling Tibetan Group Facebook page.

This is just s small sampling of the thoughtful activity organized around the world and we offer extensive thanks to ALL who participated in commemorating Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s passing into parinirvana. 

Advice for the Anniversary of the Guru’s Passing Away is a short text translated by Rinpoche that explains the importance of making offerings on the anniversary of the passing away of one’s guru.


Lama Zopa Rinpoche (1945-2023) was the spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

  • Tagged: anniversary of the guru passing, lama zopa rinpoche
May
8
2026

Light of the Path Retreat at Kopan Following Memorial Stupas Inauguration in December

Read all posts in FPMT Community: Stories & News, Lama Zopa Rinpoche News, Lama Zopa Rinpoche News and Advice.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Light of the Path

Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Light of the Path, Black Mountain, North Carolina, US, September 2017. Photo by Kalleen Mortensen.

This year’s Light of the Path Retreat (LOP) at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, will take place from December 20–30, 2026, and will be led by Geshe Tenzin Namdak, offering students a precious opportunity to come together in meditation and practice, and to honor the extraordinary legacy of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The retreat will take place shortly after the grand inauguration ceremonies of the Memorial Stupas of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khensur Rinpoche Lhundrup Rigsel. 

On December 11, 2026, the Stupa of Complete Victory, enshrining the sacred relics of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, will be consecrated at Kopan Monastery.

On December14, 2026, the Mahabodhi Memorial Stupa at Kopan Nunnery will be inaugurated to honour both Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup.

These profoundly auspicious events provide a powerful context for students to then gather for the Light of the Path Retreat, strengthening our connection with Rinpoche’s blessings through collective practice and reflection.

Geshe Tenzin Namdak teaching at Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, UK. Photo courtesy Jamyang Buddhist Centre.

This year’s LOP retreat will focus on the teachings of the middle-capable being, supporting participants in deepening their understanding of the Lamrim and cultivating the sincere wish to be free from samsara. This follows the previous Light of the Path retreat, which emphasized the topics of the lower-capable being. Under the guidance of Geshe Tenzin Namdak, the retreat will offer a structured environment for steady meditation, reflection, and purification.

The daily schedule will be as follows: Mornings will begin with prostrations, preliminary practices, and Lama Chopa before breakfast. The day will continue with Lamrim sessions, including short explanations and guided meditations in both the morning and afternoon. Evenings will include Vajrasattva purification practice, followed by dedications.

This retreat was originally planned years ago, and it is very joyful that the conditions have finally come together for it to take place in 2026. It will be a meaningful opportunity for students to gather as a community, to practice together in a supportive environment, and to continue integrating Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings into daily life.

Teachings of Lama Zopa Rinpoche shown on the big screen to participants of the 2023 Light of the Path retreat. Photo by Kira Dane.

Kopan Monastery will continue offering Light of the Path Retreats in the coming years in order to fulfill Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s wishes and provide an opportunity for students to practice together as a loving and supportive FPMT family, keeping Rinpoche’s vast kindness and inspiration alive in our hearts.
 
For more information and to register, please visit the Light of the Path Retreat page on the Kopan Monastery website.


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

  • Tagged: geshe tenzin namdak, khensur rinpoche lama lhundrup, Khensur Rinpoche Lhundrup Rigsel, kopan, kopan monastery, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, lama zopa rinpoche, Lama Zopa Rinpoche Stupa of Complete Victory, light of the path retreat
May
7
2026

Memorial Stupas Inauguration at Kopan Monastery and Nunnery, December 2026

Read all posts in Lama Zopa Rinpoche News, Lama Zopa Rinpoche News and Advice.

Rendering of the Stupa of Complete Victory at Kopan Monastery.

We are delighted to announce the grand inauguration ceremonies of the Memorial Stupas of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khensur Rinpoche Lhundrup Rigsel at Kopan Monastery and Nunnery. 

On December 11, 2026, the Stupa of Complete Victory, enshrining the sacred relics of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, will be consecrated at Kopan Monastery.

On December 14, 2026, the Mahabodhi Memorial Stupa at Kopan Nunnery will be consecrated to honor both Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup.

Kopan Monastery shared the following invitation in their official announcement: We would be deeply honored by your presence at these sacred and joyful occasions. 

Rendering of the Mahabodhi Memorial Stupa at Kopan Nunnery.

Lama Lhundrup and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Kopan Monastery, 2011. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

These ceremonies offer a powerful opportunity for students to gather, rejoice, pray, and dedicate for the flourishing of the Dharma and the swift return of our precious teacher.

Save the dates: We will also be sharing details of this year’s Light of the Path Retreat (LOP) at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, which will take place December 20–30, 2026, and will be led by Geshe Tenzin Namdak, offering students a precious opportunity to come together in meditation and practice, and to honor the extraordinary legacy of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Please learn more about these special events.


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

 

  • Tagged: Lama Zopa Rinpoche Stupa of Complete Victory, mahabodhi memorial stupa, stupa of complete victory
Apr
13
2026

April 13, 2026: The Third Anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche Passing into Parinirvana

Read all posts in Lama Zopa Rinpoche News, Lama Zopa Rinpoche News and Advice.

Heruka Lama Chopa puja offered at Kopan Monastery, April 13, 2026. Photo courtesy of Kopan Monastery.

April 13, 2026, marks the third anniversary of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s passing into parinirvana. Around the world, students, FPMT centers, and monastic institutions are gathering (or have already gathered, depending on time zones) for collective prayers and practice, and to sincerely remember with immense gratitude the great kindness of our most precious spiritual guide.  

At Kopan Monastery, the Kopan Lama Gyupas performed Yamantaka self-initiation in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s room in front of Rinpoche’s kudung (holy body relic); and in the evening they recited the Guhyasamaja root tantra, protector prayers, and tea offering. 

In the Kopan Gompa, Khenrinpoche Geshe Chonyi, Shelker Khenrinpoche. Lama Rigsel, Namgyal Rinpoche, Kopan monks and nuns, and other geshes and Sangha offered Heruka Lama Chopa together with devoted students, FPMT representatives, and relatives of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The puja was followed by group recitation of Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.

Kopan kindly offered lunch to all who joined.

Please rejoice in this auspicious activity happening at Kopan and around the world today. We’ll collect and share it very soon.  May all the prayers being undertaken by sincere students of Lama Zopa Rinpoche be actualized immediately. 

On this occasion, we would also like to re-share the moving eulogy of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, written by Ven. Robina Courtin. 

Please learn more about practices one can do on the anniversary of the guru’s passing away. 


Lama Zopa Rinpoche (1945-2023) was the spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

 

  • Tagged: anniversary of the guru passing, lama zopa rinpoche
Apr
10
2026

Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche: How to Arrange a Home for Someone Who Is Dying

Read all posts in Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Lama Zopa Rinpoche News and Advice.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche with hands in prayer next to a sick person in a hospital bed with others standing nearby

Lama Zopa Rinpoche blessing a patient of Shakyamuni Health Clinic in 2017.

Helping someone pass away in the most auspicious way possible is one of the greatest gifts we can offer at the most critical time of a person’s life. The FPMT Death and Dying Heart Practices and Advice webpage is a compilation of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s advice and materials on death and dying, available for all to use

In 2017, Lama Zopa Rinpoche shared important advice at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Italy, when the center was considering starting a hospice. We are happy to share this guidance with the broader community, as it carries significant meaning for those who wish to support others at the time of death.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with ‘How to Enjoy Death,’ Osel Labrang, Sera Monastery, India, December 2015

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with ‘How to Enjoy Death,’ Osel Labrang, Sera Monastery, India, December 2015

  1. Have Dharma books available, such as  How to Enjoy Death: Preparing to Meet Life’s Final Challenge Without Fear, Practicing the Five Powers Near the Time of Death, and other books on tonglen, Eight Prayers to Benefit the Dead, and anything else that supports at the time of death. Keep not just one copy of each book, but many.
  2. Have prayers and mantras available for recitation, such as the Namgyalma mantra, and also prayers such as The Three Principal Aspects of the Path, Calling the Guru from Afar, and similar texts. Have all relevant prayers on hand so that those present can recite them.
  3. Have recordings playing throughout the day — such as Calling the Guru from Afar, The Confession of Downfalls to the Thirty-Five Buddhas , A Hymn of Experience by Lama Tsongkhapa, and different mantras, such as Namgyalma, Medicine Buddha, Chenrezig Mantra and Request, and others. These should be played approximately 6 times a day, for about 10 to 20 minutes each time. Recordings of mantras by His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and Khandro Rinpoche are especially beneficial for those who are dying to hear them. Additional recordings may include mantras from the dying person’s own guru, verses about bodhicitta, the Vajrasattva mantra, and so forth.
  4. Have thangkas depicting different pure lands — such as Padmasambhava Pure Land, Amitabha Pure Land, Chenrezig Pure Land, and Tara Pure Land. Choose beautiful thangkas and arrange the space so that it is uplifting and beautiful, bringing joy rather than depression to those who are there. If thangkas are not available, large framed images of the pure lands may be used instead. Image of mantra mandala
  5. Affix large printed versions of mantras such as Namgyalma mantra, the Takdrol, and the Pema Ushnisha mantra, on the ceilings of the rooms, so that those who are dying can see them and may be protected from rebirth in the lower realms.
  6. Have powa pills available, so when breathing stops, the pills can be mixed with honey and butter and placed on the crown of the head.
  7. Have a copy of Lama Tsongkhapa’s Lamrim Chenmo, present in the room.
  8. Have many copies of the Liberation Card — the card Rinpoche compiled for people to look at when dying.
  9. Have Mantra Water blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Khandro Rinpoche.
  10. Have prayer wheels and stupas.
  11. In each room, have holy statues — ideally from Nepal.
  12. On the roof of the house or center install a statue of Kṣitigarbha — ideally beautiful and newly made, not an old one. The aspect should be the standing form, holding a monk’s staff. The statue could be commissioned from Chinese craftspeople or obtained from Vietnam. The ideal size is one story tall. This is so that those in the house may be guided by Kṣitigarbha. The statue could be blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A smaller Kṣitigarbha statue may also be placed inside the house.

Scribed by Ven. Holly Ansett at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Italy, 2017.

As a reminder Wisdom Publication’s 2025 release, How to Live and Die: The Transformative Power of Meditating on Impermanence by Lama Zopa Rinpoche offers an overview of meditating on death and impermanence. From the book:

“A complete education about death is the most important education we can have. What death is, how we die, what minds we need at death, and what happens after death—only by knowing about death and rebirth can we actually fully understand what life is and so learn how to live fully.”

In July 1990, Lama Zopa Rinpoche composed this poem to be displayed in the office of Karuna Hospice in Australia. It can be downloaded and displayed at any hospice.

You can access and utilize more of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s precious advice on death, dying, and impermanence. 


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

 

  • Tagged: advice for death and dying, death and dying, hospice, hospices
Apr
7
2026

Anniversary of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche Showing the Aspect of Passing Away: April 13

Read all posts in Lama Zopa Rinpoche News and Advice.

Portrait of Lama Zopa Rinpoche taken by Ven. Lobsang Sherab in 2018.

April 13, 2026 marks the three-year anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche showing the aspect of passing away.

As a reminder to students, Advice for the Anniversary of the Guru’s Passing Away is a short text translated by Rinpoche that explains the importance of making offerings on the anniversary of one’s guru’s passing. It sets out the benefits of making offerings, how to make the offerings with six remembrances, and how to offer and dedicate the roots of virtue collected. Rinpoche specifically wanted to translate this text for the anniversary of Lama Yeshe’s passing, and he wanted it available for quite some time. We mention this to emphasize how important Rinpoche felt it was to offer these practices on the anniversary of the guru’s passing, for example, doing Lama Chopa and Tsog Offering as Rinpoche said in the foreword.

Last year, His Holiness the Dalai Lama confirmed that Rinpoche has taken rebirth in Nepal. All are encouraged to continue reciting Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri as well as Migtsema practice as advised by His Holiness, and we must continue to pray that Rinpoche’s reincarnation has good health, a sharp mind, and good conditions for the fulfillment of all Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s works and wishes. 

Please check your local center for online and in person opportunities to commemorate the third anniversary of Rinpoche showing the aspect of passing away. We truly rejoice in all of the activities organized in centers, monastic institutions, and in the homes of individual students, to commemorate Rinpoche’s life, remember and celebrate his unbelievable kindness, pray for his return, and dedicate themselves to fulfilling Rinpoche’s wishes on this occasion.

The great [Kadampa] geshe Sharawa, citing Guhyasamaja Root Tantra and Vairocana’s Net of Magical Illusion, said that making offerings on the anniversary of the guru’s passing away has six types of benefits. The benefits are:

  • You fulfill your guru’s holy wishes.
  • You purify negative karma and obscurations collected in relation to your guru.
  • You acquire extensive merit.
  • In your future lives, you will meet gurus.
  • You will be an object to be subdued by gurus.
  • You will quickly cease your samsara.

We look forward to offering a round-up overview of the events related to this special occasion after the anniversary. 


Lama Zopa Rinpoche (1945-2023) was the spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.

  • Tagged: anniversary of the guru passing, swift return prayers
Mar
5
2026

Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche: Generating Peace in the World

Read all posts in Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Lama Zopa Rinpoche News and Advice.
Image of Padmasambhava

Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche)

Over the years, Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered various pieces of advice on prayers and practices to follow when the world is in crisis and to help pacify the threat of war. When the world is in trouble, it can feel very powerless and overwhelming to not know what we can do to actually help. We hope the resources below will be useful and provide tangible actions to mitigate war and promote world peace. 

“For the person who has met Buddhism, every situation of war or natural disasters, every situation that can shorten life, all the many life-threatening situations that create more uncertainty these days to be alive give incredible opportunities for us to do strong Dharma practice,” Rinpoche said in 2001 following the events of September 11. “These situations give very strong inspiration to practice because there is no other means to escape, whether immediate or ultimate escape, i.e., freedom from all suffering. Such circumstances, such terrifying circumstances, help make it easier for the mind to overcome delusions or the distractions of desire […] The strong practice of Dharma and the awareness of impermanence and death brings peace in your heart and no fear  […] Make strong prayers for immediate transformation of all the hatred and anger in the minds of all people, to immediately transform their minds into minds of loving kindness and compassion, to immediately stop all the negative karmas – not only to stop the experience of them but as well to stop their creation again – and for the whole world to be filled with peace, happiness, and prosperity. Make strong prayers for a world without violence, sickness, or poverty, a world with no economic problems, and for people not to waste their time, not to waste their lives.“ 

In particular, Lama Zopa Rinpoche advised reciting The Sutra of Golden Light for World Peace. “I would like to make this request with my two palms together, to please recite the Sutra of Golden Light for world peace as much as you can.”

Rinpoche also offered advice to IMI Sangha who sought advice in 2022 regarding what they could do to help generate world peace. This advice includes:

  1. Sampa Lhundrupma
  2. Recitation of Guru Rinpoche mantra
  3. Heart Sutra recitation
  4. Prayer to stop war: Prayer in Accordance with the Times
  5. Most Secret Hayagriva sadhana (for those who have received the initiation and can do the practice)
  • Download compilation: Prayers to Stop War – Prayers 1–3
  • Download Prayer in Accordance with the Three Times – Prayer 4.

 Rinpoche offered valuable advice on how to motivate and think when doing these prayers and practices.

In 2014, Rinpoche offered essential advice regarding the conflict between Israel and Palestine, but this advice applies to all world conflicts and wars. “Generally the whole world needs these prayers and pujas, there is the most unbelievable need,” Rinpoche stressed. 

Rinpoche also offered advice to avoid negative rejoicing and how to be careful with our minds when hearing news of violence against people we regard as an enemy.  


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

 

 

 

  • Tagged: war, world peace
Mar
4
2026

Ganden Lha Gyama Retreat Teachings on the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Full-Length Teachings Podcast

Read all posts in Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Lama Zopa Rinpoche News and Advice.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche in Italy, September 2004. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

We are happy to announce a new addition to the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Full-Length Teachings Podcast featuring teachings by Lama Zopa Rinpoche given at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa (ILTK) in 2004. New episodes of this series will be released every week.

From September 3 through September 30, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered 44 teaching sessions during the Ganden Lha Gyama (Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga) retreat at ILTK.

These teachings provided a comprehensive overview of key Buddhist concepts, focusing on how to integrate them into daily practice to progress on the path to enlightenment.

During this retreat, Rinpoche said:

“You have come here now for the Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga retreat, which is, of course, an extremely important practice. It is not only a guru yoga practice, but also involves purifying negative karma and developing wisdom. What this retreat on Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga practice involves, as well as developing wisdom, is developing compassion and power: compassion towards the numberless sentient beings and the power to do perfect work for all sentient beings, like Lama Tsongkhapa himself. The Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga practice has a secret meditation that goes with the migtsema, the requesting prayer, which involves developing compassion, power, and wisdom, three very important qualities needed to be able to do perfect work for sentient beings. Along with this, there are meditations for purification and also for developing wisdom.”

Improvements to Our Podcast

All audio has been vastly improved from the original, and descriptions with chapter markers have been added from YouTube, making it easy for any user to find the most interesting part of the teaching they are listening to. Furthermore, pauses have been trimmed, making the teaching quick and easy to enjoy in audio-only format.

Additionally, the transcripts for each session have been added to the podcast. These improvements are a first for our full-length teaching podcast, and we are confident they will make the podcast much more enjoyable and beneficial.

Video is available on our Rinpoche Available Now page. The audio improvements have been taken over to the videos as well, making them even more accessible. 

How to Access the Podcast

This podcast is currently available through podcast apps, such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, and most major podcast apps. Search for the show title “Lama Zopa Rinpoche full-length teachings” to find the show in the podcast app. If you want to know how to listen to podcasts through an app, the internet offers many resources to help you.

(For those wanting to listen in browsers like Chrome or Firefox [not Safari], the RSS feed link is https://feeds.captivate.fm/lama-zopa-rinpoche-full-length/).


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

 

 

  • Tagged: ganden lha gyama, lama zopa rinpoche, podcast
1 of 12612345›»
  • DONATE
  • Home
    • FPMT Homepage
    • Willkommen
    • Bienvenidos
    • Bienvenue
    • Benvenuto
    • 欢迎 / 歡迎
  • News/Media
    • What’s New: Teachings, Updates, Stories & More
    • Important Announcements
      • Resources for the Coronavirus Pandemic
      • Updates Regarding Dagri Rinpoche
    • Latest Blog Posts
      • Lama Zopa Rinpoche News & Advice
      • Lama Yeshe’s Wisdom
      • Charitable Projects News
      • Study & Practice News
      • Updates from the FPMT Inc. Board
      • FPMT Community: Stories & News
      • In-depth Stories
      • Obituaries
    • Monthly e-News
    • Celebrate FPMT’s 50th Anniversary
    • Lama Zopa Rinpoche Latest Videos
      • Full-Length Teachings
      • Essential Extracts
      • Short Clips
      • ༧སྐྱབས་རྗེ་བཟོད་པ་རིན་པོ་ཆེ་མཆོག་ནས་སྩལ་བའི་བཀའ་སློབ་བརྙན་འཕྲིན།
    • FPMT YouTube Channel
    • Podcasts
    • Photo Galleries
    • Social Media
    • Mandala Magazine
      • Mandala Magazine Archive
      • This Issue
      • Subscribe
      • Support Prisoners
    • Submit a Story/Obituary
    • Subscribe
      • Daily & Weekly Blogs
      • Unsubscribe Daily & Weekly Blogs
      • Monthly FPMT e-News
      • Unsubscribe Monthly FPMT e-News
    • Resources
  • Study & Practice
    • About FPMT Education Services
    • Latest News
    • Programs
      • New to Buddhism?
      • Buddhist Mind Science: Activating Your Potential
      • Heart Advice for Death and Dying
      • Discovering Buddhism
        • Online Learning Center Modules
        • Watch Discovering Buddhism Videos
        • FAQ
        • Statements of Appreciation
        • Shared Resources for Discovering Buddhism
      • Living in the Path
      • Exploring Buddhism
      • FPMT Basic Program
        • Standard Texts and Commentaries
        • Subject Descriptions
        • Preparatory Study and Practice
        • Centers
        • Homestudy
        • Homestudy Teachers
        • Homestudy FAQ
      • FPMT Masters Program
      • FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training
      • Maitripa College
      • Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translator Program
      • Universal Education for Compassion & Wisdom
    • Online Learning Center
    • Prayers & Practice Materials
      • Overview of Prayers & Practices
      • Full Catalogue of Prayers & Practice Materials
      • Explore Popular Topics
        • Benefiting Animals
        • Chenrezig Resources
        • Death & Dying Resources
        • Lama Chopa (Guru Puja)
        • Lama Zopa Rinpoche: Compendium of Precious Instructions
        • Lama Zopa Rinpoche: Life Practice Advice
        • Lama Zopa Rinpoche Practice Series
        • Lamrim Resources
        • Mantras
        • Prayer Book Updates
        • Purification Practices
        • Sutras
        • Thought Transformation (Lojong)
      • Audio Materials
      • Dharma Dates – Tibetan Calendar
        • Purchase Calendar
        • Dates Explained
    • Translation Services
    • Publishing Services
    • Teachings and Advice
      • Find Teachings and Advice
      • Lama Zopa Rinpoche Advice Page
      • Lama Zopa Rinpoche: Compendium of Precious Instructions
      • Lama Zopa Rinpoche Video Teachings
        • Full-Length Teachings
        • Essential Extracts of Teachings
        • Short Video Clips of Rinpoche
      • ༧སྐྱབས་རྗེ་བཟོད་པ་རིན་པོ་ཆེ་མཆོག་ནས་སྩལ་བའི་བཀའ་སློབ་བརྙན་འཕྲིན།
      • Podcasts
      • Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive
      • Buddhism FAQ
      • Dharma for Young People
      • Resources on Holy Objects
        • 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
    • Ways to Offer Support
  • Centers
    • Center Directory
    • Center FAQ
    • Resident Teachers
    • FPMT Service Seminars
      • Overview
      • Foundation Service Seminar
      • Inner Job Description
      • Teacher Development Service Seminar
      • Hosting and Attending an FPMT Service Seminar
      • Upcoming Service Seminars
    • Community Service
    • Affiliates Entrance
    • Monks and Nuns
    • Retreat Information
      • Retreat Schedule
      • FPMT Basic Program and FPMT Masters Program Retreat Schedule
  • Affiliates Area
    • Log Out
    • My Account
  • Teachers
    • About Teachers
    • About Teacher Registration
    • 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 Yeshe’s Incarnation – Tenzin Osel HitaTorres
    • Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Homepage
      • Updates Regarding Rinpoche
      • News
      • Videos
      • Photos
      • Advice
      • Vast Visions
  • Projects
    • Charitable Projects
      • FPMT’s Charitable Projects
      • Supporting Our Lamas
        • Unmistaken Incarnation Fund
        • Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta 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
      • Holy Objects Fund
        • Offering Buddha Statues to H.H. the Dalai Lama
        • Lama Zopa Rinpoche Stupa of Complete Victory
        • 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
      • Practices and Pujas
        • Puja Fund
          • News
          • Photos
          • Donate Now
        • Prajnaparamita Project
          • Photos
          • Donate Now
        • Practice and Retreat Fund
      • Education and Preservation Fund
      • FPMT Community Support 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
      • Fulfilling Our Lamas’ Wishes Fund
      • Friends of FPMT Membership
      • Planned Giving
      • Endowment Fund
    • Projects Photo Galleries
    • Give Where Most Needed
  • FPMT
    • About FPMT
      • Mission Statement
      • Vast Visions for FPMT
      • The Origins of FPMT
      • Wisdom Culture
      • Video Documentary
      • Messages of Appreciation
    • FPMT Announcements
    • International Office
      • Contact Us
      • Donate
    • Board of Directors
      • Meet Our Members
      • Updates from FPMT Inc. Board
    • 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.

When ordinary people die they are out of control. Because they have not trained themselves during their life, they are overwhelmed by the experience of death and bewildered as their bodily elements go out of balance and cease to function harmoniously.

Lama Thubten Yeshe

Contact Info

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

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 | Privacy & Security | Copyright ©2026 FPMT Inc.